Many of us are working from home right now and will continue to do so for a while. But while our responsibilities are the same, the environment is not, which can make it hard to focus on the tasks at hand. Here are our top tips to create a functional work area and stay productive:
Choose A Space Based On Your Needs
A home office or dedicated workspace might not always be ideal. Depending on the project, you might find it better to curl up on the sofa one day and sit at the dining table the next.
Declutter Your Workspace
Claim a clutter-free zone wherever you decide to work from. Make sure there’s no ‘stuff’ lying around that can distract you.
Create A Morning Routine
To get in the right mindset, get ready as you would if you were going into the office – that means no lounging around in pajamas. Switch off the television, make your morning cup of coffee, and jot down your to-do list for the day.
Build That Perfect Work-From-Home Setup
If you work in bed or on the sofa, make sure you’ve got a small table within easy reach. You’ll need to set down a glass of water, paperwork, and your phone. Prop your laptop up to eye level to reduce strain on your neck. Prop yourself up with supportive pillows to keep your posture in check.
Light Up The Room
If you do not have enough natural light streaming in through the windows, pull the blinds and flip on the light switch. Use table lamps to tackle insufficient overhead lighting.
Create A Personalized Work Area
Use elements like fresh flowers or candles that promote a calming or inspiring environment to create a cozy yet productive space suited to your individual working style.
Set A Daily Schedule
Establish regular work hours and take adequate breaks in between. This will help you avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Get Out Of The House
A 10-minute walk will give your eyes a break from the screen and encourage the flow of new ideas.
Log Out!
Just because you’re working from home, doesn’t mean you should be logged in 24/7. Allow yourself some downtime at the end of the day – we all need it, no matter where we are working from.
Make sure to log out, turn off notifications, stretch, or pick any activity that signals to your brain the end of your workday.
