Millions of workers across the U.S. and globe have been forced into a remote work situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although working from home has long been considered an elusive perk, some workers are finding out the hard way that remote work has a tendency to increase feelings of burnout and misery. If you’re struggling to overcome motivation and productivity hurdles, we’ve got your back. Below, we’ve put together some of our best tips and tricks for staying motivated while working from home.
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Tip #1: Make Sure You Have the Right Technology to Get the Job Done
If you don’t have the right technology, you won’t be able to be efficient while you’re working. Make sure you invest in a laptop that’s able to handle your workload without an issue. Whether that means you need gaming desktops (perhaps you’re a professional gamer) or mobile business workstations to get business done in the airport – the right machine can make a huge difference.
Although it’s true that cheaper technology saves you money upfront, it can backfire when it fails you over time. It can actually cost you less if you invest in a quality piece of technology the first time around. So, before you get pulled in by those attractive low offers for tech, consider the maintenance and reliability of the tech first!
Tip #2: Set Goals to Accomplish During the Day
Before you immediately jump into work first thing in the morning, take some time to set aside some goals you can accomplish during the day. Basically, you can use this time to create a to-do list of prioritized tasks that need to be finished during the day.
A to-do list is incredibly basic, but it can keep you motivated and focused during the day. It’s also a great way to enhance your productivity. All you need to do to set your goals is to record them with a pen and paper or you can even use an app.
Tip #3: Put Away Your Phone
Your phone is one of the biggest technological distractions you’ll have to contend with during your workday. In fact, Americans spend an average of 5 hours or more on their phones. Large portions of that time are spent on social media apps, entertainment, or texting.
One way to combat the distracting nature of your phone is to put it in another room. That way, you’ll have to actually get up from your working space to use it.
There are also tons of focus apps built around keeping you off your phone. You can try them out if you want something to give you motivation.
Tip #4: Take Breaks and Follow a Schedule
One of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health is following a schedule. Try to get up and go to bed at the same time every day. Schedule breaks that allow you time away from your screen. Go on a hike, cook a meal, or catch up with your friend over Skype.
Working without breaks is bad for your productivity, so make sure you give yourself adequate time away from computers and technology.
Tip #5: Create “Do Not Disturb” Blocks
If you really need to focus for a set period of time, make sure you block off time in your schedule where you’re not available for meetings. Snooze all your email, messaging, and phone notifications so you can work without unnecessary distractions weighing you down.
Tip #6: Use Timers
If you can’t seem to get into the groove of your workflow, you can focus on breaking your workday into more bite-sized time periods. For example, you can aim to work for thirty minutes uninterrupted. After the thirty-minute timer goes off, you can reward yourself with a social media break or a walk.
Conclusion: Finding Peace While Working from Home
Working from home is a serious adjustment if you’re used to the structure of a nine-to-five and office environment. On that side, there are many ways to learn how to be more productive and motivated. Consider incorporating the tips and tricks outlined in this article for a happier, more stress-free workday. Over time, you’ll be able to concentrate better and have a better work output.
