You have a conference call in ten minutes, but the pile of laundry that needs to be done is staring you in the face. You’re almost done with a project, but Netflix is calling your name. When working from home, it’s important to manage temptation so you can remain productive.
Working from an office can already be distracting, but if you are practicing social distancing for the time being and working from home there are plenty of new distractions waiting for you. The good news is that just as there are ways to regain focus in your office, there are ways to remain productive in your home.
Get Ready For The Day
When working from home, it’s tempting to roll out of bed and start work in your pajamas. Sounds comfy, right? But this can actually have negative effects on your productivity. Start your day off the same way you would if you were going to the office. Make your bed, take a shower, put on a nice outfit and write out your to-do list. Putting on shoes can also supercharge your productivity since it helps your body identify the difference between work and relax mode. By sticking to your morning routine, you will set yourself up for productivity success throughout your day.
Set a Schedule
Writing out your to-do list before you start working is a great way to set a schedule for your day. Determine exactly when you want to start your workday and when you want it to end. Based on your to-do list you can decide which tasks are the most important and how much time you will need to spend on them. And don’t forget to schedule in time to...
… Take a Break
Just like you would in the office, it’s important to add periodic breaks into your daily schedule. The advantage of working from home is that you can stop to take the dog for a walk, get a quick workout in or run an errand. This will help you to reset and refresh your mind. A change of scenery can also be helpful. If it’s nice out, why not spend a few hours working outside?
Log Off
Work-life balance is important whether you are in an office environment or at home. When you have finished your work, it’s important to completely log off. It can be tempting to respond to an email or quickly head back to your computer to finish up a task, but this can wait until the next day. Work-life balance will help you be more productive.
