A majority of us have had to adjust to a work from home environment during the past year. This sudden change has been challenging to say the least, even for those who were already working remotely prior to the pandemic. Juggling family life with work life and everything in between can take a toll, and it can prevent us from being as productive as we need to be. If this sounds familiar, here are a few productivity tips to help you stay motivated and focused.
Get Dressed Every Day
Though it can be tempting to linger in your comfy clothes while working from home, the simple act of getting dressed can help to switch your mindset from slumpy, sleepy mode to work mode. This doesn’t mean you need to dress formally, but wearing something that’s a blend of comfortable and professional for video conferences will help you feel more confident and ready for the day.
Create a Proper Workspace
Working from the couch or your bed is never a good way to stay focused and productive. It’s important to separate your workspace from your relaxation space so you can get your mind focused. If you have been working from either of these areas, make sure you carve out a dedicated workspace. Set up a desk in a corner somewhere quiet or even on the kitchen table if you’re limited and try to organize it so when you sit down, you feel ready to get down to business.
Create a Schedule the Day Before
During periods of chaos, having a routine is essential to avoid falling into a slump. Before each workday, set up your schedule and go over your priorities so you know exactly what to do once your alarm goes off the next morning.
Carve Out Quiet Time for Yourself in the Morning
Whether you’re in a relationship or have a family, having personal time for yourself is essential, especially during times like these when we’re all so cooped up together. That’s why we recommend carving out some personal time each morning. This could mean setting your alarm a little earlier so you can enjoy a cup of coffee in peace or meditating so you can clear and calm your mind before jump-starting your day. This can greatly improve your mood and your ability to concentrate throughout the day.
Take Frequent Breaks
Working from home can present a whole slew of challenges, especially if you have to balance family obligations or share your workspace with roommates. To avoid burnout, make sure you take frequent breaks each day.
Go Outside
Not giving yourself time and space to recharge is unproductive. And with so much going on in the world today, self-care has never been as important. To take care of yourself, schedule in time to get outside every single day. Taking a stroll in nature helps to calm our mind, lowers our stress, boosts our energy levels, and contributes to a great sense of well-being.
Invest in Ergonomics
A stiff hardwood chair is going to do you no favours in the long run, and the same goes for a desk that is too tall or a monitor with too low of an image resolution. While there may be a little bit of sticker shock to contend with, investing in quality, ergonomic office furniture and the right equipment is a crucial step in taking care of yourself. That way, without back pain, eyestrain, or discomfort, you can focus on making the most of your workday.
Pro tip: Look at business-grade furniture sellers like Herman Miller and Steelcase, but shop through a local authorized dealer rather than directly. This can knock as much as 40 percent off the price of a seriously long-lasting ergonomic office chair with proper lumbar and long sitting session support, and you’ll get a warranty that lasts over a decade. Put your health and wellness first!
Use a Business-Grade Computer
For computers, again, stick to business-grade machines like the iconic line of ThinkPads by Lenovo. These are ordered en masse every year, then replaced as new features and processors come out, yet they work beautifully and are designed for maximum reliability, so check your local computer stores for refurbished models in like-new condition.
These systems are built to perform under pressure, are made with higher-quality materials, and may sometimes be even more secure than consumer-grade alternatives packed with unwanted software. Did we also mention that ThinkPads have the best keyboards of any notebook computer by far? Other alternatives include the HP Elitebook series and various business-class Dell systems.
If you’re looking for a spacious apartment or townhome that will allow you to accommodate an office space, contact us to find the perfect place.
