How to Stay Healthy and Focused While Working From Home
Have you often dreamed of working from home on your couch in comfy clothes with your laptop? For hundreds of thousands of people, this work from home dream is now a reality. Maybe you've worked from home for a week already and you notice that your productivity level is not up to par.
8 Tips for Staying Focused While Working from Home
There are so many distractions- Netflix, your cat, the 24/7 news cycle.
We are here to help.
1. Create a Schedule
When everything seems to be spiraling, it is important to focus on the things you can control. Create a schedule that structures your time and follow it. Keep stress and uncertainty at bay by filling your day with tasks that will keep you motivated.
2. Get Dressed
Part of your "work from home fantasy" may include lounging all day in your pajamas. That may not be the best idea. Research shows that our clothing is symbolic and affects our mood and motivation. Follow the same morning routine you would if you were leaving the house. Shower and get dressed. Trade your work clothes in for some comfy lounge clothes, but change out of your pajamas.
3. Brush Up On Your Cooking Skills
A healthy diet is an immediate way to fuel your brain and promote focus. Working from home means that you don't have to deal with the hustle and bustle of rush hour. Use the extra time to brush up on cooking skills and prepare healthy meals to eat throughout the day.
4. Take Time for Self Care
It may be tempting to keep working into the evening hours. There is always so much to get done. One important way to stay focused while working from home is to block out time for self care. When we rejuvenate our minds and bodies we reset our focus and improve our overall wellness and productivity. Here are a few ways to care for yourself:
- Read a great book.
- Take a relaxing bath.
- Take an online yoga class.
- Play a board game.
- Take a walk around the neighborhood.
5. Meditate Daily
When the joy of working from home begins to wane, recenter yourself with meditation. Even 5-10 minutes of guided meditation improves mental focus and concentration. It is important to exercise our minds and meditation is mental fitness. Meditation also tames stress.
6. Connect with Friends
Working from home has many benefits, but can quickly get lonely. Luckily, technology can provide us with the social interaction that we crave during the day. Schedule a daily Zoom call with a group of friends. Jump on a quick Facetime with an old friend to check in. You may be surprised by how a virtual "water cooler" chat can help you refocus and get back to work.
7. Create a "Focus" Playlist
A Stanford study reported that music engages an area of the brain associated with focus and attention. Classical orchestra music specifically improves mood and productivity. Now is a great time to create a Spotify playlist designed to improve your focus and concentration while you work from home.
8. Organize Your Spaces
Research shows that when our spaces are organized, our minds are more organized. When we clear out physical clutter from our spaces, we are able to focus better. Here are some ideas for de-cluttering and organizing:
- Edit your closet. Grab the Sweater Guy Guide to help.
- Deep clean surfaces. A fresh, clean smell can clear your mind.
- Sort old paperwork and scan needed papers. Throw everything else away.
- Clear your work space of any distractions.
Whether you love working from home or it is simply a necessary part of your current social distancing, train yourself to stay focused with these tips. I know as the founder of an on-line knitwear brand, they've been personally essential for me to stay focused, healthy and sane during these trying times! So let's take advantage of the additional time working from home affords you and enjoy.
PS- What type of 'sweater guy' are you? Find out now!