Sure, less time commuting means more time to yourself, plus your home may even be a little more peaceful than the office, however, there is the mix of kids, boredom, anxiety, isolation, distractions, and worry thrown into the mix during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We all need strategies to stay motivated and get as much out of our time as we would in an office setting. We have been working at home too and have come up with 6 tips for boosting your focus, productivity, and wellness during these uncertain times.
Because relaxing music has such a powerful impact on our mood, we have included multiple Calm Radio calming music channels that will help you focus, relax, exercise, and unwind.
Tips (and Music) For Boosting Focus and Productivity
Build a Routine
With no commute, the morning routines we have established are gone. Think about how you typically started your day. What things created a sense of preparation for the day? Try, as best as you can, to give yourself the same type of routine. Breakfast. Meditate. Coffee. Shower. Get dressed. A morning run. Do the things that help you transition into the workday.
You don’t need to go as all out as you would for the office, but waking up and establishing a routine can go a long way toward helping you feel like you’re taking care of yourself.
Music To Start The Day: You can’t visit the cafe, but you can feel like you are there with our Coffee House channel. It’s a blend of laid back Indie Pop to go with your precious morning java.
Establish a Designated Workspace
Your workspace is a vital consideration. It provides a signal to your brain, telling it that this is a space for productivity. If you live with others, going to a designated workspace lets them know that you are busy (though my kids ignore that message hourly).
It is also great to set up your workspace like you would in your corporate office. Have everything you need at arm's length, including office supplies, water, and snacks. Every foray into the kitchen (or any other room) threatens to be a major distraction.
We know that you may be unable to dedicate a whole room to be an office. Many of us live in apartments and condos. That’s okay; your workspace doesn’t have to be its own room, it should simply feel as separate from the rest of your home as possible.
Workspace Music: By setting up a workspace, you are aiming to increase your focus, so here is the perfect focus channel: Work Beats. It is the soundtrack to your productivity. Hours of chillhop and dusty samples to help you focus while you work.
Stay Motivated With a List
A simple to-do list is a powerful thing. It keeps you organized, focused, and productive as you work from home. Think about big, long-term goals, like finishing a project, and break them down into small goals.
Checking off those smaller goals makes you feel good and keeps you motivated. Work feels much more doable when it’s not all one giant task.
But, remember to be kind to yourself. If you feel like you weren’t as productive as usual, remember that nothing about this time is usual. The work will be there in the morning. Take breaks during the day and use the evening recharge by doing something for your mind, body, or soul.
Music To Keep You Going: Life is about being in the moment, staying in a singular mindset, tuning out distractions. That is what our Concentration channel is made for. Enjoy.
Collaboration
Working doesn't have to be a solo experience. It’s essential to set up methods for collaboration while you work remotely. Videoconferencing for a little face-to-face can go a long way. So instead of a long email, try a Slack call to kick off a project with a team member.
Face-to-face communication can go a long way for little check-ins too. Not every call has to be about getting work done. Maybe you have a virtual coffee break with a work friend. Get the whole team together on Zoom to kick off the day. It’s important to stay connected - it will strengthen your collaborative efforts.
Music For The Team: Listen to a whole team working together to collaborate on something beautiful, listen to our Symphony channel.
Take Breaks
When building your schedule, make sure to include breaks. Keep them short and space them out across the day.
Mix mental and physical breaks, like making tea, going for a walk around the block, strumming the guitar, or unloading the dishwasher. It’s extremely healthy to take some time away from sitting in the same position and looking at screens all day.
Break Time Music: When I need a break, a little mediation helps me center myself and disconnect from the world. Escape with our Escape Meditation Music channel.
Be Gentle
Working from home isn’t like working from home was before. It is a whole new reality. Make sure to talk to your coworkers about your life. It can help foster deeper connections with coworkers and build some empathy for whatever you’re dealing with outside of work.
Even with all the tips that we have outlined, remember that things are always changing. Make sure to circle back and change your schedule or routine if problems come up.
Overall, remember to be gentle with yourself. Whether it’s a young child who needs your attention or a pet that won’t stop trying to sit on your keyboard, realize that you’re not always going to be as productive as usual. There’s no need to be hard on yourself. Stay safe. Stay well. Be calm.
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