As the world keeps evolving, remote work has taken center stage in the last few years, with people and businesses alike embracing it. But working from home can sometimes be a challenge, where we get easily distracted by the comfort of being in our safe haven. The idea of being at home is just too tempting to resist, making it tough to stay focused.
When I first started working remotely, I struggled to stay focused and felt like I wasn’t being productive enough. But the thought of avoiding the daily commute, the expenses of commuting to an office, and the possibility of missing out on this flexible work arrangement, kept me going. Over time, I developed habits by following these 10 useful tips that have made me more productive while working from home.
Stick to a set work schedule consistently
Whether you work in an office or remotely, having a set schedule and sticking to it is essential for productivity. If your schedule is flexible, it’s important to establish specific times to work to avoid overstepping into your personal life. Establishing a clear boundary between work and personal time will not only help you be more productive but also ensure that you have a healthy work-life balance. This way, you can prioritize your well-being, spend quality time with loved ones, and recharge for the next workday.
Designate a specific workspace
Jay Shetty once said, “Location has energy; time has memory. If you do something at the same time every day, it becomes easier and natural. If you do something in the same space every day, it becomes easier and natural.”
Tip #1 and #2 go hand in hand with this quote. By having a designated workspace and a set schedule, you’ll form a productive habit. This approach also gives you a professional edge and helps you maintain a clear distinction between work and rest. Avoid working in bed as it blurs the line between work and sleep. Keep all your work materials in one place to minimize distractions and ensure comfort during work hours.
Eat a proper meal prior to work
Eating a nutritious meal before starting work is crucial for maintaining focus and productivity. If you work during the day, it’s especially important to have a filling breakfast to fuel your body and keep your energy level steady throughout the day. Skipping breakfast can lead to distractions and loss of concentration as hunger pangs start to kick in.
Eating a balanced meal will help you stay alert, focused, and ready to tackle your work tasks. Additionally, fueling your body with a healthy meal can help improve cognitive function, mood, and overall health.
Regularly take short breaks
Taking short breaks throughout the day can actually improve your productivity and focus. If you start to feel numbness in your fingers from typing, take a quick break to stretch and rest your hands. Doing some light exercises during these breaks can help keep you alert and refreshed.
Also, don’t forget to hydrate! Regular water breaks are essential for keeping yourself hydrated during long hours of work. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased energy levels, so taking a few minutes to drink water can help you avoid those symptoms and maintain your focus. Drinking water can also improve cognitive function and physical health. So, be sure to keep a water bottle nearby and take regular sips throughout the day.
Avoid juggling multiple tasks and concentrate on one task at a time
Attempting to juggle multiple tasks at once can quickly lead to stress and decreased productivity. When you try to multitask, you risk losing focus and making mistakes, which can negatively impact your work performance. Instead, focus on completing one task at a time, starting with the most important and prioritizing your to-do list accordingly. By giving each task your full attention, you’ll be able to stay in the zone and get more done in less time. Additionally, focusing on one task at a time can help reduce stress levels and improve overall productivity.
Ask questions when encountering new information
Working remotely often involves keeping up with new guidelines, technology, and information that can be overwhelming at times. However, it’s important not to let this hinder your work performance and instead, take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to seek help from the person who has the knowledge and understanding of the latest updates. You can arrange a virtual meeting or call with them and take notes so that you can refer to them in the future. This will not only help you better understand the new information but also serve as a handy reference for future projects.
Remembers, asking questions is always a great way to expand your knowledge and enhance your skills, so never hesitate to reach out for help.
Utilize productivity-enhancing apps effectively
In this digital age, there are numerous apps that can boost your productivity, from task management tools to note-taking apps. Some companies even provide their remote employees access to the apps they use for work. However, it’s always a good idea to have personal apps that can assist you in managing your workload and performing some micro and macro tasks. Not only will this increase your productivity at work, but it can also enhance your efficiency outside of work.
If you’re on the hunt for apps to boost your productivity, here are some suggestions worth exploring.
Seek assistance when faced with an excessive workload
During those busy times when you have a heavy workload, it can be helpful to ask for assistance from others in your department. Don’t try to tackle everything on your own, especially if you have a team that you can reach out to for help. Just remember to be polite when making your request and to offer help in return when you are able to. After all, you all share the same job responsibilities, and working together can make things easier during these “peak workload season” moments.
While being given a heavy workload can be viewed as a sign of confidence from your team, it’s crucial to find a balance and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to ask for support from your coworkers, this can enhance both teamwork and communication skills. It’s important to maintain clarity of thought and manage stress levels, as excessive stress can decrease focus and productivity.
When it's time to sign off, do so
When you work from home, time flies by, especially when you have a lot to do. But as mentioned in Tip #2, always stick to a strict schedule. When it’s time to sign off, do so without hesitation. You can set an alarm on your phone or keep an eye on your company’s time-tracking app to make sure you have completed your designated working hours.
Sure, working overtime may seem productive for your company, but it’s not good for you. The adrenaline rush from focusing on work can be invigorating, but at the end of the day, overworking will take its toll and leave you feeling exhausted. So, when your work day is done, sign off and celebrate your accomplishment by giving yourself a pat on the back and saying, “Great job today!”.
Set aside time for professional and personal development
Take advantage of the flexible schedule that remote work provides by indulging in activities that feed your personal growth. Whether it’s exploring new hobbies, learning new skills, playing sports with friends, treating yourself to a reward, or spending quality time with family, taking a break from work can rejuvenate your motivation to perform better on the job. Don’t let your focus solely on your professional growth hinder your overall development. Instead, make time for things that make you happy and energized.
Whether you’re already a remote worker or considering making the switch, I hope these tips will help you make the most of your work-from-home setup. By prioritizing productivity, taking care of your personal development, and keeping in mind the challenges that remote working can bring, you can set yourself up for success and be the best remote worker you can be.
With a little discipline and effort, you’ll find that working from home can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. So, let’s get started and make the most of this exciting opportunity.
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