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Working from home during COVID-19 pandemic is a new learning experience for many of us, and we need to learn tips to adapt to the new environment. As you might have already guessed, working from home might not be a stress-free and productive environment. In this blog post, we will discuss 9 great working from home tips you can learn to be more productive and stay focused in your new work environment.

  1. Start Early

With no set start time, it can be tempting to sleep in a little (or a lot) later than usual. Resist the urge! Start work as soon as possible after you wake up to stay productive. The more projects and tasks you finish early, the more accomplished you will feel by lunchtime, and you’ll be motivated to keep the feeling going. Starting early will also kick start your brain, so that the creative juices are flowing by the time you’re ready to tackle a bigger creative project.

  1. Prepare for the Day

It won’t be a productive work day if it doesn’t feel like a usual work day. Keep the same routine you used when heading to the office. Shower, dress up, make a cup of coffee, whatever you need to get into a working mindset. Try to structure your days similarly to your office days as well. If you are used to starting with creative projects and then completing smaller housekeeping tasks, do the same when working from home.

  1. Create a Schedule

Plan projects and tasks ahead of time. This will help you manage your time and set realistic goals for what you can accomplish in one day. Give yourself a certain amount of time to work on a project before switching to a new task to avoid fatigue. It’s also a good idea to schedule breaks, email checks, and other smaller tasks. This will keep you on track with your timing for larger projects that you need to focus on. 

Along with a schedule, create a list of tasks or goals to complete. List everything – even the small stuff. Checking things off will keep you feeling accomplished and motivated throughout the day.

  1. Set up a Home “Office”

This doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should be a dedicated working spot. Try not to work where you eat, sleep, or relax. This will help switch your brain to creative mode when you’re in your working spot. You can also use this space to motivate yourself with inspirational music, images, and other things that inspire your creativity.

  1. Keep in Touch

Try to communicate frequently with your co-workers, whether through email, instant messaging, or video calls. This is important for ensuring that you are on the same page with your team, but it will also prevent you from isolating yourself. When working from home it’s easy to go a whole day without speaking to anyone other than yourself, which can take a toll on your wellbeing. Reach out to your co-workers and schedule in-person meetings whenever possible.

Another important part of communication when you’re working from home is clarity. Sometimes having a face-to-face conversation is just easier, especially when it comes to explaining a complex problem or the solution. If you can’t schedule a video call, be concise and clear in emails so there isn’t any confusion.

  1. Take Breaks

Without the distractions that are part of an office setting, it can be easy to forget to take breaks and burn yourself out. Scheduling break times into your day is a good way to avoid this, and it prevents you from taking too many breaks (which is also a danger).

Use your breaks to get away from your workspace and do something else for a few minutes. This is especially useful if you find yourself stuck creatively. Picking a short activity where your mind can wander will stimulate your creativity so you can come back to your work refreshed.

  1. Stay Healthy and Active

While working at home, it is easy to get used to a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy quick lunch options.  

Regular exercises not only help you stay in shape, but also, they help to boost productivity and creativity, improve your mood and well-being. Similarly, your diet and sleep hygiene also play an important role in affecting your energy level, emotional well-being, and productivity.

So, don’t forget to take yourself – go for a long walk after the rain, have enough sleep, and eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables! 

  1. Be Open About Your Mental State

Being open about your feeling and mental state is one of the most important tips for working from home during COVID-19 pandemic.  There are many current global factors that might contribute to stress and anxiety, and you are not immune from experiencing negative emotions.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, you should clearly communicate about your mental state to your employer and/or your team members.  

Your team members might be experiencing the same feelings as you do, and communication can help you clear the ground, and maybe help you lessen your workload or give you some time for a break or day-off.

  1. Set an Ending Time

A set ending time will keep you motivated to complete your goals or list of tasks for the day by that time. It will also prevent you from over-working, which ends up being less productive because your brain tires out. After a certain point, you aren’t getting any good work done anymore. Stick to your end time and come back the next day ready to tackle your goals again.

Working from home during COVID-19 pandemic can be a new learning experience for many of us, and we hope this blog post will help you more productive in your new work environment. If you’re looking for a work from home job and have an interview coming up, read our tips for answering the ‘greatest weakness’ interview question!

 


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