Staying focused and productive can be difficult under the best of circumstances. But now, when many of us are working from home, it can be nearly impossible.
The Tipton team has put together a few suggestions to help you get ready, get set and get to work:
Designate a workspace. Pick a place in your home to serve as your “office” and use it every day you work. Having a dedicated space for business can put you in the right frame of mind and make you feel more motivated—and once you’ve finished your productive day, you’ll feel just as good when you step away from that space.
Stick to a schedule and a routine. We all find ways to avoid work when we’re stuck in the house. But you’ll find it easier to get going and be productive if you maintain your normal schedule. Wake up on time, take a shower, and get dressed as if you’re still going into the office. You’ll feel like a professional, so you’ll act like a professional.
Get up and move. Being productive doesn’t mean being chained to your desk (or kitchen table) staring at a screen. Break up your workday by moving around every once in a while. Try taking stretch breaks every hour or so—your body and your brain will thank you for it.
Make your bed every morning. It may sound silly, but when you start your day by completing a simple chore, you reward yourself with a feeling of accomplishment. Maintaining order, even with little wins, helps put you in control—and that makes you feel prepared, focused and ready to work.
Don’t try to multitask. Multitasking is overrated. Frankly, it usually means you’re putting less effort than normal into at least one of the tasks you’re trying to accomplish. This is true whether you’re working in the office or at home, but while you’re at home, the temptation to multitask is much greater. For example, if you’re on a work call, it may seem logical to put yourself on mute and throw a load in the washer. But while you’re focusing on separating colors from whites, you’re only half-listening to your call. This ties in to designating a workspace—if you’re in your workspace, you should be focused on work, not what you could be doing on top of it.
Working from home doesn’t have to be challenging. Simply follow these commonsense tips and you’ll find yourself poised, professional and productive every day.