10 Ways to Maximize Productivity When You Work from Home

If you’ve recently had to shift to working from home, you might be feeling confused or overwhelmed with your new work environment.

Consider these tips to maximize your productivity as you work remotely:

Get ready.Try getting ready as if you were going into the office. This gets you out of comfort mode and into work mode. Keep a normal routine to get you in the right mindset.
Keep all distracting technology at bay.For some, working with background noise is something that can increase focus. For others, technology can be a major distraction. Be mindful of your attention levels when working with background noise or other technologies. It’s important to decide what works for you. Does music aid your productivity and focus? If not, keep the TV off and your personal phone on silent.
Define your workspace.Whether it’s your kitchen or home office, having a defined workspace is essential to working efficiently. Having a dedicated space trains your mind to associate it with productivity. It also allows you to get used to what’s going on around you and not be constantly distracted by a new space that you may want to tidy up or explore.
Plan activities for your kids.Children and young adults may have also had their routines flipped upside down. Try to create a daily game plan for them (and take your meeting schedule into account, too). Establish time to eat, read, rest, participate in educational programs, be creative and limited screen time. It’s a great opportunity to introduce them to your favorite childhood games that they may have ignored before.
Plan your meetings appropriately.Technology has made it easier than ever for you to collaborate with your colleagues from wherever you may be. Be mindful of everyone’s time and plan for a quiet space free from interruptions. When the whole team or company is working remotely, it may be better to have an email chain for information.
Keep a bullet journal.If you’re looking for a way to stay better organized and on-task, this could be the tool for you. A bullet journal is a customizable organization system. By implementing an index, page numbers, specific topics and labeling your tasks based on priority level; you will be maximizing your productivity in no time. Bullet journals are helpful when your work life collides with your home life – they can help you keep track of everything all in one space.
Allow time for physical activity. Doing a few jumping jacks in between meetings or walking around your home can help to reset your focus. If you prefer a more defined exercise, you can do our ABC workout. The words you choose for your workout can be the topic of your previous meeting.
Be social. The sudden shift can make you feel alone. Plan time in your day to call or video chat loved ones or co-workers. It will help you feel connected even when you can’t physically be there.
Get outdoors. Take some time during your lunch hour to go for a walk. It will help fight Seasonal Affective Disorder and of course helps you get some steps in, too. If you have kids, bring them with you to get everyone out of the house for a little while.
Don’t forget about self-care. With so much change happening, it can seem like there’s no time for yourself. Remember that it is more important now than ever to take care of you. You can try our DIY spa day ideas to help you relax. Self-care is never selfish.

Ultimately, every person is different and adapts to their working environments differently. Take time to learn your habits and what you need to do to stay on-task. If you often work from home, hopefully these tips will get the wheels turning for you to decide what aids you in working productively.

What’s remote working habits keep you productive?