For many of us, Covid-19 has changed the very manner in which we do business. With quarantines in full effect, we have been removed from our offices and storefronts and confined to our homes. While some individuals thrive, others struggle with productivity and being isolated in one space for an undetermined amount of time.
When working from home, finding ways to be productive and maintain strong mental health are the key to our businesses continuing to run successfully. Here are six tips to help you and your colleagues be successful and healthy during this trying time.
1. Create a Routine
Believe it or not, not setting a routine is a common mistake people make when working from home. It’s important to create expectations for yourself similar to those found in your usual workspace. Start off your day by doing something you enjoy, whether that be having a cup of coffee, making breakfast for your kids or catching up on your favourite Netflix show. Once you find yourself in a positive headspace, set a timeline for your work. If you’re most creative in the morning, group your creative tasks for first thing in the morning. Sometimes even tackling parts of your job you like the least first thing in the morning after you’ve done something you enjoy can help you be more productive and maintain a positive headspace.
2. Schedule Breaks
After you set a routine for yourself, ensure that you set adequate breaks. Breaks can function as a reward to keep you feeling like you’re accomplishing tasks and helps maintain a healthy mindset. Challenge yourself to get a reasonable amount of tasks done before your first break, and reward yourself with a cup of coffee, stretching your legs or another fun task while you are away from your computer.
3. Create a Workspace
If possible, set up a room in the house delegated to work, and ask those in your household to respect that workspace. A quiet room away from any noise allows you to be more productive and helps you feel professional even though you may be in your jammies! Ensure you have a comfortable chair, as pain from bad posture can affect mental health. Surround your space with things that inspire you, whether it be positive quotes, pictures of your family and friends, or plants! Make your workspace a place you look forward to going to every day.
4. Online Meetings
Business owners and employees alike struggle to find normalcy during this trying time. Staying connected and informed is important for both parties to feel like the work they are doing still matters. Using free platforms like Google Hangouts or Zoom to host meetings helps keep everyone on task and feeling accomplished.
We hear of many people struggling with their mental health due to lack of social interaction. Online meetings can help combat this by allowing yourself and your employees to stay connected. Take the time to praise one another for a job well done.
5. Limit Social Media
For many of us, social media is key to our business, but it can create feelings of fear, anxiety and stress when it comes to an overload of information. Disconnect from technology for a set period of time each day, and use that time to do something you love. Take your dog for a walk, read a chapter in your latest book, or enjoy the company of your family. This time should be used to recharge and clear your head.
6. Positive Affirmations
Using affirmations is a stress management tool. With so many unknowns in the world, we can easily find ourselves down in the dumps. Rid yourself of negative and self-sabotaging thoughts through the use of positive affirmations. Whether it be personal or work related, affirmations can help combat the negativity and doubt you may be faced with. There are also many apps available for affirmations, yoga, meditation and deep breathing that can positively impact your mental health.
Stay productive, positive and healthy, friends.