These days, a greater number of people are now working remotely. If you’re an introvert, this may be an ideal scenario for you. If not, it will require an adjustment. Either way, you’ll appreciate the tips below as they shed light on how many professionals are able to telecommute successfully.
Get Dressed
When working remotely, it’s imperative that you get dressed daily. On the surface, this seems like a minor thing to consider, but it isn’t. The brain is amazing because it responds to cues when you don’t even know it’s happening. For instance, when you work while wearing pajamas, there’s a good chance that your productivity will suffer. Why? Because your brain associates getting dressed with going to work.
By simply going through the motion of putting on clothes each day, it will become much easier for you to make the mental shift from relaxation to work, even though you’re in the same environment. This certainly doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit. In fact, you can wear casual clothes so that you’re comfortable throughout the day.
Establish Boundaries
Working remotely requires you to establish clear boundaries. This includes creating a dedicated workspace that’s exclusively for the purpose of performing job tasks. You might be tempted to work from your bed, while sitting on the sofa, or with your kid on your lap, but that isn’t a good idea. It’s best to carve out a space exclusively for work.
Source: ShutterstockIf you live in a home with others, you should communicate your boundaries in advance and ask to not be disturbed during your work hours. This is much easier when you can close the door to prevent disruptions. You can also hang a “do not disturb” sign on the door if necessary. This can serve as a reminder to anyone that might be tempted to interrupt you throughout the day.
Avoid Distractions
The beauty of technology is that it allows you to work from basically anywhere in the world. If you have a laptop and a smartphone, there’s a lot you can get done while working remotely. Unfortunately, these devices also make it easy to get distracted. Whether it’s scrolling through social media or watching a movie on streaming video, distractions are plentiful.
A great way to stay focused is by turning off your notifications and only checking your phone a few times a day. It might start out difficult, but it’s something that can become a new norm. One of the benefits of turning off electronic notifications is feeling less stressed and anxious. Most people don’t realize just how much anxiety is caused by being constantly attached to technology.
What would happen if you only read your email messages twice a day? What about limiting social media to 20 minutes each day? People that are productive while working remotely have mastered the art of avoiding distractions, and you can too. It won’t be easy at first, but you’ll get the hang of it.
Take Breaks
One of the secrets to working remotely is treating it just like working in a corporate office. For instance, if you would normally take breaks, you should do the same thing when telecommuting. Breaks are more important than you probably realize because they enable you to get reenergized. The brain tends to function better when you clear your mind periodically.
Source: ShutterstockTypically, it’s best to take at least two 10-15 minute breaks each day, especially if you work a full eight hours and spend a lot of time on a computer. This is in addition to taking a lunch break.
Be Flexible
Flexibility is an important characteristic when working remotely. You must understand that things may not always go as planned, which is perfectly fine. Simply put, you’ll need to roll with the punches. If someone walks into the room while you’re on a conference call, you’ll need to maintain a positive attitude. These days people are more likely to be understanding since telecommuting is something experienced by the masses in response to coronavirus restrictions.
Maintain a Routine
Working remotely doesn’t mean you work all of the time. This is actually a mistake that a lot of people make. Instead of having a routine with a standard 8-hour day, it’s easy to put things off for several hours and return to it later. You’ll start to feel like you’re always working. It’s best to have structure that includes normal office hours. A routine is important when it comes to maintaining a high level of productivity.
By following these tips, you may start to enjoy working remotely if you aren’t already having a good time.
