Working From Home - 5 Ways To Increase Productivity And Focus
Folks, I realise this topic has nothing to do with snow travel, outdoor adventures or saving money for travel, but given we are all currently in the midst of a global pandemic, I thought it could be useful to some of you.
As I write this, New Zealand where we currently are is about to go into full lockdown. Anyone that is able to continue working from home has been provided with equipment to do so. Most of my friends who I have been in touch with from various parts of the world are in a similar situation.
Working from home sounds pretty easy and let’s be honest, it kinda sounds like fun. No one can see what you’re wearing. No one is keeping an eye on you. And the fridge and pantry is like….right there. But, as someone who has been working from home for a long time, I know that it can be very easy to lose productivity, to get distracted, to find boredom and to lose all motivation. Or you go in the opposite direction and keep refreshing your emails overwhelmed by the endless list of things to do only to find that it’s 8pm, you’re still in your PJ’s from the night before and you have popcorn in your hair.
And with that, I share with you my 5 top tips for working from home.
Number 1: Get dressed
I know you can stay in your PJ’s all day and no-one is going to know but for me getting dressed is the first part of getting into work mode. Just like putting on my PJ’s at the end of the day gets me into chill-out mode.
Number 2: Have a routine
And start your workday at the same time every day. Routine and structure are super important for productivity. Like going into the office, don’t be late.
Number 3: End your day
Just as important as having a start time is having a finish time. Working from home means that ‘work’ is there all the time. It is easy to log on and do a quick check of emails and before you know it, you’re working longer than you should be. For some of you, there is never an end to work, so try to call it for the day if it isn’t urgent. It will still be there tomorrow and you can prioritise it as one of your first things to do.
Number 4: Create a dedicated workspace
I know that it can be challenging if you don’t have a lot of space but try your best. Like getting dressed, having a specific workspace puts you into the work mindset. I’ve found that if I sit on the couch instead of a desk, I’m much more easily distracted and less productive.
Number 5: Get the tunes going
If you are struggling with it being too quiet and missing the office banter, try putting some music on in the background. It doesn’t work for everyone and I find that I get distracted by the music and end up singing all the songs! But, I have read studies that say that productivity and creativity are increased when you work with music. Maybe I have been listening to the wrong music?? Instrumental perhaps?
I posted these tips on Facebook and Instagram and some readers sent me some suggestions of playlists/music I could listen to:
- Baroque
- Organica playlist on Spotify
- Focus section on Spotify
I hope you find these helpful. At the end of the day, it’s about finding what works for you but I highly recommend creating some structure and routine which will keep you productive and sane.
And yep, if you happened to do a double-take on the photo, my laptop stand is a cardboard box!🤣
Do you work from home? Please share your tips with us in the comments below.
Peace out
Jen
Jen spends most of her time following Mick around the mountain, often unintentionally off jumps and cliff drops. Currently on a mission to prove that you’re never too old to try freestyle. Aside from snowboarding, a little obsessed about tattoos, CrossFit, saving animals, learning to play the guitar and clean eating. Web designer and digital marketing nerd.
