9 Proven Tips For Staying Productive While Working from Home
Working from home sounds like the best idea until you try it.
Then comes anxiety that your boss might think that you’re slacking off, so you try to be extra active, you lose touch with your co-workers, and it starts feeling so isolated.
It’s hard to concentrate with all the comfort of home around you, and it’s a struggle to divide your personal life from your work life when your office is your living room.
Whether you get the same feeling as I do or not, there is no denying that working from home is not an easy task, and staying productive and accomplishing your work goals is hard.
That’s why I’m here to share with you some of my best tips to do just that!
I’ve been working from home since 2019, and what’s more, I’m actually working for myself, which presents its own set of problems.
It’s been a long journey, and I definitely made a lot of mistakes before I found the right balance to make sure the work gets done and I don’t feel like a squeezed lemon.
And I’m here to share them with you!
9 Proven Productivity Tips For Remote Work
Working from home can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you get to skip the traffic and ditch the dress code, but on the other hand, it’s easy to give in to the temptation of being unproductive.
However, staying productive is crucial, especially if you want to impress your boss with your work ethic. The bed might be calling your name, but resist the urge to take a nap during work hours. And here are a few tips that I found super helpful
#1 Set up a dedicated workspace
Having a designated area for work can do wonders for your focus and productivity. Plus, it creates a mental boundary between work and leisure time, making it easier to switch off at the end of the day.
To really optimize your workspace, make sure to minimize distractions by keeping your phone in another room and investing in noise-canceling headphones if necessary.
Also, pay attention to lighting and ergonomics to avoid eye strain and back pain. With a little effort, you can turn any corner of your home into the ultimate productivity zone!
Trust me; this is probably the best trick! When I upgraded from working at an old foldable poker table to a proper desk and a business chair, it was an absolute game-changer to my productivity.
#2 Stick to a routine
Establishing a daily routine can provide a sense of normalcy in these uncertain times and can help you manage your time better. To create a routine, try setting specific work hours for yourself that are consistent throughout the week.
This will help you develop a work-life balance and prevent burnout. It’s also important to take breaks at regular intervals, whether it’s a quick stretch or a snack break. ё
Remember, a routine doesn’t have to be rigid – it can be flexible to fit your needs and lifestyle.
#3: Dress for success
You may think that what you wear to work doesn’t matter, but the truth is it can greatly affect your productivity and motivation.
When you’re dressed in professional attire, you’ll not only look the part but feel confident and ready to take on the day. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort for style.
Choosing clothes that are both comfortable and professional will help you stay focused and energized throughout your day.
Working in actual clothes instead of your PJs will help you get in a working mood and accomplish significantly more, rather than fighting the urge to have a nap.
#4: Minimize distractions
Nothing kills productivity like a notification from Instagram or a thousand other distractions you have at home.
But fear not, my friend; there are ways to minimize these pesky distractions.
One of my favorite methods is rocking some noise-canceling headphones. The sounds of your laundry machine or noisy kids outside of your window can be a distraction; these headphones will make all the difference,
Another good idea is to turn off your notifications. You’re working, so you needy our concentration; that latest Twitter notification can wait until you take a break.
Try using a work mode on your phone only to see things you need for work, and there are similar functions you can use on your computer as well.
People can also be distractions, and you’ll need to build boundaries; you’ll have to make clear which are your working hours and that you won’t be able to do any other things at those times.
#5: Set goals and prioritize tasks
By carving out specific goals, you can break larger projects into manageable tasks, giving you a greater sense of control over your workload.
Plus, by prioritizing those tasks, you can knock out the most important things first, leaving you plenty of time to tackle the smaller stuff.
And if you’re like me and have the memory of a goldfish, there are tons of task management tools out there to keep you on track. My own personal favorite is using a Bullet Journal, but for all the digital folks, I could definitely recommend using Notion.
#6: Take breaks and move around
Trust me, taking those little moments to stretch your legs, refocus your brain, and get some fresh air can make a world of difference. Plus, it helps prevent that dreaded burnout.
One way to do this is to use the Pomodoro technique–work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break to stretch, grab some water, or do a little dance party.
Another strategy is to take a walk during your lunch break. Not only does it give you some exercise, but it also lets you get some Vitamin D and soak up some nature.
So next time you’re feeling stuck or drained, try taking a little break to get moving and see how much it boosts your productivity!
#7: Stay connected with colleagues
Working from home can feel really isolating, so it’s important to remember to stay social. Connecting with colleagues is a great way to enhance communication and collaboration.
For starters, you can use instant messaging tools to keep up with the latest happenings at work. You can also plan virtual coffee breaks or lunch hours over video conferencing platforms just to catch up on each other’s lives.
Staying connected with colleagues can also help break down barriers and improve teamwork, ensuring that everyone stays on the same page.
And if you’re self-employed like me, I recommend finding a community of people who work in the same niche, doing some online co-working, and maybe even getting an accountability partner to talk shop with on a weekly basis.
#8: Avoid multitasking
There is always an image of somebody who multitasking as being super productive, but the truth is actually the opposite.
Multitasking can actually be harmful to your productivity and mental health. When you try to do multiple things at once, you’re actually dividing your attention and focus, which can lead to mistakes and incomplete tasks.
Not to mention, it can increase your stress levels and leave you feeling frazzled. So, what can you do instead? Try focusing on one task at a time, giving it your undivided attention, and completing it before moving on.
And if you have the ability to delegate tasks, do it! Your sanity will thank you.
#9: Practice self-care
Taking care of yourself is crucial for both your physical and mental health. It’s easy to get caught up in work and neglect your own well-being, but incorporating self-care practices into your daily routine can make a huge difference.
Getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, and taking breaks to relax and recharge are all important ways to show yourself some love.
By prioritizing self-care, you’ll notice increased energy levels and productivity – who doesn’t want that? Plus, taking care of yourself is a great excuse for a little pampering here and there.
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My Work-From-Home Favorites
If there is a way to help you with all these techniques, I definitely recommend using them.
It’s hard to get into a good tempo and productive mood when working from home, and I always advocate you get all the help you can.
So here, I wanted to share some of my favorite finds to help to be productive while working from home:
- Brain FM – this is an awesome service that is science-based and created music that helps your brain work better. And you can use code MASHAPLANS to get 20% off.
- Cube Timer – a perfect tool to help you work on tasks in a concentrated way and follow the Pomodoro technique.
- Standing Desk – this is definitely a great idea since it will allow you to change your positions during the day, be a bit more physically active and ultimately stimulate your brain.
- Water Bottle – staying hydrated is important, and I realized it’s definitely easier if you have a pretty water bottle with a straw.
- Freestanding Glass Dry Erase Board – this is an amazing tool to ensure your daily goals and to-do lists are clear, and you can always take them into account when working. I know you can write it down in a planner, but trust me – the easier it is for you to see it, the more you’ll use it and stay concentrated.
As we wrap up our discussion on staying productive while working from home, let’s do a quick recap of the 9 tips we’ve covered.
First and foremost, create a designated workspace that is conducive to getting things done. Next, establish a routine that works for you and stick to it as best as you can. Take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout and keep your energy levels up.
Another important tip is to minimize distractions, whether it be through technology or other people. And don’t underestimate the power of a to-do list to keep you focused and organized.
Finally, make time for self-care, and don’t forget to disconnect from work when the day is over.
Remember, staying productive while working remotely is essential for both your personal and professional success. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be on your way to crushing your work-from-home goals!