Thanks to the internet, remote work and virtual school is now entirely possible. It has been great for me and I have found ways to make it even more comfortable and productive. Though, during my pre-pandemic life, I worked remotely and completed my MBA online; This time around it is much better. Here are ways in which you can make remote work a little more bearable and even fun!
1. Create a dedicated office space. It could be in your bedroom or even your dining area. Whatever works for you. I have a dedicated office space and a functional office space. This way I always have somewhere to work. I do this because sometimes there are unplanned events or guests and having that flexibility helps me to still be productive. Ensure that it is quiet and has all the equipment you will need like chargers, stationery etc.
2. Develop a routine. Similar to when you had to go into the office, you need a structure so that you can stay organized. It may not sound like fun but it is better than the chaotic mess you could create by halfheartedly doing your work.
Wake up at least half an hour before it is time to work.
Take the time to be still for 5 minutes or less. No gadgets. Stretch or meditate. Just you and yourself.
Get your hygiene together.
Prepare a light breakfast, have some tea or eat some fruits.
Ensure that you power up your computer at least 10 minutes before your start time.
3. Get Organized.
Stay organized throughout the day by using sticky notes but limit yourself. Three sticky notes can quickly turn into a large pile of disorganized mess.
Instead you can opt for digital notebooks or planners. I love these as I can easily copy and paste stuff and I have an endless number of pages.
Another great option if you prefer writing is this chic Acrylic Dry Erase Board. It comes with a white markers for note taking and you can easily erase what you have written after completing each task. It fits perfectly on your work desk and the bonus point- it's really cute!
Ensure that you prioritize according to importance and deadline. Tackle those tasks first.
Your lunchtime and break times are for you. Remember that. I generally stay away from my work station during that time and make myself a healthy lunch, go outside or whatever I need to do to relax and rejuvenate my mind. This always improves my focus after. Company time, is their time. You should not steal from that but request time off when you need it.
4. Productivity. You want to ensure that you are staying on task at all times throughout the workday. Sometimes technological issues may arise but other than that there should always be something to do.
Productivity can easily go either way and depending on how it goes, you may get booted back to the office. If you use multiple devices to complete your online tasks then you should use this Jelly Comb Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard. It comes with a built-in stand that allows you to easily switch between devices. It is compatible with most bluetooth supported devices like smart TV'S, iPhones, Android, iOS, MAC and Windows. The best part about it is that the scissor-switch feature provides you with comfortable and seamless soft strokes, reducing errors. At full charge, your Qwerty keyboard can last up to 40 hours. I like the convenience of being able to switch from typing on my phone to my iPad, virtually uninterrupted!
For work meetings I like to ensure that I am familiar with the platform of choice by testing it out myself before or watching video tutorials. And if your company is anything like mine, video meetings are a must. Thankfully, most devices have a built in camera but I am also a stickler for privacy. This is why it is so important to have a dedicated work space and get your hygiene together first thing. And because we all can get a bit paranoid and the paper I tend to tape over my webcam sometimes falls, a Webcam Cover is a convenient must have. You slide it open when in use then slide it shut immediately after. You definitely don't need your whole office to have access to what goes on inside your house.
Ask questions to gain clarity because sometimes emails and nonverbal communication can be ambiguous.
5. Be healthy. Please remember to stay healthy. Working from home can quickly take over your life and it can be hard to separate the two.
Stay hydrated throughout the day. Refresh your brain cells by drinking water.
Protect your eyes. My vision declined significantly, so much so that I had to get prescription glasses. You can turn on the Dark Theme Google Chrome Extension on your computer or purchase TIJN Blue Light Blocking Glasses to protect your eyes from blue light. I wish I had known this 2 years ago!
Practice good ergonomics. As a trained Dental Hygienist, I know how important this is for back health. If you sit most of the day, make sure your chair is ergonomically designed or you are using a seat cushion. Comfit Life has a gel enhanced seat that is ergonomically designed and fits well in any standard office chair. It helps with posture and provides spine support which makes sitting down for a long period a comfortable experience.
Take care of your mental health, spend time with your family and stay grounded in reality.
Are you still reading my blogs? Why not turn them into podcasts with Podcastle AI, a Google Chrome extension!? Another great way to increase your productivity while working remotely. Let Podcastle AI read those long articles for you, so you don't have to! Some of these gadgets also make great work from home gift ideas. Feel free to check out these free resources that are also great for working from home.
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