7 Best ways to stay productive while working from home

Working from home can have mixed results. For some it maybe a fabulous change from the office, with less travel time, fewer distractions and improved productivity. While for others it can be fraught with challenges. Without a dedicated work space, the presence of your partner, housemates or kids, being surrounded by temptations and distractions, it can be very difficult to concentrate on your tasks and remain productive. Here are 7 best ways to stay productive while working from home.

Here are 7 best ways to stay productive while working from home.

1. Get out of bed and out of your pjs.

It may be awesome not to have to do your normal morning getting ready for work routine, however, regular rituals and routines allow you to maintain the boundary between home and work. So make sure you get up, exercise, shower and eat breakfast just like you would if you were going to work. This will help you mentally prepare for the tasks ahead and maintain focus during the day.

2. Schedule out your day

This will help you stay on track with the tasks that need to be completed. Being organised with your jobs and planning out your day will help you keep on top of your ‘to-do’ list, maintain focus and minimise chances of getting distracted. Make sure you schedule in tea and lunch breaks too and a time when you fill finish.

3. Prepare your space

Create a space you are comfortable in. Put on some background music, try diffusing uplifting essential oils like orange, lemon, basil or rosemary. Open your curtains and windows to let natural light and fresh air in. Make sure you are not too hot or too cold.

4. Take a cold shower to refocus

If you are really struggling with focusing, having a quick cold shower is a good way of refocusing and waking yourself up again.

5. Take regular breaks away from your desk

If you are struggling to stay focused maybe it’s time to step away from the computer and get some fresh air. If you don’t fancy a shower take a 5 – 10 minute walk around outside or do some star jumps, burpies, put on your favourite song and have bit of a dance or a do few stretches. Its also important to stick to tea breaks and lunch breaks as well. It is certainly easy to get lost in your work too and forget to take regular breaks.

6. Unplug for 15 minutes when needed

Like when working in an office, at times you may feel unmotivated and in need of stepping away from your desk. As mentioned go for a short walk, run an errand or simply sit away from your work area in another room so that you can have a change of scenery. Make a cup of tea or have a piece of fruit. This will help recharge your batteries, increase your food sugar and switch up mental stimulation, so that when you are ready to go back to work your body and brain will be ready too.

7. Clock off when you’re done for the day

When working from home, ‘clock off’ time can be hard to adhere to — the lines can blur as your work space is also your home. You may find you tend to overwork, which isn’t good for health or productivity in the long run. Make sure that you know when you’re working to and when it hits that time, shut down your computer and walk away. Get out of your work clothes, go for a walk then come back home and relax.

Good luck and enjoy!

xx Marta