The COVID-19 pandemic has, without doubt, thrown a wrench in our day-to-day lives. People around the world have been forced to take up numerous precautionary measures to slow the spread of the virus, such as wearing masks, social distancing, and of course, working from home.

With office spaces deemed as hotbeds of infection due to their close proximity arrangements, centralized air conditioning, etc., governments and health organizations worldwide have urged people to work from home when possible. We are now at an unprecedented point in time where a large percentage of the workforce around the world are working remotely, connecting through video conferencing options like Zoom and Airmeet.

While it provides a certain level of comfort that an office space can’t provide, working from home can quickly turn into a trap for productivity. So, how does one overcome the daily humdrum of working from during this pandemic and stay productive? Here’s how!

#1 - Get Dressed Up

While working in overnight pajamas does sound super comfy, for some, it can be an unconscious setback in being their productive best. The morning ritual of showering and getting dressed up for work sets the tone for the entire day. While you do not have to don a suit in your living room, changing out of your overnight clothes into a fresh piece of clothing can be just the shift in mindset you need to start your day off the right way.

#2 - Set Up A Workstation

When working from home, a common challenge that many people face is separating their work life and home life. After a few days, these tend to blur into one another. So, to keep your work separate from your daily life, setting up a designated workspace is a must! Find a quiet part of the house, preferably a desk or table, and set up your makeshift “office” there. Keeping all your work-related things within this designated space can help leave your work behind at the end of the day and let you get on with your daily life.

#3 - Keep Consistent Work Hours

A follow-up to the previous tip, keeping up with designated work hours, will further help you separate work from family life. Whether you work nine to five or the nightshift, sticking to a regular schedule and getting all of your work done during that time will not only help you stay productive but lets you enjoy your time off!

#4 - Get Rid Of Distractions

While working with your favorite Netflix show running in the background can certainly seem appealing, it ultimately does more harm than good. Despite the popular narrative, our brains tend to work their best when focusing on one thing at a time. So, before you sit down to work, make sure you eliminate all the distractions around you for the time being. Whether that’s turning the TV off or putting your phone on silent, this will do wonders for your productivity by letting you focus undeterred on the job at hand.

#5 - Take Small Breaks In Between

The human body is not built to be seated all day long. Experts recommend getting up and moving around at least every hour to keep the blood flowing and muscles relaxed. Many people fall victim to aching joints and stiff muscles by sitting in the same position for hours at a time. Set a timer if you need to, and get yourself off your desk for a five-minute break on the dot every hour. Move around, stretch your muscles out, do a few jumping jacks if you can! You’ll feel a lot more energized and ready to get back to your work with vigor.