Being Productive While Working From Home

Isn’t it exciting? You don’t need to wake up 2 hours before the time you are supposed to reach the office. No more travelling in the crowded train and the traffic, and the best part - you can work in your pyjamas.

Sadly, it won’t be exciting all along. Once the initial excitement wears off, it can be daunting. Then it’ll be all up to you to make it work.

Telecommunication can present a unique set of challenges, especially for the ones who are not well-versed in it. Dr Maneendra, Consultant - Critical Care and HOD suggests a few strategies on how to maintain your healthy habits and be productive while working from home.

Stick to a routine: It is, no doubt, tempting to get out of bed and onto the couch and start working, or maybe start checking your emails on the bed itself. However, you’ll need to establish a schedule while you are working from home. Wake up on time, take a shower and get ready as if you were going to work. You don’t have to put on a suit or tie but treat the day like any other day at the office. Determine regular working hours, take meal breaks, and take small breaks in between.

Have a dedicated workspace and set up: You’ll have to set boundaries to be productive while working from home. For some, it may mean no TV, for some, it could be a separate room. You’ll also have to make sure you are not distracted or tempted to do other things - like get up to stretch a bit and the next moment you are on your bed, this should be avoided. You must be disciplined. If you find yourself getting distracted easily, you might have to need to have firmer boundaries.

If possible, set up a workstation. Set up a desk with all your work-related things, keep a comfortable chair, position the chair and desk in a way that your spine is aligned and make sure that your chin is pointed straight ahead. You can alter it with a standing desk if that’s what makes you feel more productive.

Set goals: Make a daily or weekly to-do list, and make sure it has everything that needs to be done. This will make you feel prepared and will give you an idea of what’s ahead and will help you plan your day or week.

Get up and move: This is very very important. You be on the most comfortable couch or the most comfortable position and are enjoying your work time, but it is really important to get up and move to relax your body. Set timers to remind yourself to get up and stretch. It’s important to focus on the active stretching of your upper and lower back. Look-up for some stretching techniques online to help you. Use this opportunity to develop some good habits.

Check-in often: Initially it can be fun, but after some time, working from home can make you feel isolated. To avoid that feeling and maintain your mental health, check in with friends, family, and colleagues. Text, call, video call, facetime but be careful you are not too distracted by your phone. You call them or text them after your work schedule to avoid distractions. Also, make sure you are in constant touch with your superiors, as well as your juniors, and ask if they need any help. Keep checking in with your team to identify priorities and potential obstacles.

Know when to log off: Stop working and leave your workstation when you’d normally leave the office. Just like you determined your work schedule, determining when you’ll stop, is necessary too. Then go and spend some time with your family, you need a good work-life balance now more than ever.

Dr Maneendra

Consultant Critical Care and HOD

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the organization.