In the last couple of months, many employees have started working from home. Being able to work from home can be fantastic. You are in your safe space. If you want, you can take a nap on your couch or play music in the background.

Sounds great, right?

But bear in mind that working from home can also harm your productivity. Moreover, it can become mundane and boring. It may be tempting to watch movies or do other leisure activities instead. To ensure that you stick to routine and stay proactive when working from home, consider the following:

Create a schedule

Creating a schedule and sticking to it is the number one thing to do. Although working from home might seem like a dream, it is, in fact, quite challenging. The productivity levels go down because there are too many distractions around you.

Moreover, your brain views your home as the central place for relaxation and enjoyment — especially if you usually work in the office. That is why you should consider creating a reasonable schedule that is going to become a part of your routine. When making it, make sure to set some time aside for fun activities, such as reading a book or watching a movie.

Don’t Go Overboard with Tasks

It is yet another crucial thing to consider. If your schedule is jam-packed with tasks, you are less likely going to manage to complete everything in time. Not only will that affect your productivity, but it will also make you feel bad for not finishing everything you set out to do.

The main takeaway here should be that slow and steady wins the race. It is better to focus on 3-5 main work-related tasks that you can complete either in the morning or during the day. The joy of completing a full to-do list is an excellent motivator to stick to the schedule and stay productive.

Create a Dedicated Workspace

Separating work from the relaxation is essential for one’s productivity levels. It might seem appealing to lay in bed with your laptop. But by doing so, you are more likely to either fall asleep or end up watching your favorite YouTube channels.

Instead, create a dedicated workspace. Not only that, but put some time and effort into making it appealing and motivating. Use decorations, whiteboards, or even plants, to liven up the space and mimic a proper office environment. It has proven to have a positive impact on your stress levels and productivity.

Use Productivity Apps and Hacks

Productivity apps enable you to become more efficient with your work. If you haven’t used any before, then now is the perfect time to do so. Some of the most popular productivity apps include:

– Asana
– Hootsuite
– Flow
– Todoist
– Trello
– Memento

If some online distractions bother you, you can also consider using focus assistants. They block websites, for example, streaming platforms and social media, so you wouldn’t access them when working.

And don’t underestimate the other mundane things that can distract you. Even something as minor as forgetting your password can ruin a productive work session. Always opt for tools that save time in every possible way. For example, get a password manager to autofill the passwords for you. It will save time you spend remembering or looking for passwords. If it has a biometric fingerprint lock, you won’t even need to bother with the master password most of the time.

Make Your Routine Dynamic

Creating a schedule and sticking to it is essential. But it’s also imperative to have some fun during the process. Besides work-related tasks, try focusing on your hobbies more. Isolation can be challenging, and having a creative outlet helps with mental well-being. It doesn’t have to be art or sports. Do something that you enjoy — exercise, sing, dance, clean, learn a new skill, sign up for a course, etc.

Take Breaks

Taking breaks is necessary if you want to avoid feeling burnt out by all the tasks and work that you need to complete. If you feel down, tired, or unmotivated, take a break to clear your mind. You can use it to take a power nap, go for a walk, play with your pet, meditate, or watch an episode of your favorite TV show. Make sure that one short break doesn’t turn into a procrastination trap. Discipline is the key to being productive while having fun.

See? Sticking to your routine and maintaining your productivity levels isn’t that hard. It is crucial to take care of your mental well-being while still excelling at work and achieving excellent results.

Take advantage of the current situation and create an outstanding home office that fuels your ambition. Stick to your routine and create a dynamic schedule that combines the best of both worlds – work and fun. You will achieve excellent results in no time.