How to Stay Sane and Productive While Working From Home 💪

Several clusters of COVID-19 infections have emerged again back in between April to May 2021 in Singapore. Given that reason, the government announced further restrictions under Phase 2 to minimise risks of community transmission. Worry not, you can find tips on how to stay productive and sane while working from home during this measure that will last until 13 June 2021.

The only work from home tips you need

Back then, plenty of people fantasise about working from the comfort of their own home, foregoing their commute in favour of more sleep, family or exercise time. But working remotely is a double-edged sword—sure, you get to stay home, but it can be harder to focus on working.

When you’d usually be reporting to desks, you’re finding yourselves on your couches or at your kitchen tables, trying to complete to-do lists without the built-in discipline of the office.

The expectations are the same, but the environment is not. And it’s not always an easy transition.

Below, we’ve compiled a few great work-at-home tips and tricks for you to try.

Get started early

At home, the transition from your pillow to your computer can be much more jarring. Believe it or not, one way to work from home productively is to dive into your to-do list as soon as you wake up. For instance, simply getting the upcoming integrated marketing project started first thing in the morning can be the key to making progress on it gradually throughout the day.

Otherwise, you’ll prolong breakfast and let the morning sluggishness wear away your motivation.

Place yourself in a good position

Just because you’re not working at an office doesn’t mean you can’t, well, have an office. Rather than cooping yourself up in your room or on the couch—spaces that are associated with leisure time—dedicate a specific room or surface in your home to work.

Set your schedule

You’ll need to plan out your daily schedule. Establish your start time, midday break periods and what time you’ll clock out for the day. That will keep you on track with your workload.

It also sends the message to your co-workers that you have a relatively set schedule—just like you would in the office.

Stay connected

Working from home might help you focus on your work in the short term, but it can also make you feel cut off from the larger operation happening in the office. Instant messaging and video conferencing tools can make it easy to check in with co-workers and remind you how your work contributes to the big picture.

Take breaks

No, scrolling through Instagram does not count as a break.

You should aim to take a break every 75 to 90 minutes, for about 15 minutes per break. Ideally, your break should involve no screens at all and let you get some fresh air. Play with a pet or talk to a friend.

You’ll find that you’re much more productive if you walk away from your desk and computer throughout the day. Come on; you can set aside that digital marketing campaign for a while.

Above all else, figure out what works best for you. Sometimes the answer is apparent, but other times you might need some inspiration from other people in the same boat.

Good luck and stay safe, everyone!