5 Ways to be Productive Working from Home
A lot of people are working from home right now because of the Coronavirus. As someone who works via my laptop, I’ve gotten used to keeping myself on track and accountable. Before I go into some tips for working remotely, however, I just want to say something about our current reality.
Yes, the Coronavirus has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. BUT, that does not mean you should start panicking. In fact, panicking is the last thing you should be doing - for the sake of your own health and everyone else’s. Instead, I recommend that you be cautious. Be aware. Be smart.
Prioritize your health (both mental and physical) as well as the health of your family. Remember that not every cough is indicative of the virus, but if you do have legitimate concerns, please go see a doctor. The majority of cases are mild, particularly if you are an otherwise healthy person. Those at most risk are the young and elderly, or those with preexisting health conditions. Overall, wash your hands, and don’t place yourself in risky situations. People are already afraid, and the news is overwhelming. It is our responsibility to not contribute to the fear.
Ok. Rant over.
Back to the post.
1) Set up a work space.
Have a dedicated work area, and be sure to give yourself enough space to spread out. This could be a table or an actual desk, but it should not be your bed, or in an area that makes you feel cramped. Grab a nice chair, something to drink and even some snacks. The goal here is to be comfortable, so that goes for your clothes, too.
2) Complete your morning routine.
I like to read the news and catch up on things that happened overnight before I shower and get dressed, but that’s my personal preference. I make coffee or tea, read a little, and then I shower and get ready for the day. That way, by the time I’m dressed, I’m ready to get to work because I’ve gotten the “busywork” out of the way. I check my messages, any content scheduled for the day, and then I get started on my to-do list.
3) Have a calendar or to-do list. (or both!)
I live and die by my calendar. I prefer to have things written down by hand, but I also keep my computer calendar updated with any meetings or important deadlines I may have. This helps me block out my day, and keeps me focused on my deliverables. I also keep a notebook in my work area where I write my to-do list and notes (either from meetings or just reminders to myself). It is so satisfying to cross something off my list! Organize it in the way that works best for you - I do bullet points, and use colored pens because they’re more fun.
My to-do list includes absolutely everything, but I keep the most important and time sensitive tasks at the top.
4) Embrace the distractions.
Hear me out! I work better at coffeeshops than I do alone at home, because there are more distractions around me. Coffeeshops have people talking and walking back and forth, and usually some music playing. I also feel like people are watching my computer screen, so I feel guilty if I put something up that’s not on task. (I know I know, no one’s looking at my screen, but I feel like if they happened to glance over they should see me working.)
At home, I don’t have those kinds of distractions. It’s quiet, no one is around, and it’s just me. When it’s that quiet, my brain starts thinking up distractions for me, leading me to be off task, take too long, or just generally stop focusing. To prevent that, I give myself permission to make a distraction. I put on music, or set myself up near a window, or really put on anything that will make a little noise. (Think of this as white noise to help you sleep.). Once I create a “distraction”, my brain no longer has to do it, and I settle back into work.
5) Remember to eat.
There comes a point where I can no longer sit still and work. Usually this comes in the afternoon, and I realize that I haven’t eaten lunch or had something to drink in a while. Set an alarm, listen to your body, or just be aware, but remember to eat and drink throughout the day. Take a 10 minute break every so often to stretch and take a loop around the room. It will help. Even better, block out your day so that you have time to go outside for a walk or take a break to exercise. You will feel better, and going outside will help you not to feel cooped up in your home.
There are more tips and tricks to help you be productive at home, but these are my top 5. Stay healthy, my friends!