9 Ways to Be More Productive While Working from Home
Life and business coach Arfeen khan suggests fail-proof ways to make your WFH schedule more effective
Nov 3, 2020
The fastest way to rid yourself of any form of anxiety is through making a decision or accepting reality. Low productivity in the workplace is 90% psychology and 10% the external environment. “Knowing and accepting that things may not change any time soon and that "normality' may not be here for a few years is going to put you ahead of the game. It may be hard, but once you accept it, life will change,” says Arfeen.
If you are working from home, then be sure to designate a workplace. Let everyone know that "this zone" is out of bounds during the day. "Working at home requires boundaries, and if you don't make them clear people will overstep," adds Arfeen.
Even if your routine is broken, it is critical to set one up. Routines are the most powerful way to keep up productivity. The routine must include "buzz" moments, these are moment during the day where you spend time doing things that make you feel good. Examples of buzz moments are reading, Netflix (be careful), singing, exercise, writing or anything you love, explains Arfeen. Though It may appear that you are having fun, but your brain will feel energised and get you back on track.
Don’t just connect by email, call up people, speak to them. Covid has made meetings shorter and more productive. “People have started saving time knowing too well that 3-hour zoom calls don’t work. Set an agenda and ask everyone to plan ahead with what they want to discuss and explore,” suggests Arfeen.
Studies have shown that the brain sleeps every 40 minutes. Take a short break, and it will keep you focused.
Laughter is the best medicine. If there's one way to feel good and make others feel good, then you must laugh. Don't let the coronavirus affect your mind. "People have become serious, fearful and feel guilty of being happy. Laughter is by far the vaccine for the mind. Stress and anxiety cause mental health issues, don't fall into that trap. Simply laugh," adds Arfeen.
If thee has ever been a time to get fit, it’s now. Building mental immunity and physical immunity must be a priority. You don't have to run a marathon every day, just control what you eat and keep active throughout the day. "Physical fitness raises energy and increases productivity," adds Arfeen.
Amazing stories have emerged during the lockdown about how people have raised their skill and knowledge levels. Arfeen stresses you should use the time effectively, by picking up new skills.
“Wake up in the morning and get dressed, I have never had a day in my life that I don't get ready, even if I have nowhere to go. Dressing up puts your mind into gear and is an instruction to your mind to get prepared for some work,” he concludes.
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