One of the best technological innovations is the internet that allows us to be in places without actually leaving home. Case in point: work-from-home setup, which offers a number of benefits both to employees and employers, including 82% of workers reporting lower stress levels. For one, employees save time and money by saying bye-bye to commute. They can also work flexible hours and have more time to take care of their family. On the employers’ side, the work-from-home setup is cost-effective because it eliminates the need for an office space, supplies, and other expenses.
However, just like other setups, work-from-home also has its disadvantages and distractions. Examples of these are the TV, your social media, and the comfy bed that always seems more inviting when you have tons of things on your plate. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to get the distractions out of the way as you set the mood for work-from-home setup.
1. Get dressed
We’ve all heard people say how nice it is for work-from-home employees to be able to work in their PJs or in whatever they feel comfortable with. However, there’s also a downside to it because feeling too comfortable can oftentimes play with your productivity. The best thing to do is to get up and get dressed. You don’t have to be in a suit and stilettos—a nice top and casual pants can do the trick. Just wear something you’d readily go out in. Try it and see how different you feel.
2. Get some exercise
Even when you’re working from home, don’t ever forget to exercise. You need it especially because you’re just sitting all day, which often raises your blood sugar levels and constricts blood circulation. It’s not only a good way to keep you physically healthy, but it’s also a great way to keep your brain active and working. Moreover, it helps you release stress. So, don’t wait for stress to take its toll on your body. Get up and get that body moving. And if your schedule is tight and spending 30 minutes away from your table is just not going to work, we have exercises you can do while working behind your table.
3. Get a dose of Vitamin D naturally
Get out of the house and go to the patio or the garden for a dose of Vitamin D. According to studies, sunlight increases your levels of serotonin or the happy chemical that contributes to your feeling of well-being and happiness. The more your body is exposed to sunlight, the more serotonin your brain produces. You can do this right before starting work, in the middle of work, and right after you finish work. In fact, there is no limit to how often you get sunlight for as long as you make sure you don’t get sunburned.
4. Create a workspace
To help boost your focus even while on a work-from-home setup, you need to create a workspace that’s dedicated to just your work. It could be a small room, a corner of the house, or any space that you can set aside for work. Place a table, some school supplies, your laptop, and other things that can make it look like a workstation. You can also design it to make it look homey and comfortable if you feel like an office setup is too formal. Then, let everyone know, especially the kids, that when you’re in this area, you are working and shouldn’t be disturbed if possible.
5. Take breaks
Even if you’re on a work-from-home setup, you still deserve to take breaks in between to recharge. Go out and stretch, breathe in the fresh garden air, or admire the flowers there. As long as you don’t compromise your productivity from taking too many (and too long) breaks, you deserve a breather.
Working from home is a blessing most of the time, but you still need to balance work and personal life even with this setup. Most importantly, make sure you give your employer’s money’s worth because he is not only investing money on you but his trust as well. So don’t break it.
