Working from home? Tips to make it work for you more easily

With more than 8 million people across the country already working from home, if you have been asked to work remotely, getting into a routine and staying productive can be challenging. While there are tons of benefits that come with working remotely, being in an environment where you feel the most relaxed can have a negative impact on productivity levels.

Tips for working from home

If you’re new to working from home, here are tips for a smoother transition.

Create a dedicated workplace

Creating a dedicated workplace, i.e. setting up your home office, will help you stay in tune with a productive wave even when working from home! Choose space in the apartment/house to be your place of work. It will help you to realize the fact that while you are in this place, you are productive and not to be distracted.

There should be no TV, household items, children’s toys and bedding. Distinguish between the area where you sleep and rest and the area where you work. If you have a small apartment, buy a screen or something that divides your workspace from the rest of your room while you work.

That way, your family will understand that it’s best not to bother you at this time. Set boundaries clearly so people around you understand that working remotely doesn’t mean you’re free at any time. Turn off social media and instant messaging notifications. This will help you avoid distractions and keep you working from home more effectively.

Get dressed

Many people love the idea of working from home in their pajamas; however, staying productive and on top of your workload can be difficult. It may not seem like much, but getting up, getting showered, and getting dressed can have a big impact on productivity levels, helping you to concentrate better on your work. While no one is saying you need to change into business attire before getting started, putting on a fresh pair of clothes can make all the difference and improve your state of mind.

Get a good night’s sleep

Working from home means you don’t have to deal with the rush hour commute. If you’re used to getting up at a certain time, it’s important that you stay in the same routine. Getting plenty of sleep each night will help you feel more alert and ready for the day ahead. If you don’t have to leave the door, it can be all too easy to sleep in; however, this will impact how motivated you are to do work. If you struggle with your sleep, there are lots of tips and tricks that you can make good use of, such as purchasing a new mattress. Mattress sales on Memorial Day are popular, helping you to get the best deal possible.

Make a work schedule

Starting at the office shouldn’t be any different than working from home. Work at your normal pace to maintain tone. Don’t wake up just a minute before the start of your workday being at home office, and then just jump straight into work.

All important tasks must be completed at the set time if you want to simplify your schedule. At the beginning of the day, make a schedule for the day, what needs to be done first and what the secondary tasks are. Write things on special programs and set reminders so you don’t miss anything. With this organization, you will be able to carry out important tasks on time and not forget anything.

Establish boundaries

If you live with your partner and have children, it’s important that you establish boundaries from the get-go. To work at your best, you will need to have full concentration, so if you have kids running riot around the household, or a partner checking in on you, it can be easy to lose steam and take your eye off the ball. To get the most out of working from home, make sure that you lay down rules and find a quiet area in the home where you can fully immerse yourself in your work.

Schedule regular breaks

Unlike in a work setting where you would be required to take breaks throughout the day, having free reign at home can be a blessing, as well as a curse. Many remote workers make the mistake of working without a break, which can make you burn out far quicker. Taking regular breaks is crucial for your mental and physical wellbeing, so whether it’s to call up a friend, go for a quick jog around your neighborhood, or having something to eat, it’s likely that you will be more productive once you return to your desk.

Stay healthy

When working from home, you may be more tempted to gorge on junk food to get you through the day. Instead of reaching for sweet treats and processed foods, try and stick with healthier alternatives. Following a healthy, balanced diet can do wonders for your health and wellbeing, helping you to stay positive and upbeat. It’s important that you make exercise a priority when remote working too. As you won’t be leaving your front door to head to work, the last thing you should do is slouch around on the couch. There are lots of things that you can do from the comfort of your own home, such as yoga, meditation, and at home exercises.

Final words

As a remote worker, establishing a routine from the offset and making small but subtle changes to your schedule can help you get the most out of the experience.