Staying motivated and productive while working from home is not an easy task, and for many the challenge is becoming harder as we continue to live under various levels of lockdown. In my quest to navigate around reoccurring downward spirals, I thought I'd share some of the most useful tips I have found with you.
Some of these might be predictable and already well established in your own work from home (WFH) routine. However, I have found that just by being reminded and adjusting, these seven concepts have helped me regain positivity and carry on.
1. ADD FENG SHUI
By now you've probably found a spot to work from, but you might want to reassess this from time to time. Where and how you sit, and the view from your workspace, are crucial components to starting your workday right.
Going back to the basics might also help keep your ever-changing needs in check and ensure that your foundation for a productive WFH day stays on track.
There are a few must-have Feng Shui principles you should follow to maintain good home office energy. These include setting up your workspace as far away from your bedroom as possible, ensuring there is sufficient light and air flow, and staying organised.
If space is an issue, these principles can be attained by investing in a standing desk. An added benefit is that it is believed to be healthier to stand rather than sit all day.
2. CREATE A RITUAL
In Japanese decluttering guru Mari Kondo's latest book, Joy At Work, she recommends starting and ending your workday with a ritual that helps you get into a "work" mindset. Try something that allows you to switch gears and focus, perhaps a specific playlist or a strong cup of coffee. Adding uplifting essential oils like rosemary, bergamot or something with citrus to a diffuser may assist with focus and productivity.
3. DECLUTTER DAILY
Keeping clutter at bay in your work area alleviates stress levels and allows for more focus and productivity - and the same applies to your digital workspace. Keeping your inbox free of junk mail and creating a few subfolders might help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed when opening your mail.
Kondo says: "It might feel safer to file everything away, but a complex digital filing system will only require time and energy to sort through and find what you need. Keep folders to a minimum - create a small set of intuitive, primary folders that house current projects, important records, and saved work you'll need to access in the future."
4. BE INTENTIONAL
The items that are on your desk should be carefully chosen for their functionality. Investing in a good desk lamp is essential. Rewarding yourself with nice notebooks, folders or pens can make the whole experience more enjoyable and might even motivate you to keep things tidy and stylish.
Consciously avoid distraction by keeping your phone and tablet out of reach, as random texts and social media prompts can derail your focus and often lead to endless doom scrolling. Schedule times to follow up on texts and less urgent calls. If you struggle to stay away from your devices, consider something like FLIPD Focus Lock- it will hide all social apps for a specific period, while still allowing you to make and receive calls.
5. SPARK JOY
Kondo's well-known Konmari method is another useful tool to invite into your workday. Keeping your spirits up is an essential part of ensuring that you stay productive and focused.
"Add one thing that sparks joy when you look at it - I always keep a crystal or small vase of fresh flowers on my desk," says Kondo.
Other options are music or podcasts that help you stay positive. You could also line up a few beautiful videos on Nowness.com to indulge in when you're in need of some joy. One of my favourite survival rituals is Kate Cocker's Every Day Positivity podcast — two minutes of positivity that make the world of difference to my day. Find it on Spotify, Apple Music or Alexa Skills.
6. DAYDREAM OFTEN
Creating a schedule that makes room for downtime is crucial to your mental and physical wellbeing. Whether it's a calming cup of tea, a few minutes of stretching, taking a walk or just daydreaming (without a device in your hand), including these in your day can make all the difference.
"When we take time to switch off to what's going on around us and just think, we improve our ability to focus, which in turn increases creativity," says neuroscientist Dr Caroline Leaf.
"When you get into these daydream modes, memory improves dramatically and it's easier to learn new information and you increase your intelligence as a bonus! Without this natural thinking mode, we wouldn't be able to reach those insights and inspirational highs that change our world. Like Isaac Newton, we should all spend more time sitting under trees and just thinking!"
7. REACH OUT
Keep teamwork alive by regularly speaking to your colleagues, no matter what managerial level you might be on. Staying in touch with your team is essential to a healthy workflow. Being connected also generates new thoughts and ideas, while keeping much-needed human connection intact - especially on days when isolation anxiety kicks in.
Make a coffee-date video call with colleagues, or try a quarantini at the end of your work day or week. It might feel strange at first, but it's an important part of adjusting to our lives at present - and is at least a fun way to do it.
"Schedule time during the workday to simply chat and catch up with your colleagues - connection with your cohort is vital to staying energised and engaged," advises Kondo.
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