THE BLOG
Working From Home: How To Stay On Top Of Your Game
Living in the era of a pandemic has paved way for a new sense of normalcy.

While there are many aspects of this new normalcy you may have come to greatly dislike, such as never leaving the house without a mask or carrying sanitizer everywhere you go, there is one thing that almost everyone seems to be enjoying: working from home.

And with workers feeling happier and more satisfied with their jobs, there is an increased demand for companies to adapt to this new way of working. In a recent study, it was found that as much as 80% of company leaders plan to allow employees to continue working remotely at least some of the time.

But, working from home does pose new challenges to actually getting your work done. Your fridge is never too far away to make yourself a quick snack and your bed is ever so close when you feel the afternoon slump hit you and the need for an afternoon nap kicks in. And working with The Office playing in the background still means you're working, right?

So, since the novelty of wearing sweatpants on Zoom meetings hasn't quite worn off yet, and working from home is here to stay for the foreseeable future, here are some tips on staying productive from your home desk.
1. Organise a designated working space
I.e. not your bed. Set yourself up in a cozy corner of your home. Make sure you have a desk and a supportive chair, as well as any extra screens or equipment you might need. Decorate the wall with motivational posters, your desk with plants, or whatever else floats your boat. When you enter this space, you know it is time to get to work. Similarly, when you leave this space, switch your mind off from all things work-related until you have to re-enter the space.

2. Allow yourself reasonable breaks
While grabbing a coffee with a co-worker is no longer an option for a mid-morning break, it is still important to take breathers. Phone a friend for a 5-minute catch-up, pour yourself a cup of coffee or run around your house to get your energy levels back up when you need to.
3. Avoid cabin fever
When working from home all day, it is important to spend some time outside of your house. A good way to combat cabin fever is to go on daily walks during your lunch hour - plus getting some fresh air will help wake you up for the remainder of the day!
4. Have a screentime shut-off point

When you have finished work for the day, shut down your computer and put your phone away. Taking a break from all the screentime will help you wind down after work and allow you a better night's rest.

5. Take care of yourself
This one may seem obvious, but many people find themselves in a rut when they live, sleep, and work in the same place (if not the same room). Make sure you are eating healthily, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and drinking plenty of water. First and foremost: work hard on yourself before you work hard for your job.
And that's it! Before you know it you'll be getting into your own working from home groove.