Remote work is now a way of life for many because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And being able to earn money as you shelter in place is one of the greatest gifts. However, without our normal routines such as hanging out with friends and colleagues after work, or dining out whenever we please, it might take a toll on our mental health. Add to that the seemingly endless household work, taking care of the kids, and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy despite the ongoing health crisis. Our ability to stay focused and productive could really be impacted, which could affect the way we handle work.
In these challenging times, we share some tips that can help you stay effective, get your work done, and maintain your mental well-being:
1. Engage in a personal routine before officially starting work.
Because of stay-at-home orders to isolate ourselves from the community, we may feel less focused and more stressed than usual. You can avoid that by starting your work day with doing something more intentional and non-work related. Do some stretching or yoga, water the plants, meditate, do some crossword, read a few inspirational passages, listen to a podcast, write a journal, etc. Since there’s no need for you to commute, use the extra time as “me time” and for your personal development. By doing so, you can start your day with a clear mind and incorporate creativity into your work life. And maintaining good mental health and well-being is the key to being effective at the tasks that you will face later on.
2. Plot your schedule each day, but learn to adjust as necessary.
Collaborate on a schedule at the start of each day or each week with your partner or family members. Determine your work hours; when can you go out to buy groceries and other necessities (especially if you are the designated household member and can only go out on certain days); how often are you going to take breaks; who will be in charge of childcare and other house duties, and so on. Writing it down on a piece of paper and placing it somewhere everyone could see it, such as on the refrigerator or on a memo board, will make it easier to follow. Follow your set schedule for the day to help you in delivering your tasks and projects with less to no delays.
However, if there’s any household errand that needs to be attended right away within your work schedule, inform your manager about it so necessary adjustments can be made. We’re all trying to incorporate a sense of normalcy despite this uncertain time, so just make sure to communicate properly if you have tasks that might be delayed because of any personal responsibilities.
3. Set boundaries and routines that work best for you.
If you’re still new to the remote workforce, you might often find yourself having difficulty separating work from your daily life. It isn’t inevitable since your commute now might just mean taking a few walks from your workspace to your living room couch (or maybe that’s where you work!). Thus, it can be more challenging to avoid distractions or end your workday definitively. This is why it’s important to establish boundaries and routines that will help you minimize distractions while working, and completely “clock out” when your workday is over.
Figure out ways to get around your usual distractions at home. Also, it’s important to communicate with your family members about when they can and cannot interrupt you. Set a time or periods during the day when you need to really focus on your tasks or perform deep work, especially if you’ve got a tight deadline.
Because of our smartphones, we have access to work email and chat groups all day, which means shutting down or completely logging out of work can be another challenge. Establish a routine that will help you disconnect from work. When you were working in the office, the signal to the end of your work day could be washing up your coffee mug, tidying up your workspace, and then completely shutting down your computer. Incorporate any of those rituals at home and disable notifications for any work-related apps you’re using so you won’t be tempted to check in again. By taking into account the boundaries and habits that work best for you, the better equipped you are to achieve a healthy balance between work and life.
4. Take regular, small breaks.
In his blog entitled “The Power of the Break,” leadership expert and consultant Kevin Eikenberry highlights that “taking a break isn’t for slackers.” Instead, your productivity will soar and your stress will sink when you take them. When you’re working remotely, there’s no co-worker to invite you for a quick chat or grab a cup of coffee. And if you’re working on a lengthy task, it might be more difficult for you to get a break on your own.
But taking short, regular breaks have been proven to enhance productivity, make us feel less stressed, and help us regain our focus. It’s a healthy practice to distance yourself from your desk or laptop for a while and do something not work-related. Whether it’s making a cup of coffee, taking a short walk (with social distancing, and if your area allows it), getting in a quick call with a friend, or reading a travel blog, do whatever it is that makes you feel relaxed even for a short while. Make sure to incorporate breaks into your schedule and actually take them—your brain will thank you for it later.
5. Let gratitude be another motivation for you to do well.
Being able to work from home is certainly a huge blessing. There’s no need for us to go outside and be exposed to the community, unlike our equally hard working frontliners. But it’s a privilege knowing that we can still be of service to other people (and to our families) while we’re helping to flatten the curve. And while everyone’s situation and WFH set-up is different, the most common thing we should have is gratitude for our work. So aside from your family and friends who are your primary sources of inspiration and motivation, add your remote work opportunity as another thing to look forward to every time you’re feeling down or out of focus.#