If you've recently found yourself forced into a WFH (work from home) situation, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed as to how you can be productive outside of your normal work environment. Although the situation may present a few challenges, here are a few tips to help you avoid the productivity pitfalls of working from home.
- Create a workplace - Designate an area of your house that is only to be used for work. This space should be welcoming, positive, happy, roomy and quiet so that you can stay focused. Consider headphones to eliminate distractions.
- Create a to-do list - Write down your daily schedule and keep it visible for you (and your family/spouse). Prioritize your list from most to least important. Even if you are working from home, consider other obligations like your pets, kids and your own needs. It's ok to set boundaries for yourself and to not place high expectations of productivity perfection.
- Keep your routine - If you are use to doing yoga first thing in the morning, keep that routine going. If you usually go for a run at lunch, don't stop. Most importantly, prep your food the day before so that you don't find yourself grazing throughout the day and missing meals.
- Work attire - A perk of WFH is not having to worry so much about your normal professional work attire. Even though sweat pants are more comfortable than dress pants, dressing yourself in some type of "work" clothes may help you feel more productive. Otherwise be sure to exchange your work "PJs" for your evening "PJs".
- Have a meal plan - Plan out your meals and snacks in advance. Create a schedule as to when you will have a mid day and mid afternoon snack as well as your breakfast meal and lunch "break". This will prevent you from working to the point of feeling starving or simply making your way through the day by mindlessly snacking. Don't forget to stay hydrated.
- Stay informed - With more time at home, you may find yourself watching the COVID-19 news or scrolling social media a bit more than normal. It's good to be informed but not overwhelmed. Allocate a set amount of time - once or twice a day (and no more) - to read the news and/or to use social media. It's best to avoid reading the news first thing in the morning and right before bed.
- Exercise/move - Make sure to take care of your physical and mental well-being during this time. Whereas you may have been use to working out first thing in the morning or in the evening after work, you now have time to include short workouts throughout the day - even if just for a walk or 10 minutes of planks. These short bursts of movement can help you feel more productive at work.
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"The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities."
-Stephen Covey