Due to the recent pandemic (which has taken over the whole world!) a lot more of us are working from home. Many of us are not used to this new way of working and can get distracted VERY EASILY (guilty), so here is a list of some things I’ve been doing to help stay productive.
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Get a good night's sleep
This seems simple but it’s very easy to let your sleeping routine go when you know you don’t need to be up to catch that 7:00 a.m. bus tomorrow morning. I ensure I sleep on time by putting my phone across the room FROM me, or leaving it in my living room along with my other electronics; that way I know I won't be tempted to check my phone every two minutes.
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Try to reduce screen time in the mornings
When I wake up I try to avoid screen time for at least the first couple of hours of me being awake. I noticed that i was spending way too much time reading articles about COVID19 which was affecting my mood as well as my productivity.
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Have a ‘morning routine’
So I know this one sounds a little silly but it helps, I promise! My morning routine consists of cleaning my room, eating a healthy breakfast, and getting ready for work! I know we’re not leaving the house but changing out of your pjs/comfy clothes and into your ‘work clothes’ (or a more casual version of your work clothes) really helps as it mentally takes you from ‘home mode’ to ‘work mode’.
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Create a separate work space
Spaces really do affect your mentality, especially when working from home. I try to place my desk as far away from my bed as possible to avoid the temptation to get back into bed and scroll through Netflix. I also like to keep my desk clear to avoid any distractions; a clean, simple workspace keeps me focused on my work!
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Clear your desktop
I hadn’t realised, but all my open tabs and files on my desktop were really stressing me out. Decluttering my desktop really helps me stay focused and be productive. Clean space = clean mind.
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Make To Do lists
To Do lists are the main way I structure my work; everything I need to do I write down, even small tasks. This really helps with finishing tasks and improves my mood as I can see how productive I have been at the end of the day.
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Keep your phone on silent and away from your desk
My phone is my biggest distraction and when there's no one around to tell me to get off it I can very easily get distracted by it, therefore I keep it as far away from my desk as possible. I also keep any group chats that I am a part of on mute, that way I’m not constantly being notified.
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Take breaks
Every two to three hours I like to take 5-10 minute breaks, constantly being on a computer can really frazzle your mind and tire you out, so it’s important to have a little time away from your desk.
Well there you go folks! Those are my tips on how to stay productive while working from home; I hope they are of some use. Do let me know if you try any and comment down below any useful tips YOU have that might help.
As always, STAY SAFE and STAY INDOORS.
