With the spread of COVID-19, more people than ever have transitioned to working from home, and many on very short notice. Since this is an unexpected development for many, I thought I’d share some simple tips about maintaining (or even improving productivity) while you’re working outside your office.

For the last five years or so, I have worked partially or fully from home. This arrangement has given me the chance to learn a lot about being productive at home, as well as about myself, and what motivates (as well as distracts) me. I hope these tips come in handy whether you’re adjusting to a brand-new experience of working remotely out of necessity, or you’ve been doing this for years.

The first, and most important tip, is to designate a work space, and keep it sacred, at least during your working hours. If you have a home office, then this is where you want to set up. If you don’t, then find a place where you can sit comfortably throughout the day and set up whatever working materials you need, like a computer, phone, notepad, whatever you use regularly. I don’t recommend your bedroom. It’s too difficult to mentally separate the room you use for rest and relaxation, from the area you accomplish work. A kitchen table can work well, or even a couch, depending on how much tabletop space you need. During your workday, maintain this space for work only. While you’re in this space, whether it’s just a cushion of the couch or an entire dedicated room, you will avoid all non-work activities. You won’t browse Facebook. (unless you would ordinarily as a work activity, such as if you manage a business Facebook page) You won’t shop on Amazon for a new sweater for your Beagle. (not that I’ve ever looked one up, but I’ve heard they’re out there…) When you physically occupy this space, those are off limits. This is a good time to mention limiting phone use. It’s all too easy to check a notification on your phone, and then find yourself scrolling through social media for ten minutes, especially during a time when you’ve been more isolated from your friends and family than usual.

In addition to setting expectations for yourself, it is very important to set expectations with everyone else in the home, if you have others at home with you, such as a spouse, a roommate, or other family member. It is much better to politely ask them to respect this space as though you were in your usual office from the outset, than to have to continually remind them that you’re “at work” even though you aren’t at work. If you have children, particularly young children, at home with you, it can be more difficult to maintain this boundary, but it is still important to have an age-appropriate conversation with them about this new arrangement. It may take you a few tries getting started, but setting up clear expectations from the outset will pay dividends in the future.

The second tip may feel counter-productive at first, but this has been one of the most useful to me. When you’re sitting in one place for eight or so hours with little change of scenery or activity, you might start to go a little stir crazy. This is why I recommend taking one or two short breaks throughout the day. Just five to ten minutes away from your computer screen, in a separate room can be very beneficial to your mind. If the weather is nice, I like to walk outside for a few minutes and enjoy some sunshine. I also enjoy a cup of coffee, so sometimes I’ll take a few minutes away from my desk to make a pour-over. If you’re feeling stiff from sitting still, I’d recommend some light exercise. A few push-ups or sit-ups get your blood flowing again, distract your mind from work for a moment or two, and are great for your overall well-being! Anything you can do to take your eyes off a screen and your mind off work for just a couple of minutes is extremely helpful. When you come back to your desk, you’ll be recharged and ready to tackle your next task with a fresh mind.

Another great habit to build is setting, and keeping, a consistent schedule. If your workday typically starts at 8:00 am, keep to that routine. Some people find it very effective to maintain their routine of getting ready in the morning as well. Set your alarm early enough to wake up, have a bite of breakfast, and take a shower and get dressed. I’m not suggesting you put on a suit and tie if that is your usual business attire, but getting out of pajamas and into something you’d wear in public is a great way to get your mindset out of the “lounging around the house on a weekend” space, and into a productive one. Follow this schedule as closely as you can every day, to maintain the good habits you’re building while you work at home.

By now, you’ll probably have noticed the one thing these tips have in common. They are mental adjustments. All of these different practices, from designating a work space, to setting a schedule are just mental aids to your productivity. Anything you can do to help keep your mind sharp and focused is beneficial. For me, another extremely useful tool is music. I almost constantly have music playing while I work. I don’t play it very loud, and some music works better for me than other types. What helps me is not the music itself, but the way that it is stimulating my mind, and fighting the boredom that can set in so easily.

The caution here is to not let the music turn into a distraction instead of a focus aid. Instrumental music could be a great choice, whether that is modern, jazz, classical, or electronic. The genre or artist doesn’t matter. What matters is that it provides some stimulus to your mind without turning into a distraction. I find that the hours pass more quickly and fruitfully when I’m listening to a good album or playlist. Music is something I enjoy, and it is critical to find something you enjoy, that can be used during your workday to brighten your mood. For you, music might not be the answer to this. Maybe it’s a podcast or audiobook, or something as simple as a white noise app that plays the sound of rain or breaking waves. Maybe it is not something for your ears at all, but a scented candle, or diffusor. The point is, find what works for you.

I do my best work when I’m in a good, happy mood, and you will too! Your workday does not have to be boring or tedious, even if some of your tasks are. Find the thing that brings you happiness in your day, and lean on it as a productivity aid.

Working from home can come with some challenges, especially at the beginning, but you can still accomplish your goals without commuting to a physical office. If you have any great tips, I’d love to hear about them! Send me an email at blake@fergusoninsuranceteam.com.