The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to work remotely. While there are some advantages to working from home, it can also be difficult to stay productive. Today we're going to talk about some tips for staying productive when working remotely. Let's get started!
Get dressed and ready for the day as if you were going into the office. This will help put you in a professional mindset and get you ready to work.
If you work remotely, it can be tempting to just roll out of bed and start working in your PJs. But if you want to stay productive throughout the day, it’s important to get dressed and ready for the day as if you were going into an office. This doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit or dress shoes (unless that’s what makes you feel most professional), but getting out of your PJs and taking a shower will help you mentally prepare for the day ahead. Plus, getting dressed will make it easier to take breaks during the day – instead of lounging on the couch in your PJs, you can go for a walk or do some stretches without feeling self-conscious.
Set up a dedicated workspace in your home where you can focus on your work without distractions.
When working remotely, it is important to have a dedicated workspace in order to stay productive. This can be a spare room in your house or apartment that you can set up as an office, or even just a corner of your living room where you can put a desk and chair. The important thing is to have a space where you can focus on work and not be distracted by other things going on in your home. Another tip for staying productive when working remotely is to establish a routine and stick to it as much as possible. Get up at the same time each day, take breaks at the same times, and start winding down for the day at a set time as well. Having this structure will help your mind know when it is time to focus on work and when it is time to relax. Finally, try to avoid working in bed or on the couch if possible. These are places where we tend to associate with relaxation and leisure activities, so it can be hard to switch gears into work mode when using them as our remote office space. If you don’t have another area of your home that you can use as a dedicated workspace, try setting up a makeshift desk in another room or even outside if weather permits.
Make sure to take breaks throughout the day, just like you would at an office job
When working remotely, it can be easy to get caught up in your work and forget to take breaks. However, taking breaks is important for both your physical and mental health. Get up and move around every hour or so. Taking a break to walk around or stretch will help you stay focused and avoid eye strain. Don't forget to take a real lunch break, away from your desk. This will help you relax and rejuvenate for the afternoon ahead. Reading a book, take a walk outside, or call a friend – anything that will help you recharge mentally. I also started setting aside some time at the end of the day to wind down and transition out of work mode. This could involve listening to calming music, writing in a journal, or doing some gentle stretching exercises.
These are a few tips that I've found to help productivity when working remotely from home. It's also a good idea to have a space away from home that you can work at on days you want to leave the house. This is where coworking spaces like ours comes into the picture! Signing up for a coworking space near your home allows you the freedom to work at a professional setting that's not your home or a coffee shop. If you live in the Queens, NY area and want a flexible space to work out of, then try out The Austin Space in Forest Hills, NY. Contact us to learn more.