With most companies sending workers home because of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, this may lead to one working for the first time from home. For some of you, this may be new and uncharted waters. You may realize how productive working from home is more than an office environment and leads to healthier lifestyles.
Tips to stay sane and productive
Since working from home for the first time may freak those who have never attempted it before, here are a few indicators that can help you to be more proactive, efficient and prolific in your experimental home office surroundings.
• Select a comfortable space
A home office might seem contradictory since you intended to have a home and not an office. But you can find a space in the house and make it your own, especially if you already don't have a specific room or area that can be turned into your office area. You should make certain that the workspace chosen is comfortable based on your needs. Also, make sure that the space chosen is near a window so that natural light can shine through and fresh air which is ideal for a pleasant room. In that way, when you enter it, you know consciously that you're there to work, and it changes the state of mind from being at home to being at work.
• Set regular hours, breaks and stick to the schedule
Normally when you work in an office, there's lunchtime, breaks, and going to the board room for other matters that arise occasionally. So you should take your calendar and schedule time away from your computer throughout the day to allow you to be able to reset and refuel. This way your mind will be fresher to continue with daily tasks diligently.
• Keep your general work area and desk tidy
A polished and neat workspace helps keep a straight mind, which will further help make your day more productive. You should always establish that the first thing you do before working at home is to clean thoroughly the workspace and ensure it's very well organized. This will give you a revived start to your tasks.
• Avoid Distractions
Getting off the email, other social media sites and switching off telephone can assist you truly relax and get focused on achieving the tasks that matter the most. Make a note to schedule at what time you can unplug entirely from everything including the internet.
• Go outside the house
Make an essence of scheduling outings, going out to do errands and meeting up with friends for coffee or lunch. You can also do some light running or ride a bicycle around the neighborhood. That break time can aid your brain so that you are more productive when you do work.
• Being careful of your surroundings
Make certain that you surround yourself with things that will give you a positive mind frame and perspective for whatever tasks you're about to do. The music you hear, the programs you see or whatever that will influence your mood positively.
• Know when to stop
You should set defined times when you're working, and then when it passes, stop. Take some rest to make sure that you don't end letting your work run your life. Don't work late into the night. If you overdo yourself, your attention might wander away, you'll be restless, and your work will end up losing some level of quality.
• Planning your work
Designate certain days for certain work and projects to be handled. Don't go about jumping into one project after the other and taking up projects that were not initially in your plans. You should go about your daily routines diligently and with proper set rules and standards.
• Setting boundaries at home
Ensure that you schedule your work time and make sure the children and spouse are well aware of your unavailability for chores, playing, and any other assistance during this time. This will enable you to work uninterrupted during the periods set.
• Communicate with your family
Some of you might be having kids and spouses that impact on your serenity while working at home. Be clear with everyone about when you are working and what they can expect. Keeping up a happy family goes concurrently with improving your work productivity.
Undertake to be mindful of how your work from home experience impacts your body and mind, and the above tips will help you be more fruitful and behave in a normal and rational manner.
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