In light of the Coronavirus outbreak, millions of employees are working remotely. Here are 7 tips to help you stay productive and sane while working from home!
1. Invest in Quality Work Equipment & Technology
Having reliable equipment and technology is the most important component to success when working from home. Simply because if you don’t have the right equipment to do your job, then you can’t do your job! Here are two ways to advance your equipment or technology.
- Get that second monitor you’ve been considering. If you have the ability to work from home, then you’re probably already equipped with a personal laptop or desktop. Instead of flipping back and forth through spreadsheets and emails on one tiny laptop screen, save yourself the headache by investing in that second monitor. This is a game changer for those who haven’t used a second monitor before! Browse Amazon for affordable monitors and you’ll be able to find options as low as $91.00! Here’s a link to a personal favorite.
- High Speed Wi-Fi is a must! It’s 2020, of course you need a reliable internet connection. Nothing is more frustrating than slow internet – or worse, losing connection in the middle of an important Zoom meeting! To prevent either of these productivity and soul killing scenarios from happening, you want to make sure you have high speed WiFi at home. Call your provider and upgrade to high speed internet, connect to the internet via ethernet, or only have a couple necessary electronic devices synced to your WiFi at a time.
2. Create a Dedicated Workspace
Working from home can be either too distracting or too comfortable to get anything done. Sure working from home means you get to wear your PJs, but don’t compromise your work area! Slouching over the coffee table is doing your back more harm than good. To set yourself up for success, you should first establish a dedicated work space conducive to productivity. Find a proper sitting area similar to the one you have at work, even if it means investing in a new desk and chair. If you’re looking for a temporary set-up, consider buying used furniture or a folding table & chair that’s easy to put away. This way you aren’t working from your couch or bed which can feel too relaxing for work. To keep you from getting distracted, you should only keep work related things at your dedicated work space. If you have kids, a significant other, or pets at home with you, you may want to set some rules so they aren’t constantly grabbing your attention and distracting you from your work.
3. Open Blinds for Natural Sunlight
There are several benefits linked to getting enough natural sunlight including overall well-being and productivity. In fact, The Harvard Business review says the #1 Office Perk is not the premium perks such as on-site childcare or fitness centers, but natural sunlight! This is because natural sunlight is fundamental to human needs and the brain is literally wired to respond positively to receiving natural sunlight. Studies show exposure to sunlight triggers the brain to release Serotonin, a key hormone in mood regulation. When your serotonin levels are normal, you feel happier, more relaxed, and more focused. So, if you’re still deciding where to set up your dedicated work space, consider a room with lots of natural sunlight. If you’ve already got an office space near a window, try opening up the blinds. This will help to boost your productivity and overall mood. Soak up the sun as best as you can!
4. Develop a Routine that Incorporates Breaks
Working from home can be so comfortable that taking breaks can be easily forgotten! This is why it can be helpful to develop a routine that includes time to reset throughout the day. You may think that you are being less productive by taking breaks, but in actuality, it has quite the opposite effect. Research shows that working for long stretches at a time without breaks hinders performance, while taking breaks boosts creativity and productivity. This explains why after taking a break, you often come up with a solution to that difficult problem you were tackling earlier. Now that you understand the importance, the next step is to develop a routine that helps you stay consistent on taking multiple breaks throughout the workday. You can set reminders or alerts on your phone for not only your routine breaks, but also for when it’s time to eat lunch, let the dog out, do your midday stretch, or pause at the end of the work day! Speaking of breaks, it looks like it’s time to step outside for some fresh air. 
5. Make Lists
After communicating with your supervisor or team, it may be helpful to make a list of to-dos! This will help you to prioritize tasks and stay organized. Since there is less structure when working from home, making lists will help you to stay focused on the task at hand. When making your list you should prioritize your tasks in order of highest to lowest priority and then start from the top. You also want to take into account the time it takes to do each task. If some of your tasks take much longer than others, it might be best if you knocked out the ones that are easiest and quickest first. You will also feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction after finishing each task which will help motivate you to complete the next one. That’s another tip you can check off the list!
6. Over-Communicate
It’s true what they say about being in a relationship, communication is KEY. Same goes for when you’re working remotely. Whether you and your coworkers chat on Skype Business or in a group text message, staying connected is important. Communicating helps you stay in the shuffle of everyday workflow. Never assume someone else is handling a task or answering the next call. Ask questions, be clear and concise, ask for feedback, and offer suggestions for improvement. One of the best things you can do to show your teammates you’re present is ask follow up questions. Opt for a video call next time you have a meeting scheduled. When you’re stepping away from your desk or returning, let everyone know so there is never a question about your whereabouts during work hours. If your job is mostly independent instead of collaborative, reach out to a fellow coworker and get to know them! Conversations don’t always have to be work-related. Maybe take this opportunity to get to know some of your fellow colleagues. This will help you feel more connected to the outside world and the rest of your work team!
7. Stick to an Exercise Routine
Whether you are active or inactive in the gym, your home is the perfect place to start a new exercise routine! Now that you’ve shaved 30 minutes off your daily commute, use that extra time to fit in a quick daily workout. Besides, it’s only 30 minutes! Thanks to YouTube, there is an assortment of at-home workout videos available for free that require little to no equipment. This means you can easily stick to a workout routine from home! In fact, did you know that exercising regularly not only helps you be more productive throughout your workday, but also helps boost your immune system?
- Immune system benefits of exercise. Studies show a link between exercising regularly and a stronger immune system. This is because during exercise, there is a temporary increase in the production of macrophages, a type of cell that helps fight off bacteria. Exercising also facilitates a more rapid circulation of immune cells throughout the body which helps your immune system kill viruses better.
- Productivity benefits of exercise. There are several benefits from exercising that help boost productivity and brain functioning.
More Energy– When you exercise your body releases endorphins, a hormone produced naturally by your body that gets released when you are doing something that requires a burst of energy. According to nutritionist, Samantha Heller, MS, RD, “Exercising literally creates energy in your body. Your body rises up to meet the challenge for more energy by becoming stronger.”
Sharper Focus and Improved Memory– According to studies, moderate regular exercise improves cognitive functioning. Dr. John Ratey, author of “Spark – The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain” says exercise enhances focus for two to three hours directly after a workout. Other studies show that exercise literally increases the size of your brain, specifically your hippocampus – the part of the brain that plays a major role in learning and memory.
So, if you tend to get fatigued around 3 pm, try taking a break from work and opt for a quick workout to help you refocus and re-energize. All while boosting your immune system, gaining muscles, and growing the size of your brain! Not a bad deal at all if you ask us!
Sources:
Can Too Much Exercise Decrease Your Immunity?
How physical exercise makes your brain work better
Why Exercise Boosts Mood and Energy
Exercise for Energy: Workouts That Work
6 Ways Exercise Makes You Smarter
