As you enter yet another month of working from home, you may find yourself starting to lose focus. Trying to stay productive for an 8 hour workday in your relaxation zone is not an easy task. Redefining the idea of productivity and your 8-hour workday may be the only way to maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid procrastination. Follow these tips to help you feel more productive while working from home.
Take Breaks
Are you feeling stressed because you don’t think you are working a full 8 hour day? Try to remind yourself that you likely did not work 8 full hours or even 7 hours at the office. With your lunch break, coffee breaks, meetings, chats with coworkers, and daily activities, 8 full hours was a long shot.
Taking breaks is what will help your mind recharge and keep your productivity level up during your workday. Make sure while you take your 15-minute coffee break that you are not also answering emails. Your break should be work-free, so you are able to come back refreshed and ready to tackle your tasks.
Extra Hours
Now that you are working from home, you may feel inclined to start your day earlier or finish later. If you were someone who left their computer at the office and did not work after hours, that routine should be carried over while working from home. Continuing to work, or even thinking about work outside of your designated hours can be detrimental to the time you actually spend working.
Ensure you work to your full extent during those “office hours” and do not continue to work afterwards. Try to think in an office mindset, where once you start in the morning you try to accomplish all your objectives for the day, with a normal amount of breaks. Once the day has finished, put your tools away and take time to replenish your body and your brain.
Small Tasks
You’re probably having trouble with wanting to work to the best of your ability while also accomplishing all of your housework. Doing small tasks throughout the day can relieve some stress and free up time after work to participate in personal activities. Whether you choose to watch Netflix, play tennis, or just read a book on the couch, by freeing up this time you can take full advantage post-work.
Try to take a 15-minute break to fold some laundry, clean your counters, tidy up your living room or bedroom. This will alleviate some stress to ensure you take full advantage of your relaxation, and your “you time.”
Working from home can be quite challenging, especially for those who have never done it before. Taking time for your well-deserved breaks, working to your full potential during office hours, and ensuring you put the work aside after is key. You will feel more productive and avoid procrastinating so that you can achieve more, effectively and efficiently.
