Do you work from home? How do you stay productive when you work from home?

Working from home has been a norm since the coming of the pandemic that shocked the world. This work setup may sound promising but factors such as distractions, family members, or lack of discipline can affect your productivity.

So, if you think you’re struggling with staying productive when you work from home, perhaps the following tips could help you. 

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Stay Productive working from home

There are several reasons why working from home can be beneficial, but one of the biggest benefits is that you don’t have to commute to work. So, if you’re thinking about working from home, here are five tips to help you stay focused and productive.

1. Have a dedicated workspace

In general, your home is not made for working. It’s made for relaxing and resting. So, when the coronavirus waltzed in and hit the world, everything seemed to be in disarray.

Having a dedicated workspace can then help you stay productive. Try to find yourself a corner that is comfortable. What matters here is you get off the bed or your couch and get into your work mode.

Decorate it in such a way that it inspires you to work or that could make you feel like you’re still in your office. This also helps you stay focused and rarely gets interrupted.

2. Keep your regular schedule

If you’re employed, you have your dedicated work time. Keep it. Make sure you observe this. Be time-sensitive and observe punctuality. 

Don’t fall into the habit of sleeping in just because you don’t need to prepare early like you used to. If, say, you usually get up at around 5:00 AM, follow this. 

Similarly, if you don’t have a strict schedule to follow but work according to others, for instance if you are a part trucking business, you should leverage the other services to your advantage. More specifically, you can hire an agency to manage things such as DOT compliance, Audit Guidance, and Substance Abuse Testing for you. You may visit here to learn more about the compliance needs.

Keeping your regular schedule or routine prevents you from slacking off and getting late on the deadline. It helps you finish your tasks on time.

PRO TIP: Use a higher-quality planner like DayDesigners to design and track your schedule. Plan each day for success!

3. Take a break in between

It matters that you set a break in between or after every task. Staying productive requires your brain to relax and breathe a little. So, it is recommended that after you complete one task, reward yourself with a five-to-ten-minute break. 

This break could serve as your downtime – a period where you can do whatever you want. Check your Instagram and get inspiration from others who are also going through the same situation as you.

Make the most of your break time. And make sure to go back to work once it’s over. 

4. Stay connected

Isolation could be a potential downer. You might be enjoying your newly found peace right now only to hate it later. It matters that you find time to catch up with friends.

Nowadays, restrictions regarding covid-19 have been eased so you can still go meet your friends whenever you want to. But if that is impossible in your case, you can always contact them through virtual means. 

Just don’t get too used to staying at home that you forget to socialize a bit. Moving outside your house can be a game-changer and could boost your productivity.

5. Remove potential distractions on your desk

If you have too much on your desk, staying productive could be impossible. That’s why at the outset, make sure that you have a clean desk ready for your work.

Eliminate potential distractions such as extra books you don’t need, phones, or anything that could get in the way of your focus. 

Only keep those items necessary for your work and productivity. Other things don’t matter. 

Manage Distractions.

It’s easy to become distracted while working from home. That’s because there are fewer boundaries between your personal life and your professional life.

To avoid being distracted, manage your environment. Set aside a designated workspace and turn off any devices that will distract you.

Also, keep your phone out of sight. And finally, schedule breaks throughout the day. Take a walk outside or go for a quick run.

ALSO READ: How to beat procrastination

6. Use music purposefully

Access to music was limited before the pandemic as you have to fully focus on working at the office. However, you can now freely play music nonstop for as long as you do your job well.

Working from home could get dull as months go by. You sometimes long for the office noise that occasionally takes place. Get rid of that feeling by playing music such as ambient or classical ones.

That way, you get to alleviate boredom and potentially boost your productivity level.

7. Make a to-do list

To-Do Lists may be overrated and may sound a little bit burdensome. But they’re undeniably lifesavers. For someone who is organized, this greatly helps me and saves up time. 

Making a To-Do List for the day keeps you away from procrastination which is often the case. Now that you work from home, it is tempting to just lie down on your couch and put off the task for later.

Get into the habit of creating your To-Do List. This keeps you organized and you avoid getting all over the place.

8. Go for a walk

Being cooped up in your home office could make you feel a little cranky and demotivated at times. Going for a walk and basking in the sunshine may help you shake that feeling away. 

Lighten up your mood by enjoying the great outdoors. Go for a brief stroll in the park. Take a deep breath, nice and slow. Allow the fresh air to seep through your system. 

Take a moment to enjoy the outdoor vibe. Your mood will soon change.

9. Customize your workspace

When customizing my workspace, I am fond of putting a scented candle on my desk. It helps drive some strange smell that got accumulated in the room. 

Greeneries can be a great booster, too. So, take a little freedom and customize your work environment to better optimize your performance.

Personalizing your workspace can have positive effects on your well-being and productivity level. It gives you the kick to last for a day.

10. Put on your work attire

There is something about putting on your work attire. It could help you get on and keep you in your work mode. It is likewise an effective way to show and maintain professionalism even when working from home.

Keeping your company dress code even at home shows your commitment to your work and helps you execute things more efficiently.

While it is better to dress comfortably, it pays to observe proper decorum even if no one’s looking. It sets you in the mood and wards off mediocrity at home.

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Find Ways to Stay Motivated

If you find yourself feeling unmotivated at home, try these tips to help you stay motivated. First, make sure you have a comfortable space where you can focus.

You might need to set up an office area with a desk, chair, and computer. Second, take advantage of technology. Turn off notifications so you won’t be interrupted when you’re trying to work. Third, use a timer to limit distractions. Finally, consider joining a local community group or club.

These groups often meet regularly and provide opportunities to socialize and network.

How do you stay productive when you work from home?

Working from home may not always work for everyone. It could both positively and negatively affect your performance. You may still have the same productivity level or not. But to ensure that you stay productive most of the time, then you’ll have to create a system and follow through.

Staying productive while working from home requires discipline. Thus, for you to do this effectively, develop self-discipline. So that no matter what environment you’re in, you’ll always deliver a satisfactory service. 

QUESTION: Do you work from home? What things do you do to stay productive when you work from home?