Working remotely can offer many benefits, such as flexibility, autonomy, and cost savings. However, it can also pose some challenges for your energy and motivation levels. How do you stay focused, productive, and engaged when you are not in a traditional office environment? Here are some tips to help you manage your energy and motivation levels when working remotely.
One of the keys to managing your energy and motivation levels when working remotely is to have a consistent and realistic routine. This means setting a regular schedule for your work hours, breaks, meals, and personal time. Having a routine can help you create boundaries between your work and your life, reduce distractions, and maintain a sense of structure and control. A routine can also help you align your work with your natural energy cycles, so you can optimize your performance and avoid burnout.
For me personally, getting myself ready in the same way I would to head into the office helps get me moving in the morning! I try to shower, do my hair, makeup ect before working hours start. I dont however, wear business clothing at home (unless I will be attending a virtual video meeting that day) so that remains one of the positives benefits in working remotely for me!
Agree with having a routine and schedule. Also always get dressed and put on shoes! Most will get dressed but putting on shoes adds another layer. During the pandemic I also stopped wearing comfy bottoms as it was too easy to kid myself on that I had not put on weight ?? I walk to and from my home office each day which adds another layer of separation.
I had a schedule and slots in which I would book my projects. The days I knew I had a lot of work I would wake up at 3am. I can work for long hours so my breaks were picking up my son from school and making him food. I really enjoyed making cakes so in all honesty I didn’t need breaks from that. I LOVED using my creativity as my “job”. I guess what I’m trying to say is, as long as you enjoy what you do. Everything related to that “job” like restocking or selecting molds. It’s all enjoyable and motivating.
Another important factor for managing your energy and motivation levels when working remotely is to create a comfortable and ergonomic workspace. This means choosing a location that is quiet, well-lit, and free of clutter. It also means investing in the right equipment, such as a chair, a desk, a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse, that support your posture and prevent strain and fatigue. Creating a comfortable workspace can help you enhance your focus, productivity, and well-being.
I would definitely set myself up. Comfortable chair. Comfortable music and I was ready to work. Cleanliness and organization was a must.
Creating a space conducive to productivity is high on my list of ways to stay motivated. It's been my personal experience that when my workspace is cluttered or uncomfortable, I'm not motivated to work because the space is distracting. I've had to purchase a standing desk as well as a more ergonomic desk chair so that the uncomfortable distraction is eliminated and I tidy up my desk daily to ensure clutter is at a bare minimum so I can be motivated to focus on my tasks at hand. Figure out your distractions and implement solutions to eliminate the distractions.
When you work remotely, you may be tempted to skip breaks or work longer hours than usual. However, this can have a negative impact on your energy and motivation levels, as well as your health and happiness. Therefore, it is essential to take regular breaks and move your body throughout the day. Taking breaks can help you refresh your mind, recharge your batteries, and prevent stress and boredom. Moving your body can help you improve your blood circulation, oxygen intake, and mood. You can take breaks and move by doing some stretches, walking around, meditating, or doing something fun.
Sitting for long periods of time can cause havoc on your health. I found this out the hard way. I now use my breaks and lunch time to take a walk outside and get some fresh air. It gives me a change of pace, gets me away from my computer and allows me extra health benefits like increasing my step count. Even 15 minutes adds 1000 steps to my goal. It also helps me not feel trapped, as working from home can sometimes do. Definitely take your breaks - you're worth it.
I agree that incorporating movement breaks are essential to overall productivity. Even 10 minutes outside has proven to give a burst of new energy so I try to instill breaks between tasks to keep momentum and stay focused on what I need to get done. Once it’s done, a quick stretch and onto the next.
Working remotely can sometimes make you feel isolated, lonely, or disconnected from your colleagues, clients, or customers. This can affect your energy and motivation levels, as well as your communication and collaboration skills. Therefore, it is important to stay connected and social when you work remotely. Staying connected and social can help you build rapport, trust, and feedback with your work partners, as well as share ideas, insights, and challenges. You can stay connected and social by using various tools, such as video calls, chat apps, or online platforms, and by scheduling regular check-ins, meetings, or social events.
Finally, one of the best ways to manage your energy and motivation levels when working remotely is to reward yourself and celebrate your achievements. Rewarding yourself and celebrating can help you boost your self-esteem, confidence, and satisfaction, as well as reinforce your positive behaviors and habits. You can reward yourself and celebrate by setting small and big goals, tracking your progress, and giving yourself incentives, such as treats, gifts, or compliments. You can also reward yourself and celebrate by sharing your successes with others, such as your family, friends, or colleagues.
Something else to consider is taking mental health days off from work to reset your mind and replenish your energy levels. When you're back to work you'll be able to be motivated, productive, and have the energy to power through your to-dos. In today's world, most employers are focused on making sure their staff is not burning out because its easier to leave and find a job that's better suited to fit the work life balance you’re looking for. So take some time for yourself to fill your cup so you can pour into others and help them be motivated as well.