If you’re working from home like I am, you may have found it a bit more challenging than you expected. Here are seven simple tips that can help you make sure your work time remains productive, and that you keep a balance between work time and personal time.
1. Create a Designated Workspace (And Keep It Tidy)
Have a designated workspace that you can call your “office” to help make the distinction between where you work and where you live. Then keep your workspace organized and your essentials at hand – notes, office supplies, water and brain-food snacks.
2. Stick with Your Regularly Scheduled Programming
Keep your normal work routine and schedule in place. Use the time you would usually take to commute to do something for yourself, like make a healthy breakfast, work out or walk the dog a little longer.
3. Dress for Success
While you may not want to dress up as much as you did for the office, getting out of your pajamas helps put you into a productive and more energetic mentality. Dress professionally for your video calls. It reminds your clients and colleagues that you’re always a professional on your Agame.
4. Stay Connected
Embrace technology that helps you keep in touch with your clients and colleagues. From Microsoft Teams and Skype to Zoom, there’s no shortage of options to help you message, share files, create appointments and videoconference.
5. Coordinate “Do Not Disturb” Times
For those who aren’t home alone, coordinate the silent hours you absolutely need with those you live with. Create the Zen space that you need to concentrate – noise cancelling headphones, calming sound effect apps, instrumental music online. A recommended Spotify station for working: Chill Lofi Study Beats.
6. Remember to Take Breaks and Get Fresh Air
Productivity doesn’t occur from non-stop, limitless hours of work. Sitting at a desk for extended periods of time can also be detrimental to your health. Take short breaks throughout the day to stretch your legs, go for a quick walk, grab a snack or reconnect with loves ones.
7. Log Off
It might be tempting to work a little later each night because your computer is so handy, but it’s important to keep that work/life balance. So make sure to log off when you normally would if you were at the office and try to reduce your screen time. It’s fine to catch up on the news, but then step away and enjoy a walk outside, play a board game with your family or get back to a hobby you may have forgotten about.
If you have any other tips you’d like to share, let me know! I’m always on the lookout for additional ways to increase productivity and live a more enjoyable lifestyle, even in these challenging times. And if you have any questions about the real estate market, give me a call.