Change and uncertainty are tough, and right now everyone is having to deal with this due to the global pandemic. We thrive more when we have predictable routines, habits, and a way to make sense of the world. Without healthy daily habits, our anxiety goes up, and often our productivity suffers. If you are finding yourself feeling overwhelmed and stressed at work, it might help to adopt some new habits that will help give you more focus, energy, and well-being.

7 Habits To Boost Productivity While Working From Home

Establish A Routine

• Sitting down to create a solid work week plan can help set you up for greater success at work. 
• Having a healthy sleep routine where you go to bed and wake up at the same time where you get 7-8 hours of sleep will help with productivity.
• Develop a morning routine that helps get you in a good mindset for work can help with productivity during the day.
• Set up a work environment space in your home.
• Define your work-day hours, and plan your breaks and lunch breaks for each day.
• Create an after-work ritual to help you transition from work to home, like going for a walk, making a to-do list for the next day, doing a meditation, journaling, etc.

Make To-Do List

When you schedule your workday the night before or first thing in the morning can be helpful. Creating a to-do list for the day can help keep you focused and clear on what you need to accomplish. If your mind wanders, keep coming back to the list and follow your routine.

Change Up Your Scenery

Working in the same environment can feel boring over time which decreases creativity, motivation, drive, and productivity. You may begin developing unhealthy habits like snacking or looking at your phone too much in one environment. Therefore, changing up your work environment can be beneficial as it can help give you a new sense of excitement and helps break negative habits. Try doing some work in nature or in greener spaces such as the backyard or patio. Try changing up your workspace every once in a while by moving to a new room or going to a co-working space or local coffee shop; get a work-from-home buddy who can help keep you accountable and motivated.

Minimize Distractions

We are not able to totally get rid of distractions, but it is a good idea to try to minimize them. Each person may differ in what pulls their attention away. It could be tv, your phone, other people etc. Find out what yours are and work to limit them when you need to focus on work. You can go to a different room, put your phone on work mode or do not disturb.

Set A Timer

Productivity timers are a time management technique that has shown to have a number of benefits, the major one being a boost in productivity. When the clock is running it can help lock your focus as you try to make every minute count. There are a number of productivity timers you can get to help you structure your workday into small manageable chunks of time.

Self-Care

Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity when it comes to productivity. Many people feel like self-care is self-indulgence, but when you take time to take care of your emotional, mental, and physical needs. You will have more energy, focus, motivation to take off work, and those you care for and love. Self-care is what decreases stress and anxiety while improving cognitive functioning.

Taking time during work and after work to incorporate self-care tools, that help your nervous system regulate. Such as meditation, breathing exercises, mindfulness, and exercises will all help boost productivity.

Practice Self-Compassion

We can all be our own worst critics. Telling ourselves we did not do enough or are not doing enough. When we use criticism as a form of motivation, we decrease our ability to truly succeed. We will never be our best in shame. Noticing this pattern of self-criticism and working to replace it with self-compassion will boost your energy and ability to focus and perform. Kristen Neff is a self-compassion researcher and offers several different resources that can help you develop more internal compassion and kindness as you navigate life.

Resources

https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2020/01/05/self-care-isnt-just-good-for-you-its-also-good-for-your-productivity/?sh=451e3e319ff3

https://memory.ai/timely-blog/productivity-timer

https://kmc.solutions/blogs/the-5-benefits-of-green-spaces-in-the-workplace/#:~:text=Increases%20Productivity,and%20lesser%20headaches%20among%20employees.