Working from home can be a challenge. It can bring the best out of you and it is an opportunity to increase your productivity, but it can also be a form of distraction, which affects the quantity and quality of your work. Time management is not at all easy, but we would like to help you make the most out of your workday, so here are some tips that might be of use:
- Create a To-Do list
To-Do lists might seem outdated, but they are of utmost importance, when it comes to planning your daily activity. Our advice for you is to create a To-Do list each Sunday for the next week and a separate one each evening for the day that follows. You should include all the things that you need to solve, including personal matters, like grocery shopping and cleaning. Estimate how much time the tasks will last and be realistic! You do not solve anything if you write down thirty tasks per day and manage to solve only ten.
2. Do not multitask
You may think multitasking helps, but in fact it does not! Focus on one task at a time and do not put your brain under pressure of refocusing on a lot of different things simultaneously. This can affect your productivity and slow you down.
3. Try to keep your personal and professional life apart
The trap you might fall into while working from home is beginning to solve personal matters during breaks. Even if you have five free minutes, this does not mean that you should start washing dishes, do laundry or walk the dog, because you would not do that normally in an office. If you notice personal tasks while you are working, write them down and solve them as soon as you are done for the day.
4. Do not surf the internet
Maybe your work requires using the internet, but be careful, because this can quickly turn into an online shopping session, or just a waste of time reading unnecessary information. Turn your phone and Wi-Fi off to prevent yourself from checking it, getting distracted and scrolling through social media.
5. Create a routine and take breaks
Even if staying in your PJs sounds more comfortable, try waking up and doing your routine just as if you would go to work. Drink your coffee, do your workout and wear clothes you would normally wear at the office. This helps your brain understand that it is time for work.
Breaks are also important. Even if you are home, this does not mean you have to work continuously. Take breaks and do not forget to eat and hydrate yourself!
In addition, create a dedicated workplace. If you still do not have a clue on how to do that, we have here another article with some tips and tricks: https://temeron.com/2020/12/10/creating-the-perfect-working-from-home-set-up/
Those are our time management tips and we hope we made it easier for you to create a productive daily schedule!