Is Monday killing you? Has work from home affecting your mental and physical health. If you dread Monday’s then it’s time you motivate yourself.
Telecommuting has many advantages such as you get to be close to your family, or roommates, or have the luxury of wearing whatever you like and comfort zone of home. The flexibility due to remote working is productive and boosts motivation but it can be distracting too.
With pandemics most of the companies have made work remotely a mandatory option due to lockdown but if you are not able to get into your usual work groove then there are surefire ways to motivate you, and give boost to increase your productivity.
Dedicate space at home for Home Office
Netflix and Chill has become a mantra these days with so many rules and regulations on all other entertaining options. And Netflix available on all the devices that you work on its pull is too enticing.
People enjoy sitting on the couch, watching television, and snacking in the kitchen so let’s face it if you combine the working with any of these favorite home activities then you are not going to be so motivated to get the work done.
As a matter of fact you would want to finish one more episode of your favourite season as you munch on snacks such as popcorn or Doritos. Only to realize that you haven’t worked on the assignment and you put the hours for your rest to work and thus affect your productivity to great extent.
So if you want to get your work done then first and foremost ensure you have space dedicated for your work. The space should be hundred percent free of distractions such as away from television.
You need to have a door that locks you in for privacy and a silent place to work.
Set rules with the family, especially children about your office timing, during the working hours so as not to disturb you. No barging in the middle of the meeting. A corporate office kind of environment should be made.
Make the dedicated room look like an office. Like you have a table, chair, appropriate stationary, easy access to tools and supplies that you would need. Your table is well set with video conferencing equipment, papers, and more.
Decor of the room should be able to inspire you. Display your career awards, achievements and certificates. Room should feel like an office. This will motivate you like the workplace.
In case you have a space crunch, just make sure you are not working at the place where you sleep. The desire to sleep will be more powerful here. That 5 minute nap will keep you off mode from working and you will miss your deadlines.
Renting space or community work space is also a good idea as it has the same benefits of working remotely but few distractions from your home.
Wake up Early
The wish to stay in bed is too much to get out and start working from home.
When you have an office at eight, you are organized in your schedule to wake up, get dressed and leave on time to reach your office.
However with work from home there is a set schedule and desire to stay in bed or work on home projects or watch series is too high.
So it is advisable that you wake up early. Make a schedule. Morning is a good time. Studies have shown that morning people are more productive. They are more in charge of making things happen.
If you are not a morning person then no worries you are not doomed for failure. Night people are known to be more creative and even smarter. So if you know that mornings aren’t going to work for you, then do not try and waste time to be a morning person instead set aside time when you are able to focus best and do best work.
Regular Routine is key
Disorganization will lead to an overwhelming situation and so a better approach is to have a habit or schedule. Determine your working pattern, when you work best, when you need a break or rest, time to eat your meals and so on. Make a checklist of everything you want to accomplish in a day on a daily basis such that you are able to set a routine.
Once a routine is set, and you get into the mode it will be easier for you to stay motivated to accomplish your tasks daily. Achieve set goals as you plan ahead and execute them.
Use technology
Technology is there to make our lives easy. So guess what for this there is productivity software. You are reading it right. You don’t have to handwrite your to do list or memorize your schedule task.
There are several productivity tools or software which help in staying organized.
Examples of such software are Slack, Dropbox, Focus Booster, Asana etc.
These software help in organizing your work schedule, meetings, communication and files placements.
Clothing
Work from home entitles me to have casual Friday everyday doesn’t it? Casual clothes give a casual attitude. It is recommended that you wear custom jeans or office wear at the time of working. It gives a professional feel and motivates me to work. Keep your sweat pants aside and dress up for work. It will boost your confidence, make you feel powerful, and increase your ability to see the big picture. You feel better about yourself and more productive.
Regular breaks and Vacations
Work piles up at times and it feels like you have no escape from it. Working remotely has that burnout effect. The best thing to do to avoid all this is take well calculated and regular breaks. Be away from your desk. Taking breaks helps and plenty of scientific studies have already proven this.
Taking breaks helps better brain function, helps to stay focused and reevaluate the day’s goals. Keeps you on track.
Vital to take vacations as well. You need time to rejuvenate, recover and for that vacation is the best solution. Vacation helps in relaxation, recuperation and when you are back you feel refreshed to work and voila better motivation to work.
Eliminate the distractions
Your personal work space is great but if you still have those distractions such as checking on Instagram, or chatting or spending too much time on Gchat then your work is going to suffer.
The Internet is a huge distraction and so you really need to concentrate and ensure your attention to your work is hundred percent.
Turning off notifications on the phone is the first thing you can do.
Set up Reward System
Simply put if you are able to manage your work, achieve set goals then reward yourself which in turn will push you to work harder as well as be organized.
You can reward yourself as you are your own boss.
Fresh Air is the best remedy. DO go out for a walk. Get some exercise done.
As long as you are focused on the task, work from home is great. Follow the advice and you will have a thriving home office and stay motivated and be highly productive.