Here are some tips on how to be productive when working from home and how to keep yourself busy and healthy during this time.
During the workday
It’s very important to keep up with a routine and act as if you are still going to work, even when working from home. For example, get out of bed and get dressed as you normally would on a weekday. This already signals your brain to go into “work mode”.
Getting dressed also counts for days when you don’t have meetings over Zoom or Skype.
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Have a separate office set up to work from
You don’t need to have a whole room to yourself to be able to work from home – even a corner or desk in front of a window can be your home office if you set it up right.
Keep ergonomics in mind
Whether you have a desk that you sit at or a standing desk, you need to make sure that it’s set up ergonomically for you. Try out different chairs if you don’t have a specific office chair in your home.
Keeping track of your time
Making sure that you keep up with work when you’re at home can be daunting, so it’s important to keep track of what you’re busy with and what needs to be done by a certain deadline.
One way of doing this is to use the pomodoro technique. This technique uses stretches of 25 minutes to work in, followed by a 5-minute break during which you can stretch your legs and get a glass of water.
Here are some of our favourite pomodoro-style timers to help keep you productive
- ”My Tomatoes” Pomodoro Timer
- Engross app for Android and iPhone
- Forest: Stay focused for Android and iPhone
Project management and keeping in touch with your colleagues and clients
Thanks to technology, keeping in touch with your team and colleagues has never been this easy! Plus, you don’t just have to rely on email and WhatsApp.
Some of our favourite project management and meeting software and applications include:
Of course, working from home doesn’t mean that you have to work around the clock, you still need to take time to relax and unwind, and also spend time with your family.
Relax and unwind
This is the perfect time to read and relax with your favourite magazines. (Click here for a 50% off magazine offer. You can also get 70% off the April 2020 digital issue!)
If you have not yet tried listening to podcasts, this is the perfect time to find your favourites. There are many apps available for Android and iPhone that will let you listen to these free resources. Why not choose a few audiobooks while you’re at it?
Hobbies and habits
Habits are also easier to keep up when you have way to keep track of them. You can either make a bullet journal with a habit tracker or use an app such as HabitHub that’s available for Android and iPhone. Don’t forget to add exercise to your list!
You can also take up a new hobby or indulge in one that you haven’t been doing because you haven’t had enough time. Try your hand at knitting, crocheting, sewing or cooking. YouTube has lots of tutorials, not to mention getting some of our magazines for lots of craft and cooking inspiration.
Stock up on your favourite magazines
When you venture to the stores, remember to stock-up on your favourite magazines.
Why not spend some time reading digital magazines? You can get 50% off the annual subscriptions! Just follow this link for this and other savings.
