Tips for staying motivated while working from home!
With most of us self-isolating to prevent the spread of infection during the coronavirus epidemic, I thought I would share my experience of staying focused while working from home during my many MANY years as an Open University student.
1. Make sure you are working in a suitable and comfortable environment.
The most important aspect of this is being at a proper desk with adequate lighting. Lazing on the sofa with a cat on your lap isn’t going to help with your motivation. Posture, mental health and general well-being will suffer horrendously while in turn hurt your focus and concentration (especially if you end up sitting on that same sofa all evening too!).
The dining room table is the ideal location if you aren’t lucky enough to have a home office.
It is also important to make sure the desk is clean and not full of jump or distractions.
2. Stay in regular contact with your team.
The odd phone call to your workmates who are either still at the office or also self-isolating will raise up morale by keeping you up to date with what is happening outside your solitary bubble. This will also make you feel less isolated.
3. Keep to the same routine!
I know its tempting to roll up to your desk an hour late after a lay-in or to take an extra-long lunch break (as the boss isn’t watching). But keeping your mind and body on the same clock not only helps with concentration but it also helps you get back into the swing of things when you inevitably have to get back into the office.
Remember: You are still winning on time as you no longer have to suffer the commute!
4. A chance to be healthier!
Now you are at home you no longer have to suffer the sandwich van or whatever takeaway is in your area for lunch. Cook something more wholesome and nutritious. Better energy is better concentration!
5. Don’t be so hard on yourself.
I know its tempting to look at that pile of washing or ironing sat right next to you while trying to talk to clients or hit deadlines…or worse yet, you start thinking about that Netflix series you started last night!
Some of us are weaker than others when it comes to ignoring mess (ask my partner!) but don’t kick yourself too hard when you inevitably let slip. Whether I was cleaning up or getting distracted with the TV during my time studying at the OU, working from home takes practice. Stop being hard on yourself when you fail. Stress makes you lose focus even further so just get back on that horse and carry on!
6. No PJ’s!
This one sounds ridiculous but there are actually studies which back this up.
Naturally, the entire point of self-isolation is that you do not come into contact with anyone. So, it is very tempting to just jump out of bed and do your thing wearing whatever is most comfortable. It’s certainly a nice novelty to start with (almost like you are getting away with something) but it soon wears thin.
That said, wearing pyjamas or whatever you sleep in while working kills motivation — trust me. If not for the fact that the postman starts to treat you like the local unemployed person who is now the first port of call for every package in your neighbourhood when your neighbours aren’t home, but being too comfortable can lose your focus.
7. Stop reading this and get back to work!
Social media — Nuff said! Turn it all off and move your phone to a separate room. Don’t worry, it will still be there on your lunch break!
I hope this post has been helpful and my many MANY years of sitting at home trying to hit degree deadlines with the Open University have been helpful in one way or another.
Now, get out of those pyjamas, turn off your phone, and go get 'em, tiger!
#GetSnugged #Snugged
