The Best Ways To Work From Home For Better Productivity

Our homes should be a sanctuary where we can escape the pressures of the day, whether they come from work or from life in general. However, when your place of comfort transforms into your work space, it can be challenging to find the right balance.

Here are some helpful tips to maintain a sense of routine and find balance while working from home, even if you’re sharing the space with others.

Start your day with a positive mindset.

When you don’t have to deal with the stress of rush hour traffic, it’s easy to give in to the temptation of sleeping in well past your usual wake-up time. However, it’s important to be cautious. If you typically find yourself rushing through your mornings without a moment to spare for breakfast, take advantage of these precious extra minutes to whip up a nourishing meal for yourself. Another great way to kickstart your day is by incorporating mindful meditation into your routine.

Create a dedicated area.

If you don’t have a designated workspace at home, it’s important to set aside an area specifically for work purposes. When preparing for maximum productivity, it’s important to eliminate any potential distractions. Instead, consider filling the space with items that can bring a sense of joy and positive energy, like plants and soothing aromatherapy candles or wax-melters.

Say goodbye to those cosy sleepwear options.

Indeed, there’s something undeniably cosy about being able to answer calls while wearing sweatpants. Switching from your comfy loungewear to something more professional can really help you get into the right headspace to tackle your work. When you present yourself in a professional manner, you’ll naturally exude professionalism.

Stay motivated and keep pushing forward.

If you’re in the mood for some leg stretching, don’t hesitate to go for a walk, whether it’s around your house or down the street. This activity is guaranteed to give you a surge of energy and help you avoid fatigue. Another option is to spend a few hours working outside.

Make sure to take regular breaks.

Is your typical morning routine to have breakfast around 9 a.m., then take a quick break at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 1:30 p.m., and another short break at 3 p.m.? It’s important to maintain consistency, even when you’re at home. It’s important to prioritise sticking to your regular schedule. This encompasses the time you take for lunch and any other breaks you may have away from your desk. Rise from your seat and take a stroll. It will enhance your productivity upon your return.

Now that you have a good grasp of the basics, let’s dive into some additional tips that will come in handy for various work-from-home situations.

Working with a roommate or partner:

When it comes to working with a flatmate or partner, it’s crucial to establish clear boundaries and expectations right from the beginning. Just like in any other relationship, if you don’t express your thoughts and feelings early on, resentment will start to grow. It’s important to have a clear understanding of your work-from-home requirements, and it’s equally important for your colleagues to have a clear understanding of theirs.

It’s a good idea to have separate work spaces if you can. It’s best to steer clear of communal spaces that are typically meant for socialising and watching TV. If you have a meeting or enjoy listening to music while you work, it’s a good idea to wear headphones. Dealing with a loud co-worker in the office can be quite frustrating, and the same applies when you’re at home.

It’s important not to coordinate breaks with each other. If you’re able to and want to take a break at the same time, that’s perfectly fine. However, there’s no need to change your routine to accommodate others, and the same goes for them.

Working with a child:

When working with a child, it’s important to set goals for the day, but also be flexible and adaptable. It’s no secret that kids can be quite unpredictable. Create a list of two to three things that you are confident you can achieve, as well as a list of things that you aspire to accomplish. When you avoid overwhelming your to-do list, you increase your chances of having a productive day.

Get creative when coming up with activities for your kids. If you have someone else at home who can help out, you can suggest engaging them in a time-consuming activity, like an art or science project. That will give you more time during your workday.

It’s always a good idea to plan meals in advance, if you can. Preparing breakfast and lunch ahead of time can be a game-changer, freeing up valuable time and making it easy for you or your children to grab a quick bite without disrupting your workflow.

Embrace the benefits of screen time. While it’s important to be mindful of screen time for children, there are plenty of online educational tools and programmes that can keep little ones engaged and entertained for hours. Remember to prioritise your well-being by taking a break during the day to enjoy some fresh air. If you can, try incorporating some fun movement activities like yoga or dancing.

Working with a pet:

When you transition from working in an office to working from home, your furry friend might become overjoyed with the extra attention, which can sometimes make it challenging to focus on your work. Chances are, they’ve grown accustomed to your regular wake-up time, so it’s crucial for you to stick to your usual routine as much as you can.

Consider taking your furry friend on a slightly longer stroll in the morning. Engaging in this activity can provide a much-needed outlet for excess energy, effectively warding off the dreaded mid-afternoon burst of hyperactivity.

Cats can be quite curious creatures, always wanting to explore everything around them. However, if you find it difficult to keep them away from your keyboard, especially when you’re working on a laptop, it’s best to avoid letting them sit on your lap. That will surely capture their interest. Another suggestion is to close the door to the room you’re in while working.

It’s important to try your best to stick to your pet’s regular feeding schedule. It’s important to maintain a consistent feeding schedule for your pets to avoid disrupting their routine and prevent them from begging for food at inconvenient times, like during important meetings or phone calls.