We all know that working from home can sometimes have a negative effect on our productivity. It is all too tempting to start working in your pyjamas and before you know it you’re watching TV in the background and working from your bed.
For some of us, working from home for a long period of time can just begin to get depressing. The same four walls day in and day out can create a lack of motivation and leave us feeling uninspired and unproductive.
First thing’s first, give yourself a little grace when it comes to productivity working from home. Remember that there were days while you were in the office where you weren’t particularly motivated either. Treat yourself kindly and remember that our motivation naturally ebbs and flows.
With working from home becoming such a permanent feature in many of our lives, we need to tackle the issues working from home head on. For many (particularly young professionals) however, moving to a co-living space in a major city allows for an almost perfect work-life balance, all under one roof. Although this brings with it its own sets of challenges, there are benefits to be had too.
Here are a few easy ways that you can boost your productivity while you are working from home.
Set A Routine
By setting up a routine that keeps us feeling motivated, we can stay productive but more importantly keep ourselves feeling positive and inspired. Structure is the best way forward when it comes to productivity and also to supporting good mental health.
A good morning routine can make a world of difference to your day. Just by getting up and getting dressed into working clothes will set you up for a great day of work. But why not go a step further and take advantage of your very short commute?
Use that extra time to create a morning routine that refreshes and energises you. Go for a run or do some yoga to start your morning. Take the time your skin deserves to do a full skin-care routine, pamper yourself with a skin-care range perfect for you and take your time to exfoliate, cleanse, tone and moisturise.
Limit Distractions
Working from home can be full of distractions, from our children, our pets, the housework or the TV. Distractions are everywhere. Try to cut down on distractions by setting up a calm and quiet space to work. If you are not able to shut yourself away, try out some noise cancelling headphones, to give the illusion of peace and quiet.
You may also have pets and in these cases, although you of course need to give your pet the necessary care and attention, try not to get too distracted during work hours by your pet, which will naturally require things like feeding, nutritional supplementation (like joint chews for dogs) and of course, regular exercise and outdoor activities.
Have A Dedicated Home Workspace
Having a demarcated space to work means that you can signal to your brain that it is time to work just by entering your set space. Set up a specific space where you can work comfortably and with focus. It might be a desk but if you have less space, it might just be a seat at your kitchen table.
Ideally you will be able to shut off your workspace to limit distractions. Having separation will also mean that at the end of the day you can shut your work-brain off and close the door on your ‘office’. This will mean you are less likely to return to finish that one little thing and that you will return the next morning properly rested and relaxed.
Set Clear Working Hours
Just like setting a clear space to work, setting out clear times for work and free time can have a big impact on your productivity. If you have some flexibility, consider when you are most productive and set your work times accordingly.
Not only should you set and stick to clear working times but set clear resting times. A large part of being productive is giving our brains the time to rest and recover.
Set Clear ‘Not Working’ Times
Just as important as setting out boundaries when it comes to your work, set out boundaries when it comes to your personal and social life. One of the best ways to stay productive in the long run is to have a balanced and fulfilled life. Make quality time for yourself and the people you love by setting boundaries when it comes to your work and giving time and space to the other areas of your life.
