10 Productivity-Boosting Tips for Working From Home

One of the biggest lifestyle changes brought by the current pandemic is the shift to working from home. While there are perks from working in the safety of your home, it also comes with a lot of challenges. It is easy to fall prey to laziness and get distracted by the couch, tv or other people inside the house.

If you find yourself having a hard time staying focused, then read on below. We’ve laid down some helpful tips to help boost productivity while you are working from home.

1. Have a morning routine.

How you start your morning is going to greatly affect your whole day. It all starts with a good night’s sleep. Having 7-8 hours of quality sleep will give you the energy you need to tackle the day. Create a solid morning routine that you can follow every day. This should include a healthy breakfast, a cup of coffee and some light stretching. Commit to doing this every day and you will be motivated to start strong.

2. Schedule your working hours.

While working from home allows you the flexibility to work anytime you want, not having a strict schedule can also affect your productivity negatively. It is ideal to set your working hours and stick to that so you will get into the work mindset. If you prefer a more flexible schedule, or your boss requires you to work different times throughout the day, then you need to adjust accordingly. Make sure that when work starts, you are away from distractions such as your mobile phone.

3. Set up a home office.

Having a space dedicated for work alone will help you get in a more productive mindset. Set up your office in a wel-lit area where you are comfortable and away from other people. Decorate the room with things that will inspire you to focus and work.

4. Have regular breaks.

It’s important to utilize your time wisely. Having regular breaks will ensure that you don’t get burned out from non-stop working. Companies’ policies in breaks might differ, so it is best to ask them about it so you can plan your breaks appropriately. If you are self-employed, it might be harder to step away from your screen but keep in mind that breaks are critical for productivity. Schedule 15-20 minute breaks throughout your work time and do a little walking and stretching. Sitting for too long can also be unhealthy on your back.

5. Consider using a VPN.

If you will be connecting to the internet in a public space like a cafe or library, consider using a VPN for added security. Some companies will provide their own VPNs for their employees that can be accessed even offsite. Ask your employer about this option.

6. Go on airplane mode.

Your mobile phone is one of the biggest distractions when working from home. It will be hard to focus when you constantly get notifications from your phone, you won’t be able to fully focus on your work. Additionally, you might get the urge to check your social media from time to time. Resist this by putting your phone on airplane mode or leaving your phone in an area that’s far away from your office.

7. Get dressed.

We know those pajamas are super comfortable but they will not inspire you to work. In fact, it will do the exact opposite and just inspire you to relax and take a nap. Get out of that lazy state by dressing up for the part. Put on some casual comfort clothes, fix your hair and apply some makeup. Looking good will help you get in the zone and be more productive.

8. Be a team player.

It might be harder to work together when you and your colleagues are not face to face. Sometimes, the barriers can even cause confusion and misleading information. Try to get past these challenges and be a team player. Remember that everyone is going through a tough time right now, so just do your best to remain positive and share your positivity with others.

9. Reduce noise.

Avoid working in a noisy space as this can affect your concentration. Things like traffic noise or outside conversations can have your thoughts trailing away from work. Consider having a white noise machine by your side or maybe play relaxing sounds to drown out distracting noises.

10. Clock out completely.

To get a healthy work-life balance, you need to know when to stop work and when you clock out, make sure you clock out completely. Turn off the computer, mute work emails, don’t answer work phone calls and focus on resting during your off-hours. When you are well rested, you will be more ready to get back to your work commitments the next day.