A remote work environment is beneficial in many ways. Extra family time, flexible work hours, and no commute-related stress or expenses are a few perks of working from home. But it comes with its own set of challenges. Figuring out how to be productive at home tops the list of concerns.
The freedom and flexibility in a work-from-home arrangement can backfire if you don’t manage your time well. It can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Your relationships and work-life dynamics get affected. This can void you of motivation and decrease your work efficiency. If you’re struggling with the same, this post discusses the best ways to be productive while working from home.
How to be productive at home while working remotely
Here’s a guide to the five most effective ways to be productive at home.
1. Prioritize right and time-block your day accordingly
It’s easy to lose track of time while working from home. Making a daily to-do list isn’t enough.
Divide tasks into categories, like urgent, important, and non-urgent stuff. You can use the Eisenhower matrix to achieve this. Prioritize the tasks that need your immediate attention, followed by the lesser critical work, and so on. Complete tasks that require focus and attention when you feel most productive during the day. Your stress levels are low, and you can meet all deadlines regardless of the workload.
End your day by detailing the next day’s to-do list to gain control over your time and remain organized before the workday starts.
Practice time blocking to thrive in a remote working environment. Divide your daily tasks into manageable time slots. Block time for your meals, breaks, and chores as well. This gives you a realistic timeline to manage all tasks and maintain a proper work-life balance.
Time blocking becomes easier with Loopin’s flawless integration of your calendar and to-do list. You can drag action items from your to-do list straight to the calendar for efficient time-blocking.
2. Create a specific work zone at home
Set up a distraction-free workspace where you can prevent interruptions. Keep your supplies, like laptops, files, headphones, stationery, etc., handy in your workstation.
Don’t work from a couch or bed, as they can lull your brain into a relaxation mode. They can also affect your body posture and cause back pain.
Being productive at home becomes easier with a designated workspace. This simple switch from working from your bed to having a comfortable desk as your workstation will draw a line between your personal and professional life.
3. Keep your workspace organized
Keeping your workstation decluttered helps you stay focused. A structured workspace keeps all the non-work-related tasks away from your brain and facilitates deep work. It saves time and energy as everything remains accessible.
4. Set boundaries to minimize distraction
Ensure to make the most of your day by limiting distractions. If possible, switch off your social media apps, keep doors shut, and eliminate any noise that throws you off-track while working.
Laying ground rules with people sharing your living space can significantly improve your time management. Be specific about your availability so you can maximize productivity during your work hours at home.
5. Dress up before hopping onto your work mode
Working from home lets you get things done without changing out of your comfy pajamas. But it’s not the best way to command your brain to start work. Dressing up for work-from-home alerts your brain to prepare for a different activity
Your brain starts prepping itself for an active mode when you create similar situations like working from an office. Changing clothes can spur your productivity and switch on your work mode even at home.
6. Maintain a healthy eating and sleeping cycle
A healthy diet and proper rest keep your energy levels high and help your brain function better. The work-from-home arrangement gives you enough mind space if you plan your routine well. You can use this time to plan healthy meals and eat them daily at the same time.
Plan your bedtime mindfully to relax your body and mind. Keep your gadgets away from your bed when you schedule rest periods. Otherwise, it’s easy to fall into the rabbit hole of mindlessly scrolling through social media.
With a proper sleep schedule and eating habits, you will eventually develop a disciplined routine. This will benefit your mental and physical health. You’ll be able to lead a happy life and manage your time effectively and is one of the best ways to be productive at home.
Spending all your time locked within four walls can affect your mental health. Make time from your busy schedule to be outdoors and get some fresh air. You can use this time for socializing or spending some quiet moments with yourself.
Head out of your workspace to get your body moving. This will lift your mood and boost your productivity levels. It’s good to have company when you go out, especially when you spend most of your day staring at a computer screen.
Include outside time as your self-care routine in your to-do list and notice the difference in your efficiency while working from home.
Final words: How to be productive while working from home
Implement the above tips while working from home to make the most of your work hours. These practices are designed to boost productivity while taking care of your mental health. With these practical tips, you never have to worry about your deadlines, pending tasks, or having a work-life balance.
Which practices do you swear by that maximize your productivity while working remotely? Tweet your best tips and tag us @LoopinHQ so we can spread the word.
