In the old days, we all worked in an office, unlike now, when many of us have the privilege of working from home. Yes, this has countless benefits, such as allowing us to work more comfortably and freely. However, it’s easy to get distracted or lack stimulation from it. If you’re bored out of your mind working from home, here are some tips that could help you stay motivated.
Schedule Breaks
It’s very important to take regular breaks when working from home, just like you would in the office. Don’t spend these breaks on social media at your desk; schedule short breaks to go outside, stretch, walk around, or grab a snack. These moments of rest prevent burnout, refresh your mind, and keep you motivated throughout the day.
Use a Task List
Another way to stay motivated when working from home is to use a daily task list to keep you organized and focused. Write down tasks at the start of each day and prioritize them, crossing off each completed task as you go. This will provide a sense of accomplishment throughout the day, motivating you to continue working.
Stay Connected
One of the biggest problems of working from home is that it disconnects us from our colleagues, which is why it’s wise to maintain regular communication with them, alleviating feelings of isolation. Use video calls, instant messaging, or phone calls to stay in touch, and you’ll be surprised how much these regular interactions can save your sanity.
Set a Routine
Perhaps the best thing you can do to ensure you stay focused when working from home is to establish a daily routine and define your work structure, such as the one that The Muse suggests. Start your day with exercise and breakfast, and set up your workspace. Then, get to work and stick to the routine; this consistency can boost productivity and mental clarity, making the workday feel more manageable.
Designate a Workspace
It’s going to be tough to stick to a routine if you don’t have a focused workspace, so create a specific area in your home for work, separate from your leisure spaces. If you choose a quiet spot free from distractions and set it up with everything you need, this will significantly improve focus.
Dress for Success
One of the major benefits of working from home is there’s no dress code, leaving you free to work in your pajamas. However, this can ruin your headspace for productivity, so consider dressing in work attire anyway, which will psychologically prepare you for the day ahead. It shifts your mindset from relaxation to productivity, helping you to stay motivated.
Use Time Blocks
When you create your task list, it might also be wise to split these tasks into realistic time-blocked goals, giving your day further direction and purpose. Seeing these time slots gives you something to aim for, preventing you from slacking off and taking long breaks when you should be working.
Reward Yourself
If you struggle with focus when working from home, consider incentivizing your work by setting up a reward system. After completing a challenging task or a day’s work, treat yourself to something enjoyable. This could be a favorite snack, a walk outside, or some leisure activity. Rewards create positive reinforcement, so it will make work more rewarding.
Limit Distractions
Perhaps the most important thing that any work-from-home workspace needs is a lack of distractions. Turn off your non-work-related notifications, create boundaries with family or housemates during work hours, and move your gaming console away from your desk. Removing these distractions from your workspace will stop them from tempting you away from making progress.
Stay Active
Considering that you’ll be sitting at your desk at home all day, it’s essential to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, which can boost both energy levels and mood. When you take your breaks, consider practicing yoga, doing some press-ups, or going for a short walk. You’ll be amazed at how much good some fresh air and increased heart rate will do you.
Practice Mindfulness
When you’re trapped inside all day, it can be easy to get lost in your thoughts, which will actually make you less productive. So, try to introduce mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises into your workflow, helping you to manage your stress, stay energized, and improve your focus.
Keep Learning
Another smart way to stay motivated during a long working day at home is to engage in relevant educational resources, keeping your mind sharp and motivated. Read industry-related articles, take courses, or participate in webinars, and this will help you stay connected to your role within your industry. Best of all, it’s productive, so your boss will approve.
Use Time Management Tools
There’s no denying that managing your time is much harder without the pressure of your boss breathing down your neck, which is why time management tools like calendars, planners, or apps are so important. They’ll help you organize your workday, making it easier to schedule tasks, set reminders, and allocate specific time slots for different activities. Anyone who already uses them will tell you they make a big difference.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
It’s no good sitting at home working while munching on chips, cookies and guzzling soda. This will make you feel lethargic, so try to eat a balanced diet, which will significantly improve your energy levels and productivity. Avoid heavy, processed foods that can make you feel sluggish because otherwise, you’ll be crawling back to bed for a nap when you should be working.
Create a Vision Board
This might sound unconventional, but try creating a vision board with your work and life goals on it, which can serve as a daily source of motivation. Include images, quotes, and reminders of what you’re working towards, and you’ll find that this visual representation of your objectives keeps you focused and inspired, especially during challenging times.
Connect with Nature
If you get the opportunity, spend some time outdoors, as this can be revitalizing when working from home. If possible, work near a window with natural light or take breaks outside. You’ll soon realize how nature has a calming effect, helping to break up your day and prevent you from going insane.
Reflect on Achievements
When you complete tasks or milestones, remember to reflect on what you have accomplished, which will boost your motivation and get you back into a productive routine. At the minimum, take some time at the end of each day or week to review your achievements, no matter how small, and you’ll find it gets you excited for the next working day.
Establish Boundaries
By far, the most important thing to consider when working from home is to set clear boundaries between work and your personal life, which is essential to not blur them together. Define specific work hours, stick to them, and communicate this schedule to your family members or housemates to avoid interruptions. Most importantly, remind your boss that once your work day is over, you’ll be relaxing–not checking emails.