If you’ve tried doing remote work like I have, you probably know that working from home comes with unique challenges – from uncomfortable setups to distractions and lack of motivation.
Despite these challenges, however, I still choose remote work as it gives me the flexibility to avoid the exhausting commute and spend more time with my loved ones. That said, I also learned over time that I could work around the hurdles just as long as I planned ahead and did my best to stay on track throughout the workday.
Here are essential tips for remote work newbies and seasoned telecommuters who are looking for a better work-life balance:
1. Designate a Specific Workspace
It might sound exciting to work on your kitchen counter one day and then (God forbid) work lying in bed the next. However, doing so would make it hard to separate work from leisure. Such a setup might cause you to feel sluggish when you need to concentrate or agitated and alert when you should be relaxing after a day’s work.
That said, have a dedicated work area where you can do focused work and take important video calls. Choose a location in your home that is away from high traffic and noise, such as a spare room or a quiet corner.
2. Invest in Ergonomic Furniture
Focusing on your work is hard when you don’t feel comfortable. So, it’s crucial to invest in ergonomic furniture designed to support your body comfortably for long periods.
Not only will this increased comfort lead to longer, more productive work sessions without the discomfort that comes from standard furniture., but it can also help reduce the risk of strain on your back, neck, and wrists.
In addition, maintaining a good posture can have psychological benefits, including increased confidence and a more positive attitude, which can indirectly boost productivity and work efficiency.
3. Optimize Your Technology Setup
Technology is the number one factor allowing you to work remotely. You must ensure that you’re working on a computer or laptop with sufficient processing power and that you have a reliable and fast internet connection that can handle video calls and online meetings and access cloud-based applications you need for your job, such as video editing apps or AI design tools.
When working remotely, monitor your devices’ performance. Slowdowns or crashes can indicate the need for a hardware upgrade or software optimization. It’s also best to have a plan for tech support in case of hardware or software failures to minimize downtime.
4. Implement Effective Time Management Techniques
Time management can be more challenging when working from home. After all, you’re moving within your comfort zone and surrounded by your hobbies, chores, and whatnot.
Here are a few time management strategies you might want to try to ensure that you don’t drift away from your to-do list:
- Pomodoro technique ─ This involves working in focused periods (typically 25 minutes) and short breaks (5 minutes). It’s excellent for maintaining high levels of focus and preventing burnout.
- Time blocking ─ You can choose to allocate specific blocks of time for different tasks or types of work. For instance, you can answer all important emails during your first hour of working and focus on virtual assistant tasks for the next two hours after that. This helps in dedicating focused time to tasks without the interference of multitasking.
- Eisenhower matrix ─ Prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, helping you focus on what truly matters and avoid wasting time on unproductive tasks.
Whether you prefer the old-school weekly planner or digital calendars and task management apps, set realistic goals at the beginning of every workday or workweek and do your best to stay on track.
5. Take Regular Breaks
Give your mind enough breathing allowance to rest and reset. Doing so will allow you to avoid burnout and maintain your creativity, cognitive function, and motivation. Moreover, it can counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting, such as stiffness and poor circulation.
Here are a few ways you can refresh your mind throughout the day:
- Take short walks, stretch, or do a quick set of exercises to keep the body active.
- Engage in mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises during breaks to reduce stress.
- Choose activities that don’t involve screens, like reading a book or stepping outside, to give your eyes and mind a rest from digital fatigue.
- Use break time for a quick social interaction, whether it’s a family chat, a call to a friend, or playing with a pet, to boost your mood.
Working from home is a privilege only a few people previously had. With planning, discipline, and the right mindset, it can be an incredibly rewarding and productive experience.
