Due to recent health concerns related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), you may find yourself suddenly working from home. While there are definitely some great things about working from home, there can also be some challenges. As Realtors who work from home quite a bit, we definitely had to learn what worked best and what would help us be as productive as possible while surrounded by distractions.
Here are some tips that help us to stay on task and be productive.
1. GET DRESSED!
We will be the first to say that we are definitely guilty of wearing our Pajamas the entire day. It’s so difficult to change out of those comfy clothes. What’s the point? It’s not like anyone will see you. The point is that getting dressed gets you ready and in the mind frame to work. We aren’t saying that you have to put on the fancy suit, but crawl out of that onesie, put on something that makes you feel awesome and get ready to take on the day!
2. STRUCTURE
Try to structure your day as you would if you were in the office. Follow your same routines and priorities. As soon as you wake up, jot down a quick list of items that you want to get done for the day. This will help to keep you on track with your daily goals.
3. ENVIRONMENT
We love a good TV binge and as much as we will argue that we can definitely watch TV and stay on task, that is not always the case. TV can most definitely slow your productivity and create more room to make careless mistakes when you are distracted. Find a good spot in your home whether that be in an office, your kitchen or even your patio and treat yourself to some low music or background noise (Or complete silence if that’s your style!). You will find, that by not Keeping Up with the Kardashians during work hours you can dedicate all your brain power to busting out that important email, or big project.
4. TAKE A BREAK
If you do not have the flexibility of creating your own work hours and still get a break, USE IT! It can be easy to work through your break or grab a bite in front of your computer, but I promise the break is worth it! Take a walk outside to get a change in scenery, throw a load of laundry in the wash, exercise or make your grocery list. Use this time to do WHATEVER YOU WANT! That time is for you!
5. DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF!
While all of these tips can help you stay productive while working from home, there will definitely be days where you don’t change, watch an entire season of Chopped, spend too much time folding your family’s laundry or are just not as productive as you would have liked. It happens! Working in a less structured environment can be difficult and it will take some time to find your groove and what works best. Be kind to yourself, we are all doing the best we can!These are some tips that have worked for us personally, but we know that each situation is unique and the way we work, may not work for others. What are some of your favorite work from home tips? We would love to hear them!
Stay healthy, stay strong & know that we are all thinking about everyone during these trying times. Sending virtual hugs to all of you!
