How to stay productive while working from home

Now I don’t know about you, but I think we can all agree that these are uncertain times right now. We’re effectively on lock-down here in the UK, only being able to go out for food or one form of exercise a day and it’s just crazy, that right now, this is the new normal. Now I’ve only been working from home for the past week. As although the company I work for is classed as an essential service, and technically I’m a key worker, I can do my job remotely. So that’s what I’ve been doing. But it’s tough. I’ve only ever done the odd day working from home in the past. So to now be working from home for the foreseeable is a new challenge. But here are some tips I’ve learnt on how to stay productive while working from home.

ROUTINE

I can’t stress this point enough but getting into a routine has really helped me. I’m a creature of habit and I like the familiarity of a routine. But with my normal day to day activities, not an option right now. I needed a new one. And for me, it starts with something as simple as going to bed and getting up at the same time throughout the working week. Having breakfast and lunch at the same time, and scheduling in similar break times each day.

A SET SPACE

While I would love nothing more than staying in bed and working on my laptop, I know that I would not be productive. I wouldn’t feel like I was in ‘work’ mode. It’s the same if I was sitting on the sofa with my laptop. Which is why I’ve found it so much easier to get work done by turning my dining room table into my office during the day. And then once my workday has ended. The laptop is put away and it becomes my dining room again. I find having the separation of the two really helps me to stay productive.

EXERCISE

Obviously right now we’re encouraged to make use of our daily one outside exercise allowance each day. And it’s something that has been a little bit of a lifeline for me. I’m choosing to do my daily walk outside at the end of the day. This helps me get into a routine, as I usually have an evening commute. The walk helps my mind relax before heading home and starting my evening.

LISTS, LISTS AND MORE LISTS

In my day-to-day life, I’m a big list writer. I have to-do lists for my chores, my blog. And right now everything I need to achieve in a day working from home. I find writing the lists helped me feel less overwhelmed with what I have to get done. And they also help me to plan and structure my day.

STAY IN TOUCH

Obviously one of the biggest things I miss while working at home is the day-to-day interaction I have with my team. We’re incredibly close and spend a lot of time together both inside and outside the office. But video conferencing and online chats have made the process of working from home a lot easier. And scheduling in a set time for calls and catch-ups each day means I get to see and hear from those I would normally see each day. Plus I’m motivated to get what I need to get done, in between those much-needed check-ins.

So these are my top tips on how to stay productive while working from home. Let me know how you’re getting on with working from home. And let me know in the comments below any tips you have for staying productive during this crazy time.