Evolve > Focus > Working From Home: Tips to Stay Productive
In these days of Coronavirus (COVID-19), all workplaces have established the work from home policy. For employees, that means less commute, more time at home but also a brand new environment.
Here, we offer some tips on how to master the challenge of working from home, staying motivated and staying productive during these tough times.
Stay productive when working from home
Establish a designated workspace. When you work in an office, you have your desk, your area and it’s a space where you’re comfortable and productive. At home, you may struggle to find the spot that’s yours in the initial stage. Once you do find it, stick to it and use it. Tell your family it’s your space and they shouldn’t intrude. Maybe add a few personal touches to it like you would in office. Also, keep in mind that work desks in the office are ergonomically set up. It’s ideal in supporting your back and neck; you should ensure your home office space allows you to maintain a proper posture and is ergonomically efficient! This will keep your creative juices flowing and help you focus.
Structure and schedule. Structure your day and schedule your work. This way distractions won’t get to disrupt your flow. Set a time for when you’d like to start work, take a break for chai and lunch, and even for a daily catch up with your office buddy. This will keep you refreshed and give you the stability of a plan. Ensure to incorporate other commitments in routine as well. These are exceptional circumstances and you may need to take a break to buy vegetables or cook a meal. Find a routine that works best. Also, keep an end time as well and not let your entire day be work work work.
Don’t give in to your cell phone. Distractions are by far the most difficult challenge when it comes to working from home. With the pandemic in full flow, your phone is your biggest distraction. It has social media, news and a whole lot more which can suck you in and distract you. Keep phone access to a minimum during working hours and you’ll feel your focus surge. In case you’re distracted and or feeling stressed and anxious, make your screen time productive with Evolve. You can balance your mind & body within minutes, with our variety of content that makes meditation light and refreshing.
Take proper breaks. A simple way to stay productive is to take full breaks. Need 30 minutes for lunch? Take it wholly. Need a break after a long call? Refresh your mind and balance yourself. If you’re taking a break of 30 minutes for chai, and finish it in 15 minutes, don’t go back to work immediately. Take the complete break. Spend some time with family or call your friend, As a result, you’ll feel refreshed and recharged and enjoy your work more. You can even give mindful eating a try to clear your head and regain focus.
Stay on your feet. Keep moving every now and then rather than getting stuck in one place. The activity is important. If you’re on a work call, use it as an opportunity to walk around and enjoy some extra blood circulation. It’s a small but simple way of feeling relaxed and getting that little extra out of yourself.
Communicate with care. Virtual communication has it’s barriers and limitations. There’s less non-verbal cues, there’s often technology disruptions or interruptions during important calls. But here’s how you can overcome these barriers:
- Clarify anything and everything with your coworkers and manager, in order to be on the same page.
- Set clear agendas for any calls and virtual meetings.
- Show your appreciation and gratitude towards your colleagues more often.
As a result, communications issues are at a minimum, keeping your productivity flowing!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed due to working from home, remember to speak to a loved one or your manager to help ease the pressure and stay calm. It’s an uncertain time for everyone and you should do whatever you can to have a semblance of normalcy and balance at home.
Take a look at our checklist on focus to assess how well you’re doing and how you can improve focus when working from home!
Try out Evolve’s guided audio on how to focus when working home, and more which will help you achieve more with better focus! The Evolve app is now live globally on Android & Apple, click here to try for free!
