New to remote work? You’re not alone. These tips will help you establish boundaries, stay healthy and be productive.
Give yourself a break
Okay, giving yourself a break may be an odd first tip for an article on ‘how to be productive’. But it’s listed first for a reason - transitioning to an at-home work environment can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first time.
It takes a while to get into a groove and discover what works best for you. Giving yourself a moment to adjust instead of beating yourself up over something you missed or a bad day is important to both your productivity and mental health. Now more than ever, we are learning to adapt and take everything day-by-day. Try to roll with the punches and stay positive amidst the uncertainty.
Keep a daily routine
Dragging yourself out of bed last-minute to work on your couch in sweats has probably gotten old by now. One of the best ways to keep your spirits and productivity high is to mimic your old work routine.
This means structuring your day so that you have time to wake up properly, get dressed, have breakfast and start work at the same time you usually would. If you can, set up your workspace similarly to how you had it in the office, take normal lunch breaks and turn off non-essential notifications after hours.
If you need some help managing your time, these apps are a great way to help you stay focused and on task.
Make mental & physical health a priority
It’s easier than ever to be a couch potato and screen junkie, but taking time to invest in your health will not only make you feel better, it will allow you to work better.
Cooking with the new iPad mini and Brydge 7.9 keyboard
Fortunately, there are plenty of creative ways to get exercise and eat healthy. During the work day, take breaks to stretch, meditate or go for a quick run. Getting your heart pumping for just 15-minutes will make all the difference. There are plenty of at-home workouts that professionals are offering for free.
Restaurant closures mean you finally have time to get in touch with your inner chef. The New York Times is well-regarded as having some of the best (and simple) recipes to try - and they are offering many of them for free! So stock up on the essentials and get cooking.
Set expectations
If you live with family or roommates, staying away from distractions is extremely challenging. Decide on your routine and share it with them. Let them know when you’re working you are not available to talk unless there is an emergency. Having everyone on the same page will allow you to stay in the zone without others feeling neglected. Also - invest in some noise-cancelling headphones!
Stay positive
Everyone is affected by this pandemic differently. If you have a job, home and food on the table, you are especially fortunate. This doesn’t mean you should feel guilty for struggling - there is a lot of uncertainty and adjusting is hard. But it does mean that you should try your best to embrace what you do have and the opportunities that this self-isolation can bring.
Rather than moving from your computer screen to your TV screen, think about a new hobby you always wanted to pick up or spend some time learning to garden with your kids. If possible, put away your work stuff at the end of the day to make relaxing easier.
For tips on how to improve your home workspace setup, check out our blog, 5 Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Home Workspace.
Brydge is a go-to brand for premium peripherals across mobile devices and the connected desktop. Visit our site to see how our products can enhance your home workspace and increase your productivity: www.brydge.com
