Working from home initially sounds like a great idea. There is no longer the need for a commute or stuffy office attire. Those loud distractions from co-workers and others in your building have also disappeared, and you don’t feel pressure to go out to lunch every day to “keep up with the Joneses.” However, the glossy appeal of working from home is wearing off in the tenth month of the coronavirus pandemic, and we’re likely to continue upon the path as the pandemic enters its worst season yet.
To continue to be productive, you must learn how to stay motivated at work when your home has become your new office. Failing to find that critical motivation can lead to procrastination, decreased productivity, and mental distress. Here are 4 useful tips to get you started on the right foot!
Solidify Your Morning Routine.
Maybe, you never set out a substantial morning routine for yourself during the pandemic. COVID-19 or not, human beings thrive on these types of schedules. So, even if you’re no longer hitting the interstate each morning, it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to wake up, get ready, and eat breakfast. Filling your morning with other healthy habits, like stretching, meditating, or working out, will also help you to start your day on a positive note!
Set-Up or Reconfigure Your Work Space.
If at all possible, create your workspace in a room that has a door you can close so you have more privacy. Make sure you have some good home office equipment. At a minimum, get a high-quality chair, an extra monitor, a laptop stand, and a good desk. An ergonomic keyboard and a good mouse will also come in handy. Don’t forget to add a few personal touches, like books, photos, art prints, and other sentimental knickknacks to keep yourself motivated.
Dress for the Part.
There’s a reason we wear different outfits for different occasions and activities. Clothing has a strong psychological effect on our motivation and ability to work. According to experts, dressing too casually can actually make us less focused and alert. A good rule of thumb is to wear the types of clothing you usually wear for work. Of course, you don’t have to wear a suit and tie, if high tier dress is typically common to your workflow, but you should dress as close to the way you normally would as possible.
Take Regular Breaks.
Oftentimes, working remotely frees us from the normal office distractions, but this hyper-focused environment can also make us work too long without stopping. Not taking regular breaks can cause muscle and joint problems, repetitive strain injuries, and mental drain. By taking regular breaks, you’ll boost your energy, increase your motivation, and perhaps, most importantly of all, improve your focus. Get up from your workspace for a quick walk, stretch, snack, or pet cuddles.
Oxford at Santa Clara Apartments in Pflugerville, Texas is committed to making sure that our residents can live their best life! By taking advantage of our tips, you can improve your normal routine.