Working from Home? Try These 6 Tips to Stay Productive

From Eating a Good Lunch to Ditching the PJs, This Is How to Get Work Done at Home

As Jacksonville and Florida take precautions to slow the spread of the coronavirus, many of us may find ourselves working from home. If you’re not familiar with being away from the office, you may find it difficult to keep your productivity up. Luckily, we’ve pulled together some of the best tips for getting work done from home, including making sure you take breaks, defining a workspace, and of course enjoying a healthy lunch.

1. Establish working hours.

Just because you aren’t going into the office doesn’t mean you don’t have work hours. Set clear hours for yourself and make sure that you respect them – both by avoiding distractions and also by completing your workday when you normally would. Working from home can blur the lines between work and real life, but finding an ideal work-life balance is still just as important. Apps like Forest keep you on task by setting a timer during which your phone is locked – if you stick to it, you grow a virtual tree and can earn credits to plant a real one and help the planet – while RescueTime is available on desktop and mobile and helps you keep track of how you spend your time.

2. Don’t stay in your pajamas all day.

Though it may be tempting, it’s important that you change out of your pajamas before you start working. While you certainly don’t have to put on your normal office wear, it is helpful to at least try some jeans or leggings and a clean shirt. Find a balance between comfort and dressing for success that works for you.

3. Set aside a separate space to work.

Just like you shouldn’t be working in your pajamas, you probably should also avoid working from your bedroom. Creating a space that is work-focused – whether it’s an office, your living room, or simply a quiet corner – will help you stay productive while working and will ensure your bedroom is a space designated for relaxing. The Harvard Business Review’s Guide to Being More Productive agrees, saying, “Unless you are careful to maintain boundaries, you may start to feel like you’re always at work and losing a place to come home to.”

4. Take breaks.

Without your coworkers around, it can be easier to work straight through lunch or skip grabbing a coffee mid-morning. Though cutting breaks might make you feel more productive, it can also be taxing on your brain and body. Instead, set an alarm to take a break as you normally would and spend that time stretching, going for a stroll, or just sipping your coffee quietly.

6. Eat a nutritious lunch.

With the kitchen so close by, it can be tempting to snack on chips or cookies throughout the day in favor of sitting down to a complete meal. However, eating a healthy lunch (or dinner, depending on when you start your day!) is important for your brain. Try to choose a meal that has a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to keep you sustained all day.

The Harvard Business Review also suggests planning what you’ll have for lunch in the morning, before you’re hungry, to make healthier choices. Don’t worry – if you don’t have ingredients in your fridge, your favorite local restaurants are available. Though we can’t offer sit-down service right now, Timoti’s and many other restaurants in Five Points, Amelia Island, and Nocatee are offering delivery or takeout service. Not only can you grab a healthy meal to stay productive for the rest of your day, but you can feel good about supporting a local business.

With healthy choices like mahi-mahi, tuna, calamari, and more, a lunch from Timoti’s is guaranteed to set you up for success. All three of our locations are offering online orders for pick-up, and if you live in the Five Points area we also offer delivery via BiteSquad. Let’s all stay productive together!