With the current Covid-19 pandemic, many of us are currently adjusting to a new reality of working from home. While at first working from home in your pyjamas on the sofa sounds amazing, the truth is that it isn’t for everyone, and the novelty will soon wear off. No one will be breathing down your neck, so it’s especially hard to keep up your motivation and not to give in to the many distractions that surround you.
To help you adjust, here are some tips for maximum productivity when working from home.
Figure out when you are most productive
It could be first thing in the morning when you are the most rested, or late at night if you are a night owl. Whatever time of day it is, make sure to set your hardest tasks during these hours to get them out of the way and ensure the best quality of work. More complicated tasks typically require higher levels of concentration and are usually more important. Figuring out when you are most productive will ensure that your work doesn’t slip, but also that you don’t tire yourself out later.
Get out of your pajamas
Working from your pyjamas can be extremely tempting at first when working from home, but it isn’t recommended. This is because when we are in our nightwear, we are in a different mindset compared to when we are properly dressed. We are programmed to associate pyjamas with sleep and relaxation, which quickly affects our productivity and isn’t ideal for work. Get ready for your working day as you usually would and get dressed. You can still be comfortable and wear lovely loungewear, for example, but the fact that you are putting on day clothes signals to your brain that you are ready for the day ahead. It also makes you feel more put together and better about yourself.
Have a schedule every day
Even if your work schedule and tasks don’t vary much, make a note of them and write them down anyway. Also, add non-work related jobs that you wish to accomplish for the day to add some variety. Setting goals and outlining tasks throughout the day will help you to stay focused and be less distracted. This is because you won’t have as much time to think about what to do next when you finish a piece of work.
It has also been proven that when we give ourselves a tighter schedule, we can complete our tasks in less time. So, be ambitious with your schedule and add as much as you can to clear space for some free time later on. Write down your schedule in a planner, rather than on your phone or laptop so that you can cross each task off as you go along. This will provide you with more satisfaction and a sense of achievement once you see your crossed off list at the end of the day.
Plan breaks
When planning your schedule, make sure also to set some clearly allocated time for breaks. Even though you are at home, it can actually be very challenging to step away from the laptop when working. It’s easy to fall into the trap of not being able to define a clear balance between the two, and people can often quickly end up working through the whole day without taking a break without even realising. At work, we are used to having some sort of coffee break followed by lunch later on, and working from home shouldn’t be any different. Taking short but regular breaks will help with your concentration and are great for both your physical and mental health. Avoid burnout and distract your mind on your breaks by listening to podcasts, reading articles in professional journals such as those by Patrick Conway, or use this time to have a little peak at your social media and watch a video on Youtube. Also, be sure to move your body and stretch regularly, and don’t work past your usual finishing time if you don’t need to.
