Working from home is becoming increasingly common but if you’re not used to it, it’s easy to feel bored or overwhelmed. While some see being able to work from bed in their pajamas as a dream come true, others struggle with being able to stay productive and focused when they’re on their own. Whether it’s turning the living room into a dance floor, creating a home office, or just putting on some lipstick, false lashes, or your favorite liquid liner, there are a lot of ways to keep your time working from productive and interesting. Keeping your energy up and your mind focused on the tasks at hand isn’t as easy as it seems sometimes, but with our five expert tips, you’ll be feeling more productive than ever.
Keep consistent hours
Without someone setting your schedule for you, it can be easy to lose track of time. Make a plan for your day and set a schedule that works for you and your boss to keep yourself organized. Treat your workday the same as you would in the office. Working from home is a change in setting, not a change in your responsibilities. If you find social media distracting, try to use it as sparingly as you would if you weren’t at home.
Take a break to exercise
Working from home often means that you aren’t getting out of the house often. You can’t go to the gym in the middle of the workday, but there are dance classes and workouts you can follow online. A dance class is a perfect way to stay in shape and break up the monotony of a long day at work.
If you can’t make it down to a dance studio in person, there are online dance classes available on YouTube and other video search platforms. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced dancer, it’s fast, energetic fun. One advantage of being able to work from home is that you can sneak a little fun into your schedule from time to time. Whether or not you’re a dancer, rocking out to your favorite song is proven to improve your mood.
Find your own space
If you’re going to be working at home, finding a space where you have privacy is essential. While sending emails from your bed sounds fun, in reality, you should get up and find somewhere that you can dedicate exclusively to work. If you don’t live alone, it might be more challenging, but it’s important to find a peaceful place where you can focus.
Get dressed up, seriously
It can be tempting to stay in your pajamas, but being able to separate work and playtime is essential. Set hours for yourself and take them seriously. Get dressed the same way you would on any other workday. Do you like putting on makeup? Break out the magnetic eyeliner or your favorite lash kit and put some long lashes on for your virtual meetings.
It might seem silly, but putting on eyeliner and lashes and acting like you’re at the office will keep you from getting too comfortable at home. When the stereotype for working from home is sitting on the couch in sweatpants, a little liner and some sassy lashes can go a long way.
Use the buddy system
The “buddy system” isn’t just for Girl Scouts anymore! It might be nice to get away from distractions, but spending all day without any kind of human interaction can be tough. Whether it’s a colleague or someone else you know who works from home, having a friend to help keep you focused is a life-saver. You can also try to have meetings on the phone or by video call instead of by email or Slack if you’re missing “real” interactions.
Working from home isn’t as easy as people make it out to be, but it can offer plenty of freedom for those who know how to make the most of their time. Taking breaks, creating a home office, and having a buddy can keep you sane and improve your mental health.
Self-care is the glue that holds us all together sometimes. Don’t underestimate the benefits of the simple pleasures of an impromptu dance class, a clean shirt, and some new eyeliner though, your mental health is just as important as your productivity.
As long as you’re conscientious and creative, working from home can make you a better employee and give you more freedom to balance your busy life.
