5 Tips To Be More Productive While Working From Home
Remote work is on the rise, and there’s definitely good reason for it. There’s something truly appealing about working from home in your PJs, with your dog by your side and no boss standing over your shoulder, asking if you’ve finished the latest report. Not to mention the countless studies showing that employees are generally more productive when working from home. But this dream scenario has taken a dark turn, with thousands forced into remote work as the COVID-19 virus sweeps the world.
It’s perfectly reasonable to keep people home to avoid the spread of germs, but those who are new to remote work may face a few unforeseen issues. It can get a little lonely, you may forget to eat, and you’ll definitely procrastinate a bit. But there are ways to ensure that you get things done and stay physically and mentally strong. Read on for five tips that will help you stay productive while working from home…
Make A Schedule
You may be thinking, “Isn’t the whole point of remote work being able to do things in my own timeframe?” Well, yes and no. A set schedule with working hours, a lunch break, and maybe even a short walk outside, can be highly effective in helping you be more productive. You don’t need to adapt a traditional 9 to 5 schedule, but setting a start and end time for your projects will keep you from procrastinating or working late into the night. Make your schedule the night before, and set an alarm in the morning for a few extra points.
Don’t Forget To Eat (And Drink)
It’s easy to forget about lunch when your coworkers aren’t messaging you on Slack about where to eat, or you want to use the office kitchen before it gets crowded. Don’t let yourself zone out and get too buried in your work, or you may realize that it’s 5PM and all you’ve had all day is a bagel. If you need to, set an alarm on your phone to remind yourself about lunchtime and any snack breaks. And try to fill up your water bottle every couple hours to make sure you’re hydrated, alert, and ready to do your best work.
Keep Away From Social Media
You know how it goes. You say you’re just going to check Facebook for a couple minutes, and then dive into an endless spiral of engagement photos and political debates. Especially since there’s no boss looking over your shoulder to make sure you’re working. Stay away from your phone, and keep working on your PowerPoint presentation; promise yourself that you’ll only check social media during your lunch breaks, or when you’re off the clock. Even better, reward yourself with ten minutes of viewing travel photos on Instagram for every project you check off your to-do list. Bali is calling your name.
Stay Active
It’s no secret that sitting for too long isn’t good for you, and one of the best parts of remote work is being able to sneak in a midday gym break. Keeping active and energized can help you break away from your routine, and help you focus on your work better once you get back. Even if you’re not much of a fitness person, a short walk around the block can do wonders for you physically and mentally.
Create A Designated Workspace
You’re perfectly capable of working from your bed, or the couch, but there’s something about a home office that just puts you in the mood to work. You don’t need a designated room, but even a desk in the living room can do wonders for your productivity. It’s helpful to work in a different area than the place you sleep, as it shifts your mindset and tells you that it’s time to get down to business.