Since its outbreak in January, countries around the world are having to adjust to the impacts of coronavirus. To stop the spread of the virus, many countries are enforcing or encouraging working from home where possible. But working from home is a whole different ball game than going into the office.
If you’ve found yourself waking up at ten, and getting minute amounts of work done: don’t worry. You aren’t in the minority. There’s something about having to work in the place you usually relax that just doesn’t make for high levels of productivity. I mean, there have been psychological studies on it, so who can blame you for taking five half hour breaks over the course of the day?
We know social distancing is super important, so to all you out there working from home, thanks. But to keep working well, some things are going to need to change. So here are some tips and tricks to help you work from home as well as possible.
LIFESTYLE
Some small tips may seem obvious but will make a massive impact. Make sure to get dressed every day. I know – it’s so much more fun to wear pyjamas all day, but you know you are more likely to fall asleep if you’re in PJs.
If you get properly dressed every day, you can trick yourself into thinking about the day as one you aren’t going to waste. You’ve dressed; that’s your first bit of productivity attained.
Secondly, make sure to have proper meals – especially breakfast. When at home, it may seem more attractive to just snack instead of using effort to make meals. But your brain needs proper food to work! Also, regular meals are a good way to force stability into your life. Your regular routine has been messed with, now you work from home, but meals can be good ways to establish a new routine. Maybe try to eat at the same time every day.
Create the right work headspace by making sure to keep your house tidy and bed made. You know your brain will be less messy if your new workspace is clear. Start the day right with a clear desk.
PRODUCTS
There are lots of useful objects to help you work from home at your best. These things will depend, obviously, on the type of work you do. But whatever the job, there’ll be something out there that will help you out.
1. Ergonomic desk chairs
In all likelihood, you’re probably going to be doing a lot of sitting. It’s probably a good idea to make sure the chair you’ve got is a good one. One that is comfortable, but also one that will help your back and posture in the long run.
2. Standing desks
One way to combat the constant sitting is to invest in a standing desk. These will save your back (though not your feet) and also save space in your house if you’re squished in a bit. Especially if you’re in a house of multiple people working from home.
3. Headphones
Speaking of others working from home in the house – it might be a good idea to invest in some headphones. There will probably be people in conference calls, and people chatting away to work on the phone. Block out that noise with music or white noise to help you focus. If you’re really committed, noise-cancelling headphones might be the way forward.
4. Games
It’s important to have breaks in your work and to take time to rest. In the long run, it will help your work. As options are limited with social distancing, why not try out some games – whether they be board games or computer games. It might be smarter to take breaks from screens, considering, so why not try a game like Big Potatoes Chameleon or a good old fashioned game of cards.
5. Laptop tray table
Now, whilst you’ll probably be more productive working from a desk, sometimes there are days you just need to work from your bed. A laptop tray table will help you do just this. But try not to fall asleep on the job!
HOME-MADE ALTERNATIVES
If you – as many people have found in this unprecedented time – are struggling financially, useful products can be fashioned rather than bought. Lots of people took to twitter to show their home-made standing desks. I’m sure you can find a way too.
That’s one good thing that has come out of the outbreak – people are being forced to think more creatively.
Remember: keep safe, keep isolated and keep positive. These are difficult times, but we’re sure to get through them.
Featured image via
