My top tips for working from home
The past few weeks we have all had to adjust to a new kind of normal. Many people are working from home for the first time in their lives, as well as trying to juggle family life on top.
I spent the first five years of my business based solely at home, and for the past 18 months since moving to our workshop I still have at least 2-3 days a week working from home. So I have decided to share some of my top tips for working from home which will hopefully help you create maximum productivity and wellbeing.
Start with a magical morning practice
Whilst its easy to hop out of bed and onto the sofa, and stay there all day in your pyjamas, this doesn't create the most productivity. I have found having a morning practise or routine to get yourself up, motivated and into work mode makes the world of difference. This could be setting the alarm at the same time every day and getting showered & dressed by a certain time. Or making a ritual out of your breakfast and morning cup of coffee, doing some yoga or a having a brisk walk before starting the day. Whatever it is that gets you up and feeling good, and ready to start the day!
Create a clean and organised space
Whilst the temptation is there to work from the sofa or bed (and don't get me wrong occasionally this is ok!), its a great idea so set up a dedicated work space which will help you feel focused. I have found just sitting upright at a table rather than on the sofa makes me more productive in itself.
Keeping your space clean is also a great idea so you are not distracted by clutter. Try cleaning it at the end of each day so when you start each morning you are ready to go! To keep your space feeling happy why not have some fresh flowers or a plant, burn a natural candle or place some of your favourite crystals on it?
Do your most difficult tasks first
One very powerful thing I learnt last year was the concept of "eating the frogs", which basically means when you start your working day
you complete the most unwanted task you can of think first.
Completing an uncomfortable or difficult task not only moves it out of your way, but it gives you a great energy boost because you get the feeling you’ve accomplished something worthwhile. If you put it off you will have it hanging over you for the rest of the day. So whether you have a horrible tax return to complete or an uncomfortable email to send go ahead and do it first and I promise your day can only get better from there!
Take regular breaks
When you are in the office or your place of work your day is often broken up by meetings and scheduled breaks. However working from home you suddenly have this big chunk of time and its easy to get sucked into sitting at your desk for hours on end, which will reduce productivity as well as your general wellbeing and energy. So make sure you take regular breaks, move your body and eat lunch away from your desk. You could even get out for an afternoon walk which will break your day up and leave your feeling refreshed. Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating decent meals rather than just snacking which could cause energy slumps.
Stay organised by making lists
Starting each day with a plan is very helpful. It leaves more space in your mind and keeps you from constantly worrying about what you might be forgetting. I like to write my list at the end of each work day, ready for the next morning. This way I can relax in the evening without things popping up that I have forgotten about, and I can start each day with my list laid out in front of me.
Don't be hard on yourself
It's important to remember that we all have our good days and bad days and sometimes it's just difficult to find motivation and get much done. So if you do find yourself feeling this way please don't be hard on yourself. Remember you are only human and we are all doing the best we can in an unusual situation.
If I am having an off day I find stepping away from work completely for a little while is the best thing to do. You could have a refreshing walk, bake a cake or watch a motivational video to take your mind off work and boost your mood. This can often give you a little re-set so you can start again feeling motivated and more focused.