If COVID-19 has impacted your regular work schedule or routine, you’ve likely been working from home for several months now. While working from home has its perks, it also can be challenging to focus, limiting your productivity levels. Everyone procrastinates, but it’s essential to push past the distractions to get your work done and actively contribute to your team and organization. So how can you conquer procrastination while working from home for good? Check out our tips below!
Make a projects list the night before.
A way to ensure productivity is curating to-do lists for the next day’s workday after you’ve completed your projects for the day. To-do lists are a great way to make sure you’re being productive and accomplishing what needs to be done in your role. Also, crossing tasks and projects off a to-do list can be gratifying – especially if you are questioning your progress.
Do the hardest projects/tasks in the morning.
Assess your project list for the day and then knock out the most challenging and most tedious tasks in the morning, so you won’t have to dread handling them throughout the day. We all want to avoid that one project or email, but it’s best to get it done sooner than later.
Block off your calendar and turn off notifications.
To maximize your time and productivity levels, block off your calendar to pencil in time to get your projects done. Blocking off your calendar will limit incoming calendar invitations for meetings, which will allow you to get projects done promptly. Turning off Slack and social media notifications can also help you focus on the task at hand.
Take several breaks throughout the day, including lunch.
Be sure to schedule in downtime as part of your workday, too. Although high productivity is often rewarded, being sustainable with your work output is just as important. Taking multiple breaks throughout the workday can help you regain your focus and build up your momentum to attack your projects again.
Create rewards for yourself.
Reward yourself for finishing your projects and tasks by waiting to binge watch that TV series, or answer that email, or check your social media profiles. You can also reward yourself with a walk, a cupcake, or whatever else motivates you.