7 Ways to Become More Productive When Working From Home

Having a hard time focusing on work?

Getting stressed and tired of your long to-do list, and not being able to finish anything?

These are some of the signs that you are lacking productivity.

What you must keep in mind is that this lack of productivity leads to feelings of unhappiness. Do not let it linger and manifest; instead, look for a way to revitalise your productivity.

Here are simple tricks to boost your productivity, especially when working from home:

1. Plan your work

Productivity needs proper planning.?

Having a planner helps in designating tasks in every timeframe. This gives you the best use for your time.

Other than a planner, you can use an alarm application on your phone so you'll know when to work and when to take a break. If one or two hours are designated for working, make sure you get rid of unnecessary tasks not related to your work.

Scheduling ahead also means you have to think of your work tasks. When prioritising your workload, it's best to tackle the most difficult task first. This prevents procrastination and gives you the momentum to continue working after you’re done.

2. Have a routine

Starting your mornings with good energy will affect how you are for the rest of the day.

Have a routine - be it opening up the windows to let fresh air in, or doing yoga. This sets the mood for your entire day.

Your routine should also include going to sleep early and waking up at the same time every day. When working remotely, you will get used to having freedom in time management. Use it wisely.

Turning into an early riser will give you enough head start on your day. Waking up hours before work would give you plenty of time to whip up some breakfast, exercise, and catch up on the latest news.?

3. Let go of distractions

What is one thing they always mention when talking about productivity? Distractions.

Unfortunately, this is one work-from-home (WFH) downside. When working at home, distractions are bound to happen. You could be focused on work one second, and the next second you're already at your doorstep picking up deliveries.

Another thing to think of is that working remotely means we're unsupervised. While working, it is inevitable to itch for your phone, just to scroll through TikTok for a couple of minutes.

However, these minutes can turn into hours. And the moment you lose focus and give in to these distractions, it's harder to get back on track.?

Change your time management habits by sticking to your planned schedule. Don't let phone notifications ruin your momentum.

4. Limit online meetings

Remote work can feel lonely, and sometimes Zoom meetings are there to decrease feelings of isolation.

However, Zoom fatigue is a real dilemma and can decrease one's productivity. Try and limit these calls to a maximum of 45 minutes only. Check out the meeting agenda and see if it’s really worth attending. Skip it if it’s not.

5. Recharge every break

Do you pick up your phone first thing during your break?

Break this cycle of mindless scrolling. Instead, do something that keeps your mind off of things. For a few minutes, you can stretch, take a walk, go out for a snack, or check in with your friends. Do something that clears the mind.

This gives your brain a break.?

Going online could only add up to the stress, or the information your brain is processing.?

Check out these tips on how to create healthy habits when working from home .?

6. Celebrate and reward

Done with your first task? Cross it off your planner.?

This small gesture releases dopamine and causes a brief feeling of elation. You feel happy and proud that you finished a task, and you'll be motivated to move on to the next one.

Appreciate the small wins, and celebrate them all. The gist of it is that self-love leads to happiness, and happiness leads to productivity - it's a cycle.?

So the next time you get through a difficult task at work, think of how you're going to reward yourself this weekend. Plan a vacation so you have something to look forward to.?

7. Track your progress

It's difficult to see how far we've come when we're losing focus.?

At the end of the day, write down what you've accomplished so far. See your successes for yourself and appreciate them for what they are.

Always be kind to yourself. Review your progress and use positive self-talk, instead of sabotaging yourself.

One of our enemies to becoming truly productive is ourselves. Think kindly, and make sure to use empowering words and affirmations to start your progress.

The bottom line is that your well-being and your productivity come hand-in-hand. There is no going forward if you're not taking note of your discipline, mental and physical health, and attitude towards work.

If you like reading this and would like to read more career tips, I recommend signing up to Fllair.com

They produce weekly content about job search, career, and wellbeing in the workplace that are exclusive to its members.

Fllair also has a resume template feature that you can use when you apply for a job. So make

sure to check it out too!

If you are looking for jobs in a work from home set up, or even in an office, I highly recommend checking out Optimum Consulting’s Job Site .?

They have a lot of opportunities for all types of careers from engineering, accounting, marketing, logistics , and many more.

Stay productive, everyone!

---------------

Hi, I’m Crisel Blenda Fernandez!

I’m a digital strategist and a writer. I work with Optimum Consulting and its innovative products such as My Employee Life a tool that supports workplace success and Fllair, a career platform, among others. Follow or connect with me here on LinkedIn for more helpful tips and articles.