We live in a time where technology has made it easier for individuals to work from home. So much so that many have chosen careers that allow them to do just that.

While working from home may seem like a great idea, you need to have a proper workspace and mindset to be productive. Otherwise, you may get easily distracted and won’t get much work done. It all starts with:

Creating a Productive Workspace

Your workspace contributes greatly to your overall productivity. Working from your bed may be comfortable but the risk is that it promotes relaxation rather than work production. One of the first things you need to do is create a workspace that promotes productivity.

• Find a space to work: Dedicate a room as your workspace. If you don’t have that luxury, pick any available corner in a distraction-free area. This privacysupportsbetter concentrationfor your work.
• Have proper furniture: Once you have a space picked out, turn it into an office. Office space can mean as little as having a comfortable desk and chair. A file cabinet is a useful addition to deal with paperwork.
• Have the right technology: You should be aware of the technology you need to work from home. There are obvious pieces of equipment like a computer, internet, headphones, printer, and speakers. Consider acquiring software that makes delegating tasks and communication easier, such as Slack and Asana. For meetings and calls, download Zoom, Cisco Webex, or Google Meet. You should assess your technology needs to create the proper setup at home.

Keep in mind that working from home means an increase in electricity consumption. So you can expect your electric companybills to go up while you work from home due to the additional consumption.

Tips and Routines for Working From Home

You can set up the most productive workspace, but it is useless unless you have a proper routine for working from home. Here are some tips to help you develop such a routine:

• Start in the morning: You want to start work early. After a good night of sleep, your body is re-energized, and you’ll want to take advantage of this. Wake up, have breakfast, and immediately start working. You will find that as the day goes on, you will be able to accomplish more tasks if you start early.
• Schedule your workday: Create a schedule for yourself and stick with it. Many people who work from home find they get so caught up in work that they forget to take breaks for themselves. An idea for a workday would be to schedule two two-hour work segments with a break for an hour in between and a final three-hour stretch to finish your work. You can experiment with your schedule to see what works best for you. But be sure to include breaks and not to overwork yourself.
• Remember to stayactive: Working from home results in many people forgetting to get their daily dosage of physical activity. Physical activity is vital for good health, so be sure to lift weights or go for a walk. Any form of physical activity works.
• Stay off social media: Just checking that one notification can result in hours wasted on social media. So, when you are in your workspace, be sure to turn off all your social media notifications.

Mental Health Tips for Working From Home

Working from home can take a toll on your mental health. It’s pretty easy to completely engross yourself in work and forget about taking care of yourself. The following tips will help you avoid that:

• Take breaks often: Breaks give your mind a chance to freshen up and relax. Try to schedule short, five-minute breaks every hour. During the break, get up and stretch so your body gets some form of movement and stays agile. The short breaks will prevent you from getting too lost in your work.
• Take up meditation: Meditation is not for everyone but can help you stay at peace mentally. Take 10 minutes before you start working to meditate and relax. This intention can help you stay mentally focused and productive throughout the day.
• Stay connected to others: Working from home doesn’t mean you isolate yourself and work throughout the day. Take time in your day to interact with your family members. If they live with you, eat with them and talk. If not, then call them. Stay connected with your support system and make a habit of reaching out to them daily.

Following these tips will help you become and remain a productive, work-from-home employee.