The COVID-19 pandemic turned the idea that to work efficiently, you have to be in an office on its head. More people than ever work from a home office or space. So how do you stay focused at home? Well, there are a few methods that can make the situation easier. Continue reading and find out how to work more efficiently from home.
1. Schedule Regular Breaks
Given the pandemic, it is no surprise to see more websites giving their ideas on the matter of staying at home and working from there. Oberlo explains how to deal with the challenges of working from home on their website as well. And the first thing on their list is regular breaks.
Getting lost in work and not keeping things in check can be too difficult, especially in instances when you do not have to adjust to a strict schedule and other people around you.
Lack of regular breaks will lead to health problems and a drop in work efficiency. Be sure that you spend some time away from the computer or phone. Also, take a real lunch break instead of gobbling down a sandwich and getting back to work right afterward.
2. Set Ground Rules
Ground rules are something to consider if you are living together with others. Being alone makes the situation easier since you do not have to worry about as many interruptions. However, having family and working from home when they stay there as well can become too much.
Take the time to discuss the arrangements so that everyone is on the same page. You do not want to get distracted and fail at your work. While the family is important, the work should be done regardless. You can have your leisure at the end of the day when you are finished.
There should also be a workplace dedicated to the job and nothing else. Even if the area is small, you will still know that staying there means you have to work and not do anything else.
3. Stay in Touch With Your Colleagues
Lack of socializing can be a real downer to some people. Thus, you need to keep in touch with your coworkers and friends more. Even if you cannot meet in real life, a video call or a simple text can make the day brighter. And keep in mind that others feel the same and would be more than happy to hear from someone they know and like.
4. Remove Distractions
Working in a not so restricted environment means that you are more free to do some things, like not having to mute your smartphone. However, you should still remember that there is work to do, and distractions like social media notifications can drag your efficiency down by quite a lot. Get rid of these distractions so that your workflow is not interrupted.
5. Create a Morning Routine
Not having to commute every morning means that you can stay up and not leave the bed for longer. Nevertheless, it is easy to get into the habit of pushing it until the last minute. There should still be a regular morning routine that allows you to get up at a decent hour and get on with the work.
6. Listen to Music
Music can be a good motivator. It is highly likely that you cannot listen to your favorite songs at work, but staying at home gives you that freedom. There is nobody that watches you from behind, meaning that you do not have to stress yourself over and play whatever you like.
7. Be Physically Active
Do not neglect your body. Being in the comfort of your home can become too much of an issue if you are not careful. You may find that there is not as much stuff to worry about, and it becomes easier to relax. There will be more time for that as well.
It all adds up, and you can damage your health by quite a bit. Try to be physically active, even if you need to exercise at home.
8. Reward Yourself
At the end of the day, you should give yourself something for all the work you put in throughout the day. Even if it is an insignificant thing, you will still have something to look forward to every time you finish work. And that ought to keep the motivation at a higher level.
By Chris Lewis
