Working from home has been both a luxury and a challenge for many of us this year. If you find yourself struggling to stay productive, it’s important to know that that’s OK. A global pandemic is going on, so it’s hardly surprising if you’re getting a bit distracted. And sometimes, PJs nd a comfortable seat on the sofa just don’t provide the same type of motivation you get from a desk and an office chair.
Whether you’re home alone and the house is too quiet, or you’re home with the family and your siblings have gone wild, you may find it’s hard to stay on task, get your work done, and feel productive. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up our favourite strategies to help you stay motivated while working from home.
#1 Get started early
One of the main luxury’s of working from home is the time saved from your morning commute. However, at home the transition from your pillow to your computer can be much more difficult, and although the extra thirty minutes in bed is a blessing it can be great to get up early for some fresh air and to stretch the legs.
Believe it or not, one way to work from home productively is to dive into your to-do list as soon as you wake up. Simply getting a task started first thing in the morning can be the key to making progress on it gradually throughout the day. Otherwise, you’ll prolong breakfast and let the morning sluggishness wear away at your motivation.
#2 Dress for work
Although it can be tempting to stay in your pyjamas all day without brushing your hair. Getting changed and ready will make you feel more awake and ready to tackle the day. Make time for a morning shower and your perfected skincare routine, and get dressed ready for the day ahead.
#3 Check in with your colleagues
It can be easy to feel like you are working alone when you work from home. However, although this might be true physically, don’t forget about your colleagues who are also working at home or in the office. It is important to remind yourself that you are at work, calling to update your manager or colleagues about your work or ask any questions you have will make you feel more connected with what’s going on in the business. Remember, you’re all in this together.
#4 Give yourself breaks
It can be so easy to get distracted that you avoid breaks altogether. Don’t let the guilt of working in the building you sleep in prevent you from taking five to relax. Rather than just scrolling endlessly through TikTok, however, use your breaks to get away from your laptop and desk. Go for a walk outside or spend time with others who might also be in the house. You will feel rejuvenated when you return to your desk to tackle the full working day.
#5 Establish a dedicated workspace
You might be tempted to work in bed. After all, it’s likely the most comfortable space in the house. But when you associate your bed with work, it can interfere with your sleep. And trouble sleeping will affect your performance the following day. Instead, try and sit at your desk or kitchen table to get fully in the zone and stop you re-watching Friends for the 100th time.
#6 Practice good self-care
You’ll never be at your best if you’re exhausted and running on coffee and sugar only. Make sure to have a healthy diet, plenty of rest, and good self-care strategies to perform at your best. Although meeting your physical, social, and emotional needs right now are a lot more challenging than normal. Make sure to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day and to eat your five a day. As your stress level increases, your self-care should increase right alongside it. Reward yourself with a face-mask or hot bubble bath at the end of your working day.
