Working remotely is often seen as an ideal situation for many individuals, as it allows them to steer clear of the hassles associated with rush hour traffic, workplace conflicts, and the need to wear formal attire. However, transitioning to a work-from-home setup can prove to be more challenging than anticipated for those who are new to this arrangement. While there are certainly advantages to remote work, there is also a risk of falling into unproductive habits that hinder one’s ability to accomplish tasks effectively. Losing focus can damage your career and scar your bottom line, so what do you do? Luckily, there are ways to combat the temptation of binge-watching Netflix or surfing the internet when you’re working from home. All it takes is a bit of adjustment and a plan.
Make a Routine
While it may be convenient to simply roll out of bed, grab a cup of coffee, and immediately sit in front of your computer, this approach is likely to have a negative impact on your productivity. It is important to cultivate a work mindset, and one way to do so is by loosely adhering to your pre-work routine when you had a job outside of your home.
For example, if your routine was to get up, take a shower, do your hair and makeup, and get dressed — do that. You can adjust some of those for home life, like maybe instead of full makeup, you apply a vegan makeup product like Lime Crime blush, mascara, and lip gloss. Also, instead of putting on a full suit, choose work clothes for home that you’re comfortable in, like yoga pants and a sleeveless shirt.
The key is to make a remote work routine that gets your mind ready to work while adjusting the specifics for your new location.
Create Your working at home Space
When using a laptop, it can be tempting to work from the comfort of a couch or bed. However, these cozy spots may not be conducive to productivity. It is advisable to establish a designated workspace, such as a desk, office, or dining room table, where you can focus on your tasks without distractions. It is important to anticipate interruptions and incorporate them into your work schedule to prevent them from disrupting your workflow and overall productivity.
Set up your area like an office the best you can, with everything you need within arm’s reach. Similarly, set up your computer like an office too, by only pulling up apps and programs relevant to your work. Don’t pull up social media accounts or your email, unless you use those for work because those rabbit holes will steal hours from you if you’re not careful.
Save your socializing for scheduled breaks or when your workday is over.
Have Daily Goals
Before you start work for the day, choose your goals. Look at the tasks you have to accomplish and set them as goals, but be reasonable. Setting too many goals that are impossible to finish in a day can be discouraging.
Consider the amount of time available to you each day for work and evaluate the tasks at hand. Subsequently, select the tasks that you believe can be accomplished within a day, even if you are unable to fully complete them. Utilize the outcomes from your workday and the objectives you have achieved to refine and modify your future work goals, making necessary adjustments along the way.
By consistently assessing and adjusting your approach, you will gain a clearer understanding of the time required to attain your goals, ultimately enabling you to establish a comfortable and efficient work rhythm within your personal environment.
Working From Home Is Possible
When you decide to work from home, there will be an adjustment period, but success is possible. Setting up a routine with breaks, carving out some workspace, and having daily goals are three key elements to make working from homework for you.
