With all of us under lockdown. Let’s get productive. Some of us are still working from home and some are indulging in new skills. Let’s make a corner at home to get our juices flowing.
1. Dedicate a Workspace
Find an area in your home that's conducive to working, whether it's a desk or the couch. Just make sure it allows you to stay focused.
Add some positive elements or things that make you feel good. It could be a small flower pot, a positive art piece, your favourite stationery, a stuffed animal, a family picture or just anything that gives you comfort with a feel-good factor.
Pick your favourite part of the house where you feel-good vibes. A spot near a window or with some nature around is also very therapeutic.
Dedicating a specific space also keeps all your supplies organised without messing up the whole house and makes it easier to find things. Your laptop, printer and chargers are connected in one space only that way. Even if it is your art station keep it all in one place.
Make your workspace your own avoid too many distractions around.
Avoid keeping the TV on as that will only distract you. Without it, you can finish much faster. Have a separate time for TV.
2. Make a Routine
Wake up, take a shower, have breakfast or a cup of coffee. This helps prepare your mind and body for a productive day of working or learning.
Figure out things you want to do in a day. Add a little home workout session or yoga, take an online course, meditate, maybe play some online games, watch a movie, chat with friends, cook a meal, learn a new recipe, gardening, painting.
You don’t have to do it all in one day, but for each day set out activities and things you would want to do and stick to it.
If you require to make it a time schedule go for it, else keep a basic time frame in mind that you would need for each activity and dedicate it for the same.
Try to keep the working and learning part for the first half of the day as we are most productive mentally then and then move on to your self, home, family and friends. That way you won’t stress the whole day about your work or course/studies
3. Make a To-Do-List
Before you start, list down your priorities for the day.
Set pockets of time to complete your tasks and make sure you stick to your schedule.
Add some productive activities, some self-care, some with friends and family, some to relax and unwind, and something new to learn or indulge further in a hobby.
A To-Do list helps you be productive and stay motivated. Also gives your day some purpose.
Add some home chores to your list as well, whether it to clean your closet, cook, laundry whatever it may be. If everyone does a little bit. It will greatly reduce the burden on one person.
4. Communicate
Check-in with your boss and colleagues from time to time. Update them on your schedule and deliverables, especially if there are any changes.
Communicate with your family, this is the best time to get in touch with those living far away or abroad, reach out and check on them. Share your achievements on family groups or face time. Share fun mind puzzles or quizzes to keep everyone engaged.
Since we can’t physically meet our friends. Zoom, House Party and many such apps are a great way to stay connected. Connect with them. Make a theme and dress up and chill. Find fun new trends online that you can do with them and challenge each other.
Communicate positively with who you're in a lockdown with. This is not the time to bring each other down and be negative. It’s the time to bond and be there for each other. It’s a tough time so don’t pick on each other for small or irrelevant things. But instead, find ways to bond with each other whether it’s your partner or family. Negativity will only lead to paranoia, depression, anxiety and with what's going on in the world. It’s VERY important to stay focused and connected.
5. Take Breaks
The key is balance. Give yourself enough time during the day to walk away from your computer screen and phone. Move around, take a step back, and don't forget to clock out every now and then.
Don’t be glued to your screens, take a walk, dance around, stand in your balcony or terrace if possible.
Put a face pack on and relax with some music.
6. Curate your Work from Home Playlist
Create a fun lineup of songs if listening to music while working is your jam. Share it with your colleagues too to share the vibe.
Curate a feel-good playlist for when you feel low which uplifts you and makes you positive again. In these times with all the uncertainty around us, it can get worrisome. So have some songs ready that instantly make you feel good. Some of mine are- Que Sera, Conquerer (From Empire), A Whole New World- Zayn Zhavia Ward (It’s a great version), Disney Songs are a great sing-along and very uplifting, Tu Hi Yaar Mera (8D Audio) Listen to this on your headphones only. It’s incredible, Alessia Cara How Far I’ll go.
Music heals us from within, make it a part of your day whether it's a mellow list for when you’re working/learning or the sound of the ocean track when you’re working on yourself, a motivational playlist for when you work out, a feel-good list for when you are low, some upbeat tracks when chatting with friends. Go old school to your song tracks that you loved at different points in life which were your happy times.
7. ALIGN YOUR SCHEDULES WITH YOUR FAMILY
Working from home all of a sudden can be a major adjustment. Coordinate with your partner, children, or a roommate on work schedules and designate chores equally.
If there is a family time that needs to be set, fix that time and work out your To-Do list around that. Do let them know about your schedule. That way everyone can plan their day accordingly.
Set chores out in a way that they don’t clash and also makes it fair for you and your family to contribute equally.
Spend some bonding time by playing games and common things you all have an interest in and keeping everyone’s interests in minds, take turns picking activities.