The pandemic has drastically normalized the concept of working from home. Even as we slowly return to our normal lives prior to COVID19, there are still many companies who offer the work-from-home setup for the safety of their employees. It may be convenient, but working at the comfort of your home can make it challenging to get anything done. After all, why work when your bed is only a few feet away? That’s why it’s important to keep good productivity habits, especially when working remotely. Here are a few tips to help you work productively at home.
Take Frequent Breaks
Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you’re immune to burnout. Taking frequent breaks can give your brain some time to refresh, making you more productive in the long run. Schedule some time to step away from your computer and take a walk, stretch, or make yourself a snack.
Establish a Morning Routine
When you’re working from home, it may be tempting to set your alarm mere minutes before your clock-in time. But if you clock in five minutes after waking up, your mind might still be too groggy to function properly. Because of that, you might end up not getting anything done during the first hour or two, slowing your productivity. Instead, try waking up an hour or two before work begins and prepare as if you had to work onsite. You could take a shower, enjoy your morning coffee, exercise, journal, or spend time with your family. Your mind and body will be fully awake by the time you clock in for work.
Create a Designated Workspace
Make sure that you have a workspace that’s strictly for working. Working in bed won’t put you in the right mindset, and it’ll also affect your sleeping patterns later at night. A good remote workplace should also be free from any distractions. If possible, try to make a home office that no one has access to. That way, no one can disrupt or interrupt your work while you’re clocked in.
Eliminate any Distractions
The biggest downside to remote work is that there are many distractions at home that could hinder your productivity. Don’t allow yourself the opportunity to get distracted. There are many apps available that can limit your usage of social media sites and apps. You can also put your devices on Do Not Disturb mode so that you don’t get tempted by any notifications.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the most out of your work day, all in the comfort of your home.