In the past couple of weeks, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have transitioned to working from home or working remotely. There is much uncertainty in these times, but we can take comfort in knowing that, with some tips and tricks, working from home can be rewarding and just as productive.
Below are 7 tips on how to be your most productive when working from home.
Create a schedule
It’s all about optimization. As you get used to working from home, you’ll notice that you actually save 3 hours on average that you used to spend on commuting. If used properly, this time savings could give you the luxury to optimize your productivity by switching high-demand tasks to your most productive time of the day.
Start by creating a schedule with your peak performance/productivity time in mind. For example, create a chart from 9 am to 5 pm and record the number of tasks you get done in that time frame. That way you’ll get a clear idea about when you are most productive during the day.
Keep your work & personal time separate
Running personal errands shouldn’t be mixed with your work time. It will simply distract your mind from getting into that flow state during which your peak performance happens, and you’d end up with some tasks undone.
Batch similar tasks or activities together during the day and make sure you keep track of time as you execute.
Don’t work in your PJs
Treat your work from home as if you’re working from an office. As tempting as it is to work in your pajamas, it will trick your mind and keep it in relaxation mode. To some people, that could help them stay productive, but for others, it might just mean they’d end up watching Netflix.
Our advice is to wake up every day and change your clothes as if you are actually going to your office. This would help put your mind in the right productive state and keeps you energized to work through the day.
Create a workspace
Truth be told, not everyone likes working from home. Some people love to commute so that they can listen to their podcasts or even chat with colleagues in the workplace. But as the world fights COVID-19, we’re all forced to work from home one way or another.
To put it simply, there are a lot of positive sides to working from home, such as saving time commuting, avoiding distractions during the day, and definitely having more control over what you eat.
Make sure you have a separate workspace that is different from your bed and a comfy couch. That could be a separate room or even a dedicated desk with a productive set up to help you stay on top of your tasks. That’s why you will establish a healthy routine to keep things efficient while working from home.
Related Read: 14 Tools to Set up Remote Work Culture During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Make a to-do-list
This comes as a no brainer! While most of us have a to-do list in some form, we can all agree that not everything on that list gets done every day. That’s exactly why most experts recommend to only have 3 to 5 main high-priority tasks on your list. This will keep you focused on what really matters and get things done more efficiently.
Prepare your meal in advance
The problem lies in two simple words…Insulin Spikes! When it comes to working from home, food is a big issue. Most of us forget to prepare our meals and get so consumed at work that when we remember to actually eat something, insulin spikes happen which leads to sudden naps and feeling a bit lazy afterward.
Whether you stick to home-cooked meals or food delivery, it’s always better to maintain 3 meals per day and distribute them throughout your day. You will save yourself a series of insulin spikes, have better nutrition, and again…stay productive!
Don’t combine two tasks together
Can we please admit it? Staying at home makes it very tempting to do many things at the same time. You can work while watching Netflix or take phone calls while doing laundry, and you can definitely have lunch while doing some other task. This methodology will keep you distracted and you will probably end up being unsatisfied with the results.
Mono-tasking is the name of the game, and, when you combine it with a focused to-do-list, you will actually have the weapon you need to double down on what matters.
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