If you’ve recently become on the million telecommuters in America, you may feel a little intimidated by the prospect of long-term remote work. After all, the novelty of working from your bed in your pajamas has probably worn off by now.
Well, we’ve rounded up some helpful tips to get you feeling motivated, focused and recharged. Follow the guidelines below for setting up an awesome work-from-home setup that makes you excited to jump out of bed each day.
Structure your day
Humans thrive on routine. Most of us are ruled by circadian rhythms that help tell us when it’s time to wake up, eat, and go to sleep. One of the best ways to feel healthy and energized is by keeping a similar schedule, even as you’re working from home. For example, if you’re used to waking up at 7am, it’s smart to continue doing so if you want to avoid feeling tired and groggy.
Continue on with other activities you normally partake in like a daily morning jog or an afternoon walk. Keeping these activities going will help keep your day structured. One important trap you can’t let yourself fall into is working without cessation.
It’s very easy to let your work life bleed into your home life when you’re working from home. To ensure you don’t do that, schedule breaks throughout your day and turn off your computer at the end of the work day. Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you need to answer emails at night or during the weekend.
A cheerful workspace
Make sure you give yourself the best possibility of success by setting up a workspace you actually don’t mind sitting at. Invest in a desk that fits your body, you may even want to consider a sit-stand converter. This will give you the opportunity to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day so you can stay healthy. After all, there’s a reason that doctors say that sitting is the new smoking.
Besides an ergonomic desk, you should also add a few minimal accessories to give yourself a cozier, more aesthetically pleasing workspace. For example, add a plant or two. Plants have been shown to help reduce stress and increase oxygen levels plus, they make your desk more inviting.
You may also want to consider redoing your home office lighting, so you have adequate overhead and task lighting.
The right tech
You won’t be able to do your job if you don’t have the right equipment to get your tasks done correctly. So, consider investing in a new photo printer if your work requires it or a faster laptop if that helps you get your work tasks done more efficiently.
A “Do Not Disturb” sign
Look, we love our families and pets, but they can be serious distractions during your day. After all, your dog doesn’t realize that you’re at home to work – he just sees that you’re at home. So, if you can, find a room where you can get some privacy and quiet, even if that means you have to put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door.
Make sure those in your household respect your working hours. Tell your roommates, significant others, etc. that you’re not to be interrupted unless something is on fire.
In addition, it’s a good idea to turn off social media and other notifications you don’t need.
Get organized
You won’t be able to work effectively if you’re constantly moving your belongings around. Consider investing in organizational products that keep your items tidy and out of the way.
Clutter leads to stress and frustration so make it a point to keep your workspace minimal and tidy. You may even want to consider leaving wipes or other cleaning products close by to quickly clean up spills and dust.
Takeaways: Your dream work-from-home space is just a few steps away
As millions across the country adjust to remote work, it’s important to pause and reflect on what you actually need to be productive. Don’t forget that your desk and workspace should be conducive to productivity – but cheerful, too. Consider adding a few personal touches like plants or fairy lights to give your space a little whimsy. With these tips, you can conquer any work task, no matter where you’re working from.
