13 Working from Home Tips

If you are someone that has just begun working from home, the shift in the style of work may be hard to adjust.

With a traditional 9-5 job, you already have a workplace set up.

But when you begin working from home, you will need to recreate that setup and schedule a routine in order to be productive.

So, today we are going to take a look at some working from home tips that will make this transition a smooth one.

These tips are not only great for those that are new to this lifestyle, but also good for remote workers that are looking to establish a system in place.

Before we get started, its important to make sure you have the basic set up ready.

Here are some essentials that are needed to get your home office up and running.

• Desktop/Laptop
• Headphones
• Webcam
• Wireless mouse
• High-speed internet connection
• Printer (optional)
• Extra monitor if needed

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7 Work from home tips

1. Create your own home office

The first thing is to recreate a work atmosphere at home. We are not talking about spending on upgrades. Instead, we are looking to recreate a home office experience with what you already have.

Whether it’s a spare room or a desk and chair in the corner of your house – make it your own.

Here are things to keep in mind:

• A clutter-free desktop
• An ergonomic chair if you have l0ng work hours in front of your laptop
• Stress ball – this can help!
• A shelf or a chest of drawers to store any files or documents. If there are not many documents, a simple paper organiser will do just fine.
• Office stationery
• And finally, and most important – a drink bottle to stay hydrated

 

2. Maintain a clutter-free work desk

Have you heard the term – less is more?

It’s so true, isn’t it? The more things we have the more clutter accumulates.

Get rid of things as you work.

Once you finish working on that document, remember to put it away immediately!

Get rid of any papers, stationaries or even any dirty cups or plates and put them where they belong.

Clutter can have a negative effect on your mood as well. You will notice that you are more productive with fewer things on your work desk.

 

3. Have a healthy breakfast before you start your work at home

After at least 8 hours of a good night sleep, what your body needs is some fuel in the form of a healthy breakfast.

Avoiding this might leave you feeling restless as you work. In fact, you might be tempted to eat more with frequent snacking when hunger strikes!

As a work-at-home mom myself, I am guilty to testify that I used to do this often. Skip my breakfast while working, only to get up every now and then to grab a lovely treat to satisfy myself!

If you are strapped for time, check out this list of overnight oats recipes that you can prepare the day before.

 

4. A little stretch and some freshness

Try not to be glued to your desk for the entire 8 hours you work. A few stretches and a walk to the window to let some fresh air in the room, is good for your mind and body.

Here are a few easy exercises to do while still sitting on your chair. These simple exercise routines can help relax and tone those muscles while you work.

 

5. Avoid social media distractions

When you go online, one of the biggest distractions is to check out social media sites.

That’s great if you are not distracted by this, but if you are, try and limit the urge to check to once a the end of your work.

 

6. Limit the number of tabs you open

When I get caught up with some online research, I end up having over 15 tabs open on my laptop.

The problem with this is, that I have more 15 things to do.

Instead, try and get the job done and dusted on each tab that’s open before moving to the next.

Closing them down is like reducing the clutter on your computer screen, which also gives you the opportunity to concentrate on a single task.

Remember, one thing at a time and give it 100%!

 

7. Talk to family about your schedule

If you working from home with kids,  it’s important to have a system in place. 

Create a schedule that is fit for both you and the kids to be productive.

We are talking about, meals, snack time, playtime and homework.

Have a daily or a weekly planner, and set a time for everything so the kids understand how the routine works.

If you have little kids at home, have a good supply of play toys. Some ideas are playdoh, puzzles, paints, paper and crayons.

 

8. Meal plan on a Saturday. Shop on a Sunday

Sit down and meal plan for the entire week – Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Write them down and pick out the list of ingredients you might need to shop.

Get your shopping out of the way by Sunday, so you have it all ready for the week.

Have a laminated weekly meal plan schedule on your fridge, so you can wipe down and re-write on it for the following week.

Another option is to have a meal planning diary. The advantage with a diary is that you have all the meal plans written from previous weeks, so it works as an inspiration for ideas to cook. This also helps you avoid cooking the same meals over and over.

If you need help with meal planning, check this out!

 

9. Make-ahead DIY snack

Most of us might develop a hunger pang around 3 pm, a few hours after lunch.

It’s important to stay fueled with a healthy snack to maintain productivity throughout the day.

Here are some quick make ahead healthy DIY snacks:

• Muesli bars
• 5 Ingredient energy bars
• Peanut butter energy bites
• Create a snack mix using pretzels, almonds, pistachios, raisins, walnuts or cranberries
• Premade popcorn or microwave ones
• Oatmeal cookies
• Need a last-minute idea? – try a banana with peanut butter or a small block of dark chocolate

All of these snack ideas can be stored in airtight containers or in ziplock pouches for a week. Since you make these ahead, all that’s left to do is grab and eat.

Kids at home will love these treats too!

 

10. Everyone helps cleaning up

Can you imagine wrapping up your work by 6 pm only to begin cleaning and cooking work at home?

To reduce your workload, make sure kids and everyone at home help out getting rid of the mess throughout the day. Getting rid of dirty plates and cups, empty snack bags and other bits of mess around the house.

 

11. Indoor plants for stress relief

House plants are known to reduce stress and anxiety. So it is not a bad idea to have a few of these plants at home to relieve some level of stress.

Here are some plants worth considering:

• Peppermint
• Lavender
• Chamomile
• Aloe Vera

My personal favourite are mint plants. It is also very easy to grow and requires less maintenance. If you buy mint leaves from the store and use the leaves, don’t throw away the stalks. Insert these stalks inside a plant pot to regrow.

 

There you have it!

11 simple working from home tips that are sure to improve productivity, even with kids at home.