How to Stay Productive While Working from Home
This is truly a strange time for our world. We find ourselves working from home, and for some of us, this may be the first time. The transition from in-person classes to online may be easy for some but poses major issues for others. Whether it be a lack of motivation and direction for our classes, or that frazzled feeling of trying to regroup, in order to work as effectively and efficiently as you possibly can, there are definite changes that need to be made. I have never taken an online class solely for the reason that I enjoy in-class lectures (and I am the student who asks a million questions). I have struggled immensely to stay focused and organized while working from home, but I found a few inspiring tips from one of my favorite YouTubers, Ashley (aka bestdressed), that helped the transition become a whole lot easier (the video will most definitely be linked below). Without further ado, let’s begin learning how to manage our time, workload, and increase our productivity all while working from home.
Perfect your morning routine
The term “dress for success” rings true in the eyes of productivity. I’ll be the first to admit lounging in sweats or pajamas may be tempting, but continue your morning routine as if it were just another day at school or the office. Make yourself a cup of coffee, some breakfast, and start your day with good intentions. They say it takes 30 days to create a habit, so start tomorrow as your day-one.
Write out a to-do list
Start your day off by writing (or typing) your to-do list. Write down everything that is clouded around in your brain, whether it be a big or small task. By emptying out every thought, it clears your mind and gives you the ability to fully focus your energy and time on your work. Break up your to-do list by most to least important, and break those up into smaller segments. It is a lot more rewarding to see your completed progress crossed off, compared to one, looming assignment.
Clean space, clean mind
It is important to rid your working space of clutter as it is the easiest thing to cause distractions. Start off every morning by cleaning your space- empty out that old coffee, throw away your gum wrappers, and organize your workspace. Knowing that your workspace is clean is one less thing you need to worry about throughout your day. In addition to this, clean up the desktop on your computer! Empty your trash can of old files and photos, and clear your downloads and history while you’re at it. (You may not know, but things like these take up a significant amount of space on your computer.)
Take breaks
Taking breaks is an essential part of creating an effective studying and working routine. The Pomodoro Method is a studying technique that encourages good, uninterrupted work for 25 minutes and is rewarded with a 5-minute break. This method of studying encourages strategic breaks to improve the quality of work. Working for extended periods of time allows you to get off-track and lose focus within your work. Taking a break allows for your mind to center and regroup, making it easier to get back on track.
Set goals
This transitional period is such an important time to make realistic and prioritized goals. It is daunting to see a to-do list that stretches miles long, so instead, prioritize your tasks for that day first, and then see what else there is to be done. This will make it that much easier to visualize what needs to be done for the day, rather than listing every single task that you want to accomplish.
~~~
Working from home can be a hard transition, but using these tips might just lighten the load even the tiniest bit. Linked below is Ashley’s full video about working from home, as well as an article about the Pomodoro Method. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay inside!
-MacKenzie Payton
P.S. Never work from your bed! You WILL fall asleep!
If you want to watch Ashley’s full video you can click here
Want to learn more about the Pomodoro Method? Click here
About MacKenzie:
MacKenizie Payton is a sophomore at Grand Valley State University pursuing a degree in advertising and public relations with a minor in digital studies. This is her first semester working as a Design Associate for GrandPR, and she is also a member of PRSSA. In the future she aspires to work for a sustainable fashion brand while working with Design Advertising. In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing music, and playing musical instruments.