Happy Fri-yay! We made it another week in lockdown. Wherever you are reading from, you’re probably working from home. While I have done this for a while (before lockdown) this is a completely new territory for my husband so it took some adjusting. Now that we’re over a month in, maybe you’ve also have just gotten the hang of it or maybe you feel like your productivity has started to fall as you find yourself on the sofa more and more.
So here are my 5 tips for working from home and making it not only productive but also enjoyable!
No. 1
Create an inspiring and dedicated work station
It took me about 3.5 weeks into the lockdown to finally do this for myself (even though I knew better). At first my husband and I both started out working on the dining room table, but ultimately decided it was slightly too distracting to be facing each other so he moved into the guest room / office space (which is also where we store a lot of other junk.) And I some how decided to set up what my dad called my “command center” which consisted of a bar cart repurposed at the end of the couch with my 27” monitor on it. Let me say, sitting on the couch was great for a few days but I was definitely not inspired. I was 100% inclined to watch TV as I worked, and my back hurt from not having a proper desk. Fast forward to a few nights ago where we decided to make me an office in the living room area. While it’s not ideal as it’s sandwiched between the couch and our tv console, I think we did a pretty good job at making it an inspiring place. These last few days, I’ve not only been more productive, but also excited to “go to work”. For me, a work space needs to be clean and organized, but also it needs to be inspiring. I added one of my mom’s paintings to my desk, a few useful but stylish desk accessories, and a big plant.
No. 2
Make your bed
This is something I don’t always do, but whenever I do I swear I have a more productive morning. It might sound silly, but making the bed actually does increase productivity as it kickstarts a chain reaction of you taking charge and crossing things off your to-do list. I’m also way less likely to jump back into bed after my morning shower or for an afternoon cat nap if the bed is made.
No. 3
Take a lunch break where you don’t work
It’s easy to forget to stop working when you live in your workspace. Taking a lunch break allows your mind to rest and recharge enabling you to have a productive afternoon. I also like having a morning to-do list as well as an afternoon one. Even if you don’t plan your day like this, it’s always good to take a step away from work, especially when you’re feeling stuck. I typically have a slightly longer lunch break as I do the cooking but my husband and I have made it our WFH routine to eat lunch together on the couch while watching an episode of Friends—short + sweet— and definitely makes sure we get a laugh or two in.
No. 4
Get some fresh air
I debated whether or not to include this one in my 5 tips, but ultimately I think that fresh air is so important to everyone’s mental health. I’m so incredibly lucky to be living in Denmark where we are allowed to go outside to take walks or bike rides, so my husband and I have made it part of our routine to get outside each day. Some days we just walk around the block or sit on our balcony but other days we’ve been lucky to take long walks around the neighborhood or 5-10mile bike rides exploring new parts of the city.
No. 5
Get dressed — even if it’s a new pair of sweatpants
Just like making the bed, it’s an easy way to jump start your morning. I’d be lying if I said I’ve been wearing real pants these last few weeks but I don’t wear my pajamas during the day. Getting ready, whatever it may look like these days, signals the start of the day. I also love using this time to listen to a podcast or music to really get a jumpstart to my morning.
Hope you have a great weekend! Let me know what helps you be more productive when working from home!
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