So you’re working from home.
Did you know, changing your work surroundings can have a big impact on your job performance? Whether you choose to enhance your productivity or let it diminish, is entirely up to you.
Here are some helpful tips to keep your creative juices flowing and your productivity up:
1. Take short breaks
Just like when you are in the office, on a job site, or recruiting new clients – TAKE A BREAK! No one expects you to be glued to your screen or device for eight hours straight. Get up, let the dog out, grab a snack, FaceTime a friend for a few minutes and then get back to it. Taking a few minutes every hour or so can help you maintain some sanity and take some pressure off of your shoulders. Sometimes if you walk away from a project for a few moments new ideas will begin to rush to your head and ultimately bring in more creativity.
2. Create a schedule or routine
When you would walk into your office, did you have a little ritual or routine? Maybe you would walk to your desk, turn on your monitor, grab a cup of joe, browse through your emails and set your to-do list for the week. Don’t let working from home deter you from this! It’s important to create a new routine to help keep that workflow. If you remind yourself to have specific tasks accomplished before a set time and stick to a schedule you will be able to stay on track!
3. Design your perfect playlist
You know what aids your own creativity and imagination. Utilize that! Make a new playlist that has songs that motivate you to get your work done. Finding inspiration in music can help you not only think outside the box but also pass the time. Plus, music can help block out any outside noises that may be distracting you.
4. Build a WFH (work from home) workspace
So you have a one-bedroom apartment and no actual “office space”, not to worry. Find a spot in your home that allows you to spread out and have room. Try using your kitchen island, or dining table as a new desk. This way you are still set up in a semi-office. Sitting at a table in a more structured environment will help keep yourself in a work-related mindset.
5. Stay fit and healthy
It’s always important to stay hydrated and energized, especially under stressful circumstances. Sometimes when we are loaded up with work we forget to take care of ourselves. Now that you are working from home, be sure to drink water and keep yourself active. You can always take a quick stroll around the block during your lunch break, or find a good workout online to complete when the workday is done (you don’t have to commute any more so no excuses ?). Either way, it is important to keep your body moving and alert, a healthy state can keep your mind sharp!