5 Tips on Staying Motivated While Working From Home

With businesses entering the reopening phase, many employees and teams are working remotely from their homes. Generally your workload will keep you stimulated, but there may be some days you lack energy and find your focus and motivation dwindling.  The following are some tips to help you sustain your motivation for the long-term.

1) Establish a sense of routine

Take time for yourself every morning to plan out exactly what you specifically need to get done that day. Create a schedule based on what you need to fulfill and break it down into achievable steps that you can check off throughout the day. Having a visual reminder of what you’ve accomplished will help keep track of tasks and support you in feeling like you are making meaningful headway toward a bigger goal, which can be highly motivating.

2) Incentive yourself with rewards

There is work that will energize and activate you. On the other hand, there will be tasks you enjoy less,  but still expected to complete. Find ways to power through the ones you enjoy less.For example: When you are completing a taxing task, tell yourself once you are finished, you will take your dog out on a walk or catch up on your favourite tv show. Building in rewards once you get your less favourite stuff done, will make your tasks seem less daunting and chore-like.  

3) Talk to your boss

Chatting with your boss can go a long way in helping you feel like your work has value to the bigger picture. Be honest with your boss about how you are feeling with your workload, for example: what you are finding challenging or need clarification on, and the support that would be needed to achieve the goal. These discussions can help you find meaning in your day-to-day and affirm how your work has value to the organization as a whole. 

4) Set yourself up ergonomically

Working from home can take a physical toll on your body, which can affect your mood and productivity. If you can, try to maintain a separate work area so you can physically and mentally disconnect when you “log off”  from work hours.

If you don’t have room for a dedicated space, use your dining room table every morning and clear it away, moving work material out of sight, when you are finished. Take breaks to rest your eyes away from your screen, stretch, and change your posture. This is a good habit to assist in mentally recharging throughout the day.

If your budget allows, invest in a comfortable chair, it will reduce possible back, neck and shoulder pain. Lastly, make sure you avoid working where you sleep. It will have the wrong effect on you and will make you feel lazy and unproductive. 

5) Have a hobby or side project

A side project eventually has a finished product. A hobby is a personal interest. Both are fantastic outlets to let your creativity flow. In addition to being a great way to decompress, you will feel more relaxed overall and in control.

If your schedule permits, you can even do both at the same time. Find something that interests you, and that you want to learn more about. For example: take up a new sport, volunteer, create an online store/course, learn to draw. Spending some of your free time in this way can make you happier, healthier and strengthen your productivity in all avenues.

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