How To Be More Productive If You’re Working From Home Until Further Notice

With a global pandemic still being a #1 in the world right now, we are all trying to adjust the best way that we can. Working from home can be extremely difficult especially when it isn’t what you’re used to! Whether your routine used to involved hitting Starbucks at 7 am and walking in 6 inch heels up the stairs to the office or working with groups of people, this change has affected everyone differently. Nonetheless, it can be hard to adjust to working from home. If you are struggling to adjust to this change, here are a few ways how to be more productive if you’re working from home until further notice!

1. Keep a healthy sleep schedule

Even if your job doesn’t require you to clock in at a certain time, it is still crucial that you get your eight hours of sleep! It is scientifically proven that a good night of sleep can improve your performance. Though it is extremely easy to fall into bad habits, try to stay away from this one! After all, isn’t nice to get your work done early? If you are having troubles with keeping your sleep schedule healthy there are many helpful resources out there! Try downloading an app on your phone that logs your sleep and lets you know if you are getting enough. If you have a smartphone, there is a setting that can shut off your phone or log you out of social media apps to help you stay more accountable. Simply Google “timer shut off” and the type of your smartphone. Remember, healthy sleep is crucial when it comes to self-improvement!

2. Planner, planner, planner

And once again: planner! Though it might seem silly keeping a planner if your workload has decreased or you don’t have as many events to go to it is still important to keep it updated on the daily to give yourself a feeling of keeping up with your routine. I would also recommend using a digital planner that way if you have any Zoom meetings scheduled you can set up a reminder on your phone, laptop, or tablet. Color coding is an obvious trick when it comes to planning. Try using different colors when there are any changes. Don’t underestimated the power of planning when working from home! 

3. Buddy system

Keep yourself accountable by either asking your friend, S.O, sibling, or parent to help you keep yourself on track. Your accountability buddy can ask you questions about your day, what you accomplished, and what time you woke up or went to bed. You can also reciprocate and do the same for your friend to help them be accountable as well. You could FaceTime your accountability in the mornings to let them know you’re up, text them right before bed, or call them right after work to update them on what you have done. Remember to respect one’s personal time and boundaries and understand the level of responsibility this requires. We all work differently at home which is OK! 

4. Location

Our brain associates our location with our behavior. Therefore, if you are used to watching Netflix in your bed then it probably isn’t a productive environment for you to work in. Choosing a room in which you choose to work in is crucial since it is going to be reflecting your productivity Try choosing a quiet, peaceful room that gets a lot of sunlight. Make sure that there is nothing in the room that could be distracting such as posters that you could find yourself staring at. Treat the room in which your work in as your work space therefore don’t FaceTime your friends, make TikToks videos, and maybe even eat there. That way it will be easier for you to associate that room with work only and you will be less likely to find yourself being distracted. 

5. Put your phone away

Ah, you know it was coming! Unless you use your cell phone for work, try to keep it in a different room when you are working. If you use your phone mostly for entertainment it can be confusing for your brain to understand when is work and when is leisure time.  If you live with other people maybe ask them to take it away from you and give it to you only when you are all done with work. It can be so tempting to scroll on Instagram, go on Twitter, and Snapchat your friends however try not to! This will give you the motivation to work and can even make you work faster! 

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6. Don’t forget to relax

Though of course you should be focused on working and getting things done, it is also extremely crucial to find the time to relax. Take two to five minute breaks every hour or so just taking deep breaths and relaxing your muscles. Don’t hold any tension in your shoulders or jaw! It is also a good idea to make sure that you get some fresh air at least once a day. Go for a run, walk, hike after work. Or even try something like yoga, zumba, or a new work out routine. Also, try doing things like painting or reading outside to work on your attention span while also getting to relax. It important that you find some time for yourself and your hobbies. Self-care can make a huge impact on your productivity and performance. 

Keep in mind that we are all trying to adjust to the idea of a new normal! It is completely okay to feel stressed out during this chaotic time. Though difficult, we will all get out of this smarter and stronger. Take this time as an opportunity to learn more about yourself: what environment you work best in, what calms you down, and what increases your productivity. Don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments! Give yourself some grace and take it slow. Comment below which technique works best for you. Don’t forget to share this with your friends who are also working from home!