A transition to working from home offers individuals flexibility and ease on a daily basis. However, establishing a new normal requires discipline and structure. While at home, here are a few tips to help you be productive and maintain balance. 

 

Establish Your Morning Routine

Just because you are not physically entering your workplace does not mean structure has to cease. Create a doable morning routine, and dedicate time to allow yourself to get on track, mentally and physically, for the day. Carve out 30 minutes to an hour that is solely dedicated to becoming awake, alert, and ready to take on the day. This routine can be filled with activities necessary for efficiency and peace such as exercise, making breakfast, meditating, or reading a book. Whatever your routine includes, be consistent to ensure productivity on a daily basis.

 

Create a Workspace

When working from home, setting up shop in front of your television while sitting on your comfortable couch or bed can be tempting. However, this can lead to distractions and ineffective practices. Creating a workspace allows you to designate a specific area designed to help you be focused and efficient. Defining your new workspace at home can be a new and exciting adventure! This area should help foster productivity, host the necessary supplies to get your work done, and reflect your personality. Designate an area that is by a window for a view of the outdoors, near an outlet for your computer, and is well lit. Be sure to select a chair that is comfortable but also provides support. To add your personality, select decorative pieces that speak to you and let your office desk make a statement. Framing photos of friends, family, and loved ones are also great personal touches. However you design it, your workspace should be clean and decluttered for maximum productivity.

 

Stick to a Schedule

Just like your morning routine, sticking to a daily schedule is important to maintaining productivity at home. It is important to have clear guidelines on when to work and when to, metaphorically, clock out. Establishing a schedule can be done by creating a daily to-do list as well as setting daily and weekly goals for yourself. The key is making these goals attainable. Prioritize by filling your to-do list first with tasks that are time sensitive and achievable. Then, write down larger responsibilities that can be accomplished by breaking them down. Check off or cross out your tasks as you complete them. By the end of the day and week, you will see everything you accomplished that made up your daily, and ultimately, weekly goals. 

 

Carve out Breaks

Being productive requires taking necessary breaks. Let your brain recharge by scheduling 15 to 20 minute breaks. During these breaks, do an activity that will help to clear your mind of your current tasks by temporarily stepping away from your workspace, computer, and phone screens. Activities like taking a walk or journaling can help you escape your current mindset and allow you to come back to a task with a refreshed perspective. Breaks also allow you to include a healthy balance in your work schedule.

 

However you decide to be productive at home, be sure to allow yourself with a schedule that provides a balance of efficiency and flow.