This year has taught many workers a thing or two about being productive with offices and homes blending into one. Many people are finding that they enjoy working from home but they are also more distracted.
As the calendar turns to 2021, working from home is expected to be more commonplace. Having the ability to focus is key for completing any project. So, you need effective solutions for managing household chores and balancing responsibilities between work and home. Consider these key products and processes to stay productive and focused in the New Year.
Find a system (and stick to it): Creating an organizing system is an easy way to ensure your at-home workspace is ready for optimal productivity. Designate space to house all your work items – a drawer, cabinet or box – and keep work items organized by type (pens, papers, computer gear, etc.) At the end of each day, transitioning to “offline hours” can be easier when you have a place to stow your work items.
Start your day clean: Studies have shown cleanliness has a direct impact on productivity. Yet, many people struggle to find the time and energy to clean, especially at the end of a busy day at home. An option like The DEEBOT T8 from Ecovacs provides a hands-free cleaning experience, complete with the time-saving benefits of an all-in-one robot vacuum and floor mop. It can also be easily controlled via an app, just set it to clean before bed and wake up to a tidy workspace.
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Break up your day: With so many hours at home in front of a computer, workdays can get a little monotonous. Break up the day to make working from home feel as “normal” as possible – shower in the morning, take a walk or drive to coffee then make time for at least two breaks throughout the day. Some people have found success with the Pomodoro Technique, which is breaking your day up into 25-minute chunks of work, with 5-minute rest periods. If you continue to work until you feel like taking a break, odds are you’ll overwork yourself until it’s too late to take the “big break” you had in mind.
Bookend your days with mindfulness: At the beginning and end of each workday, do a 3-5-minute mindfulness meditation. Before signing on to work for the day, allow your mind to fully focus on the day’s tasks at-hand. Signoff by doing another meditation to end the day and let go of any worries or stresses you might have. Incorporating this tactic into your daily routine can help create a natural boundary from work and home while also restoring peace of mind.
Photograph by Lederina / Getty Images
For more articles on effective ways for managing your work and lifestyle, read "Waiting to Excel" featured in the Natural Beauty Issue of VERGE Lifestyle & Urban Culture magazine. Click here to buy the issue now and become inspired! |