Almost five years ago, the world changed in a big way. Remote work went from being a temporary arrangement to a permanent way of working for many.
While working from home is flexible and convenient, it also brings its own set of challenges that can kill productivity and mental health. Creating a home work environment is key to staying focused, motivated and overall job satisfaction.
Grab your favourite mug from the pantry, pour yourself a hot cup and get comfy in your favourite chair—we’re about to get into this.
Your Space
The first step to a productive home office is to set up a dedicated space. This area should be separate from your personal spaces, so you can mentally switch from home mode to work mode.
Choose a quiet corner in your home, ideally with natural light and minimal distractions. Consider investing in ergonomic furniture, like a comfy chair and desk to promote good posture and prevent strain over long hours of work.
Once you have your physical space set up, personalise it to your style. Add things that inspire and motivate you, whether it’s artwork, plants or organisational tools. A tidy space will boost your mood and keep you on track.
Minimise Distractions
Distractions are one of the biggest challenges of working from home. Social media, personal emails and online shopping can quickly derail your focus. This is where a website blocker for Chrome comes in.
By installing a website blocker, you can limit access to distracting sites during your work hours and stay on track. Many blockers offer customisable settings, so you can block specific sites or set time limits on your browsing.
Consider silencing notifications on your phone and other devices. By minimising interruptions you can stay focused and productive. You may also want to set “do not disturb” hours with family or housemates so they know when you are unavailable for interruptions.
Timetable
A daily routine can make a big difference to your productivity. Set regular work hours just as you would in an office. Having a schedule helps you create boundaries between work and personal life and reduces the temptation to check emails or work during your downtime.
Also, break your day into smaller chunks. Use the Pomodoro Technique, work for 25 minutes and then a 5-minute break. This will help you stay focused and avoid burnout. You can also use calendar apps to plan your day and set reminders for tasks and breaks.
Breaks and Physical Activity
Taking breaks is key to keeping your energy up and your mind sharp all day. It’s easy to get lost in work and forget to hit pause. So take a minute to stretch, grab a snack or take a walk. These mini-movements will refresh your mind and get your blood flowing.
Think about setting a fun timer to get you moving. You could also work exercise into your daily routine. Whether it’s a quick workout, a relaxing yoga session or even a spontaneous dance party, moving your body will lift your mood and boost your productivity.
With a treasure trove of online workout videos and guided classes at your fingertips, fitting fitness into your work from home routine has never been easier.
Mental Health
While keeping the productivity train rolling is important, don’t forget to look after your mental health too. Working from home can feel a bit lonely at times, so why not schedule some virtual coffee breaks with colleagues or friends? These little chats will banish the loneliness blues and strengthen your support network.
Mindfulness is another great way to boost your wellbeing. A few minutes of meditation or deep breathing during your breaks can work miracles to melt stress away and focus your mind. There are many apps with guided sessions for all levels of experience.
Work and Personal Life
When working from home it’s important to draw clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Set a specific time to finish your workday and stick to it—this will tell your brain it’s time to wind down. Don’t work late or check emails after hours.
Let your family or housemates know your work hours to minimize interruptions. You might even want to create an end of day ritual to mark the end of your work. This could be anything from closing down your computer, taking a short walk or getting into a hobby you love.
Conclusion
Working from home requires thoughtfulness around your workspace, daily routine and mental health. With a dedicated workspace, a website blocker for Chrome to minimize distractions and breaks and self care, you’ll have a productive and enjoyable work from home experience.
Remember, balance is key to thriving in this new world. With these tips you’ll be more productive and love working from your own little corner of the world.