How to Adjust to Working at Home with Your Partner + 10 Creative Ways to Spend Time Together

And just like that…you and your partner are stuck at home working together+living together 24/7. Like many of us, the last few days have been a rollercoaster of emotions. And these new schedules can be both a blessing and a burden. BUT with a little forethought, self-care and compromise working together from home can actually be an experience that will grow and strengthen your relationship!

Working from home requires a new level of discipline that you might not be used to, if you normally commute to your job and work in a dedicated space. Here are a few tips to set yourself+your partner up for successful, productive days!

Start Your Day with a Routine:

Within the first hour of waking up…

Don’t look at your phone for the first 30mins of being awake, this is crucial on how you will set the tone for the rest of your day.
Drink 10-20oz of water (I try for about 25oz first thing!)
Stretch, lift weights, dance, go for a run with your dog. Whatever you do, just get up and move!
Breathe.
Make a short gratitude list of things that you were grateful for yesterday.
Recite affirmations, these are a few of my favorites:
- My body is my vehicle in life, I choose to fill it with goodness.
- I am open to new and wonderful changes, all is well in my world.
- I wake up today with strength in my heart and clarity in my mind.
Get dressed, brush your teeth, pretend you are leaving for the “office”.

Okay so you two are officially off to a positive day of working at home together…now what?

Set-up separate work spaces for each of you. Limits the distractions and keeps ya on track.
Take breaks and have lunch together…office lunch dates just got easier!

Couple sharing white cups of espresso outside at table in Pittsburgh’s strip district.

Get a “fake” office co-worker to blame all of your new daily irritants on…cause it’s gonna happen.

Pro-tip for couples suddenly working from home together: Get yourselves an imaginary coworker to blame things on. In our apartment, Cheryl keeps leaving her dirty water cups all over the place and we really don't know what to do about her.
— Molly Tolsky (@mollytolsky) March 16, 2020

Respect the other’s job and work responsibilities by only communicating during times you’ve both agreed on.
Clock-out and tune in to each other once your work day is over. Leave work at your station just like you would if you were coming home after a long day.
Enjoy your free time together! You’re going to have more time in the morning+evening now that commutes are taken out of the equation. Make the most of this new quality time together!