Working from home is the new normal, but staying productive can sometimes be difficult. In this article, we explore the tips and tricks you can use when remote working. Another issue when working from home is isolation. Day after day, working and living in one space can be overwhelming, with no one to speak to except via a computer.
Remote working might not be for everyone, so you could consider looking into co-working spaces. The key is to find an office that works for you, so you can be as productive as possible.
Nonetheless, for remote workers below are 8 top tips for when working at home.
Have a Morning Routine
When working from home, it is very easy to wake up 10 minutes before you start. However, this is poor preparation for the workday. Always give yourself ample time to have a shower, eat breakfast and even get in some exercise. This way, when you log in, you will be energized rather than groggy. You can tailor the routine to your own needs, but this is especially needed if you live on your own.
Write a To-do List
To optimize productivity, when you start your day write down a to-do list. Make it as simple as you can and allocate your time accordingly. After each task is completed, tick it off and add more if you have time in the day. This method will always keep you accountable and will get things done – on time.
Apply the Pomodoro Technique
An excellent method for all you procrastinators. Basically, the Pomodoro technique is working hard for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. Studies have shown that the practice can be more productive than working 50 minutes every hour of the day.
Use Anti Procrastination Tools
When working remotely, it’s very easy to get distracted. To combat this, you can download plugins to block access to sites like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook during work hours. Many people waste hours a day on social media sites so this approach can help you concentrate on your work at hand.
Reward Yourself
When you have completed a task or a number of tasks, reward yourself. It might only be small, like having a chocolate or playing your favorite game for 10 minutes. A quick game of chess or even a few spins on slots is a great carrot and stick formula. For slots, to assist there are comparison sites that check for all the best new casinos. In addition, the platform checks for all the best bonuses – including welcome bonus and provides reviews on each operator.
Go For a Walk
If you are getting stressed out, or just need a change in scenery, then a short walk can take you a long way. You can use the opportunity to think over some ideas or help you relax. It is advisable to go on a walk before you start work, but you may also choose to go on one at lunchtime too.
Utilize Software
There is a plethora of productivity and organizational software out there that you can use for free. One example is Trello, which allows you to create cards for each task and when completed, you can put them in the done section. In addition, you can use a to-do list on your smartphone, with alerts to make sure you get your work completed on time.
Have a Designated Working Area
When working from home, it can be too easy to set up your workstation from your bed. This is a terrible approach as it starts the day with a negative attitude, being lazy. You should ideally work on a table in a separate room to your bedroom, with a comfortable chair and plenty of light.
Conclusion
We hope you can take some tips and apply them to your remote working life. At first, it can take a while to get used to it, and it is not for everyone. However, many individuals across the world love the freedom and flexibility working from home brings. You just need to remember to stay disciplined and treat remote working the same as working in the office.
About the Author/s
Tom is a lifelong New Jersey resident, Rutgers and FDU alumni and the publisher of The Digest.
