5 Ways to Improve Your Work from Home Life During the Covid19 Lockdown

As most of us are currently locked in at home I thought it was a good time to share my thoughts on how we can best work from home. For me there are so many distractions at home, food, wife, kids and tasks at home. So how can we get in the zone and work like we do in our workplace, read my 5 top tips.

1) Make a dedicated workspace

Have a zone in your home that is dedicated to work. Ideally an area with a desk in a bright airy area. Good lighting and open space will help you get through those long days. I personally have a little study with an old leather sofa (super comfy) which has a large window that looks out into the garden. It’s great because I can keep an eye on the kids when they are playing or just look out for inspiration. Try not to place your home office in a dark unused area like the loft, unless if you must.

2) Don’t Work in Your Pyjamas

Working in your PJs will never be as productive as working in work attire, it doesn’t have to be a full-blown suit and tie, but day clothes. You will be amazed how good this simple step is improving your work life at home. It puts you in work mode, especially if you pair it with your normal wakeup time, lunch and finishing time. Maintaining a good routine always works for me from the right clothes to the timing of tasks.

3) Dress up your desk

You are probably going to spend a good 6 hours at your home desk so it’s worth while making the space look nice. I have a couple of desk ornaments on my desk that keep the imagination going when working long days at home. A well-placed photograph of a loved one or pet also work well. Add some personality to make it fun.

4) Clutter free

It may sound obvious and I use to be a very cluttery person before I got married and my wife forced me to see the light of a clutter free workspace. She would always say “a clutter free desk is a clutter free mind” and I have to say after some resistance I totally get it. Clear up all those little bits off the desk except for the essentials and decorations. You will be surprised by the results.

5) Have lists and goals

I make a list everyday it helps me focus on what’s important. I usually also set a mini goal that is working towards my main goal for the quarter or year. These simple tools add such a simple structure and are very effective. You know the saying if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. I find this true especially when working from home as it’s so easy to get off track.

I hope these simple insights have been of help. I would love to hear your tips in the comments or send me an email. We all need a little more motivation to get through the lockdown. Please keep safe and I wish you, your family and loved ones a peaceful and healthy few weeks.