Working from home is fantastic – there’s no commute time, you can choose your work hours, and sometimes you can be highly efficient and focused. However, you will make the most of your remote working setup if you approach the day intentionally.
Here are some tips for staying sane and productive while working from home.
Create a Schedule
Create a Schedule Almost all of our team members at Accentuate Web Design & Marketing believe sticking to a schedule is important for staying safe when working remotely.
A clear game plan for the day every morning can help you accomplish your goals. Begin by creating a list of all the things to accomplish to meet your goals for the week. If you find yourself distracted, this list will guide you back in the right direction.
Additionally, you can begin your day with the question, “What does success look like today?”
Then plan the day based on your answers.
Moreover, be sure to schedule tasks around your natural schedule. Some people are at their productive best in the mornings, some in the afternoons, and yet others during the late hours. Identify your peak productive hours and schedule your work accordingly.
Listen to Music
There’s hardly ever a time when I am working that music isn’t on. Having some soothing background noise can help you focus, and it’s a lot more fun compared to working in silence.
Moreover, with music on, any household noise will not distract you from your work.
Whether you like to listen to Bruce Springsteen or Beethoven, Bob Marley or Van Morrison, be sure to keep some music on while you work.
Dress for Work
One of the biggest benefits of working from home is that you don’t have to dress up and spend on work clothes. On the downside, this can bring in a bit of lethargy and a lackadaisical attitude, and you may let yourself go without a shower for days.
We recommend finding a middle ground.
Staying in your pyjama is easy and comfy. But staying in pyjamas has a lazy, slow feel to it, and you may find yourself working slower without focus.
Don’t work from your bed or hit the workspace in your pyjamas. Instead, have breakfast, get a shower, and get dressed. Then plan the tasks you want to accomplish during the day and get started.
Team Chat
Whether you are on Skype, Slack or Screenhero to communicate with your team, it’s important to have a team chat – I mean the social aspect of it too.
Don’t forget the “water cooler” conversation equivalent in your chat room to help you feel like you are not working all the time.
Play
It’s good to work hard.
But sometimes, it’s also good to take some time off for play. Whether you like surfing, playing the piano or painting, take up something you love doing.
You’ll find it’s a welcome release. When you do something you love, you will get more from your work time. You will get back to work feeling recharged, relaxed and ready to take on the next big job with a lot of energy and vigour.
Take Breaks and Go Outdoors
Don’t lock yourself in the room all day. For every hour you are working, take a 10 to 15-minute break. Give your mind some time to cool off, refresh, and then come back. You will improve the quality of your work a hundred times.
Our remote team agrees that getting outside is important. Fresh air, the sun and taking in nature can do wonders for your health and wellness.
Take a half-hour walk at the end of your work day.
Take a yoga lesson or an intense workout before you start your day.
And more importantly, take frequent breaks during your work day. Play with your pet, go for a short walk, stretch or make a quick call to a family member or friend.
Change Things Up
Sometimes, changing things up can help keep you sane when working from home.
If you have a sitting desk, consider investing in a standing desk to switch things up. Perhaps, you could take your laptop and your work to the beach, the porch or your roof for a couple of hours?
Conclusion
I sincerely hope these tips come in handy! If you want more advice, be sure to review The Lab for our post about tips for working from home.
