Working From Home, Telenovela & Productivity

Working from home can be a scary outlet for narcissistic procrastinators, and nonnarcissistic procrastinators alike. Google “how to train yourself to spell “narcissistic” and try not to find yourself watching Youtube videos of “babies seeing themselves in the mirror for the first time.” Just finish an entire box of Triscuits? Of course, you did. You’re already off track, and now the empty feeling of guilt is creeping in. How do you avoid your own productivity-killing habits from inhibiting work progression? Follow these tricks of the “work from home” trade to better your skills.

 

“Today, more people are working from home than ever – you might be a remote employee or maybe you’re a freelancer. Either way it’s always important to keep focused and keep your attention on your work, as opposed to doing other, non-work-related to-do’s around the house.” -Michelle K. Author, Resumeedge.

 

Michelle said it best, don’t focus on home stuff. You’re technically at work (which is your home right now). You have the privilege of not microwaving your lunch in an office breakroom. In fact, your whole house is your break room, and you can order Chinese and nobody cares that it is 9 a.m. You’re living the dream, kid! Don’t spoil the experience by not being responsible with your work, though.

 

Tip Number 1: Create a comfortable, yet productive work environment

Make sure you have an area of your house that is dedicated to work. Set up your ideal office space that is both functional and not distracting. Your office space should be structured enough that you can get your work done, but comfy enough that you’ll utilize your “home office space” and not just opt for your bed.

 

Tip Number 2: Take breaks, walk around the neighborhood, grab a scone

It can be easy to get lost in your work once you really get a good streak going, but it’s important to take breaks. Taking breaks refreshes your brain. This can also ensure you’re churning out quality work.

Research has shown that the most productive employees engage for 52 minutes, then take a break for 17 minutes. The intervals of rest help the mind continue working in a way that doesn’t elicit burnout.

 

The most productive employees are engaged in their work for 52 minutes, then take a break for 17. Click To Tweet

 

Tip Number 3: Don’t watch TV, unless it’s in another language

If you absolutely need to have the TV in the background, try something that won’t completely draw all of your attention. Try a Telenovela, that is if you are not familiar with the vernacular, if you are, try finding the German equivalent to the Telenovela or the Ukrainian, or the Japanese alternatives. Hey, who knows you might pick up another language subconsciously.

 

Tip Number 4: Schedule, schedule, schedule

Set a time for your workday, and stick to it. If you say you are going to start at 9 a.m. start at 9 a.m. Stopping at your allotted workday time is equally as important as your start time. Don’t over work yourself. The goal is to be actively productive without burnout. Schedule out your work week, allowing space in your timetable to accomplish all of your priority heavy tasks.

Make a “to do list” of all tasks, pushing the time sensitive ones to the top. Remember to also schedule in those refreshing breaks to keep yourself motivated. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the rate at which workers are quitting their job is the highest in six years and could reach 25% this year. Don’t burn yourself out to the point of no return. 

 

The rate workers are quitting their job is the highest in 6 years & could reach 25% this year. Click To Tweet

 

Tip Number 5: Keep your family at bay (during work hours)

It’s important that you keep your work time separate from family time. Be firm, let your family know you are not to be bothered for a set amount of time. Express the need for quiet concentration, you are not open to text or run errands, you are a hard working man/woman who needs to put in their hours, and accomplish tasks!

 

Tip Number 6: Don’t hit the fridge too often

Working from home comes with many, many benefits. One of the chief benefits of working from home is of course, food. Implement a few snack breaks, but don’t make a career out of it. Make your lunch, brew your coffee, lay off the pudding. Stock your house with healthy food/snacks. Booby-trap yourself into eating healthy.

 

Now that you’ve got the “know how”, put yourself to the test. See how productive you can be in your work day.