This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Artur BP
One of the biggest advantages of working from home is flexibility. You have the freedom to choose where and when you work. But it can also drain your energy and lead to burnout even faster than working in an office. To avoid that, try following these few simple tips and keep an eye on your mental health. If you start feeling down or every day feels like Groundhog Day, it might be worth consulting with a doctor or therapist. But first, give these tips a try.
Set up a comfortable work schedule
When you’re focused on your work at home, it’s easy to lose track of time and end up working longer hours than you would in the office. This can be especially true if you're a bit of a workaholic. You might find yourself working overtime every day, which poses risks to both your physical and mental health.
To avoid this, try tracking your work hours and setting alarms for breaks and the end of your workday. When the alarm goes off, shut down your laptop and move away from your workspace to resist the temptation to keep working. The flexibility of WFH allows you to rearrange your work hours and add in personal activities, like exercises or a quick walk, without hurting your productivity.
You’ll be surprised to find that this approach will boost your productivity and keep you feeling more energized during the day.
Create your dream workspace
Working from home gives you an opportunity to create the workspace of your dreams. Nobody will tell you that ten photos of your pet or cactus collection on your desk are too much. You don’t have to worry about colleagues' opinions if you want to work in pajamas or funny crocks. You get to decide your dress code and how you set up your space. You can work from the kitchen, bedroom, balcony, or anywhere else that feels comfortable. One thing to keep in mind is a good internet connection. All other things are up to you.
Choose the best online tools for job tasks
Remote work was challenging at the beginning of the COVID era, especially when it came to finding the best online tools to replace office appliances like printers, fax machines, brainstorming boards, and platforms for online calls. Four years ago, the majority of us found our go-to tools that help us save time and produce great results.
Here are a few services I can’t imagine my workday without: Google Calendar for planning both work and personal tasks; Slack for messaging with colleagues; Zoom for online calls, Miro for brainstorming and mind mapping; iScanner’s File Converter for converting documents to PPT, Excel, and other formats; ChatGPT or Perplexity for searching for information and generating ideas; and Trello for effective teamwork.
Regularly take breaks
Working non-stop for 8 hours straight is risky for both your mental and physical health. Your brain and body need to take breaks to keep a high level of productivity. Don’t wait for signs like eye strain, headaches, or back pain. Regular breaks, when you do some physical activity, take strolls, or drink a cup of coffee can help you refresh both your mind and body. Trust me, aching lower back pain is a terrible bonus at the end of your workday.
And don’t underestimate the importance of natural light and fresh air. A lack of these can contribute to bad moods and fatigue. Pay attention to these often overlooked components of a productive day.
Conduct informal online events with colleagues via Zoom
When you worked from the office, you could have small talks with colleagues, exchange news with them, and ask for recommendations whenever you wanted. Remote work takes away this privilege, but it’s easy to fix by conducting informal calls with colleagues to chat over a cup of tea or a glass of wine after work. Most of my informal meetings happen via Zoom, and I don’t want to search for another platform for calls. Nothing stops me from having friendly conversations.
Sometimes, my company organizes online team-building activities, which are a great way to connect with colleagues, whether it’s guessing popular songs or participating in quizzes. All these informal interactions help avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation. As we know, social connections positively influence our mental health.
Set morning and evening routines
If you start working immediately after waking up or go to sleep with your laptop, you’re missing out on some of the best moments of the day. Morning and evening can be full of opportunities to set the right tone for your day.
Start your day by cooking a tasty breakfast or enjoying a cup of coffee from your favorite coffee shop to energize yourself for the work ahead. In the evening, take a long walk—it helps clear your mind of worries and sets you up for a good night's sleep. Choose activities that recharge your batteries and incorporate them into your daily routines, and you’ll see how the quality of your life will increase.
Make rules for family members
If you don’t live alone, you may need to set up a few rules with your family or flatmates. It’s not obvious to everyone that your work hours at home should be treated the same as they would be in an office. You need to stay focused on your tasks and avoid being interrupted by your household responsibilities. Have open conversations and set clear boundaries on when it’s okay for family members to interrupt you. By creating your own work-from-home culture, you’ll make your life much easier.
These recommendations don’t require much effort but can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and boost your productivity. Remember, while working from home, you’re responsible for both your performance and your well-being.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Artur BP
Artur BP | Sciencx (2025-01-12T19:30:59+00:00) 7 Work-From-Home Tips to Boost Your Productivity. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/01/12/7-work-from-home-tips-to-boost-your-productivity/
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