WORKING FROM HOME: IT’S NOT JUST THE ROUTINE

I know that most posts about working from home talk about productivity tips (and you will find some below). However, there is one thing that they leave out that is the main challenge: managing to focus. Not only because you may have distracting (or annoying) spouses, kids, pets, parents…. You. Name. It! But because just going through the flow of emotions that the pandemic brings upon us is a job on itself.

So, my first tip is: check in with yourself. See where you are today (even this hour) and allow that to inform what task you will focus on today. Let’s say you are in the down side, seeing the future as very dark, then try to stay away from planning tasks. Go for your brain-less to-do list. Or let’s say you woke up with energy and a sense of acceptance of where we are (and may I dare say, some hope!), then take advantage of that swing to work on your marketing, your planning and the options ahead.

So, the same way you are using Netflix and social media, looking for different content depending on what your mood is, go ahead and try to work on the tasks that meet your emotional state. 

After that? Just follow the tips below for a more productive day.

1. Establish a workplace

If you have space, reserve a specific and separate area in your home where you can settle in, ideally with a desk and chair similar to your workplace. Repeating the same space helps go into your productive state faster.

2. Get dressed!

Staying in pajamas can be tempting, but bathing and dressing will not only improve your mental state, but it will also psychologically prepare you to start working. Likewise, changing your work clothes when you have finished working hours – even if you are at home – helps your brain understand that the day is over.

3. Establish your work schedule

Define a routine and a schedule and do not get out of it. Thus, it will be easier these days to separate work from your personal life.

4. Use tools that facilitate working (not socializing)

Try to separate yourself from WhatsApp, since it is not a working tool. It is important that you have additional tools and specifically for remote work, where only conversations of a labor nature are carried out, for example, Zoom for video calls and Asana to manage daily tasks with your team.

5. Stay active

Play sports at home, so we generate neurotransmitters such as endorphins, dopamine, melatonin or adrenaline that will help us smile, be more motivated, sleep better and not feel so much frustration and mental exhaustion.

And remember that this situation is difficult, but it will come to an end if we all stay home.