1. Get dressed
For some people, the prospect of staying in their pyjamas all day is the best part of working from home. But washing and getting dressed will not only improve your state of mind, it will psychologically prepare you to start work.
Whether you need to change into business attire depends on the nature of the job you have. Some people find that dressing formally is helpful, and also useful if they need to dial into a video call. Even if you force yourself to have a daily shower and change into clothes that you do not associate with sleeping and relaxation, such as jeans and a t-shirt, you will notice a higher level of productivity throughout your day. However, sitting in PJ's all day does sound tempting...
2. Get out and about (if you're not self-isolating)
Working from home shouldn't mean you stay cooped up indoors all day. While you might not miss your daily commute, it does guarantee that you leave the house at least once during the day.
So get your shoes on, get outside and enjoy that fresh air. A different perspective will also help undo mental blocks and give you a fresh pair of eyes for any tasks you're struggling with. I'd recommend going on a bike ride if you can!
3. Pick up the phone
If you're working from home, the chances are you'll be alone, so you won't get distracted by colleagues' conversations and other office noise. I'll let you decide if that is a good or bad thing!
When you're at work, you're more likely to engage with colleagues but when you're working from home, you could spend the whole day without speaking to or seeing anyone which can be isolating.
Make some time to pick up the phone and have a real conversation, rather than relying on email and instant messaging. Video call if you can, as it is very important to not only talk to people but to 'see' them as well.
4. Take regular breaks
It's good to have a routine when you're working from home, but work shouldn't become monotonous.
And you shouldn't stay glued to your screen all day. It's important to take regular screen breaks and get up from your desk and move around just as you would in an office.
Research has also found that short breaks throughout the day are more beneficial than less frequent, longer breaks.
We hope that the above tips help you work better from home. These are strange times that we are in, and it seems like we may be in for the long haul - so we may as well make it as good as we can along the way.
