Countless people around the world continue to work from home due to the current coronavirus crisis. As someone who has managed to successfully work out of my home office for years, I’m excited to share my top five tips to help newly remote small business owners and entrepreneurs be productive and successful when working from home.
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Establish a weekday curfew
Though it’s easy to stay up late watching the new hot show on Netflix or polishing off a project, establish some ground rules.
I have a cut off time of 9 p.m. to turn both the TV and my phone off. Around 7 p.m., I turn “night shift” mode on my phone on to reduce blue light, which studies show can keep you awake at night.
Each morning, I wake up around the same time to keep a normalized schedule and to take advantage of my productive hours. Everyone has certain hours in the day when they feel most productive. Figuring out what your personal productive hours are will minimize work time and maximize efficiency.
Wake up ready to conquer the day
Don’t open your phone and begin working (or scrolling through Instagram) from bed. I’ve started days like this, and it noticeably decreases how productive my day is.
Instead, I journal and meditate first thing in the morning. I use the Five-Minute Journal to write down what I am grateful for, as well as the things that will make the day ahead great. I also do this before I go to bed. Keeping the journal on my bedside table is key, so it’s right there when I wake up and when I go to sleep.
The next thing I do has been a game changer for my productivity. I practice an active meditation method called “priming,” which I learned from Tony Robbins. It has brought me positivity, productivity and a healthy mind, the latter of which is the starting point of any kind of true success.
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Where are you working?
Establishing an at-home workspace is very important, and ideally, you should work from the same place every day. If this space allows for natural light, even better. Natural light is proven to boost your wellbeing and overall work performance.
If at all possible, don’t work from your kitchen. I work as far from the kitchen as possible, in order to stay focused on my work and I’m not unconsciously snacking throughout the day.
Don’t work from your bed either, as this can blur the lines between the space where you are meant to relax and the place you need to be awake and in work mode.
Move and reset
Changing your physical state will change your mental state. If you find yourself slumped over at your workstation or stuck on a project, it’s probably time to take a break.
Moving your body is an easy way to access a new perspective and a fresh state of mind. Jumping up and down or dancing might look a little odd in an office setting, but you’re in the comfort of your own home! Jumping up and down or dancing for a quick minute or so will not only boost your mood, but will increase productivity and creativity.
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Take advantage of working from your own space
Since you’re in your own space, personalize it to make it work for you! Find things that calm your mind, but keep you focused on your work.
I use essential oils and music to set the tone for clear focus. I also wear whatever I feel comfortable in. I’m huge on multitasking, as well. I’ll take a walk while I’m on a call to help me think clearer and get my creative juices going. While I’m thinking or planning, I’ll stretch or play with my dog, Leo.
The bottom line is, working remotely for those of you who are used to working in a collaborative office setting will be an adjustment. Try these tips, but most importantly, find what works best for you.
