Working from home has already created challenges before recent events. Not including stresses in childcare and online schooling this can leave many struggling to juggle their work and personal life while remaining positive.
This is an opportunity to start new healthy habits, see our strategies to ensure you are able to keep engaged with work while at home.
- Clear your workspace
- Keeping your work area clear of distractions and clutter will help you to keep your mind and body focused on the task at hand.
- Turn off sound notifications
- In an office environment we have to get up and walk around in order to interact with other co-workers. However, when working from home you have items like Microsoft Teams, Slack and Zoom, people are able to communicate anytime with very little effort. This creates a great deal of distractions keeping you from work, turning off notifications while focusing on work will help you to keep on task.
- Create a to-do list
- Create a to-do list for your tasks and set a timer for 25 minutes. During this time, you’ll work without distraction on the one task at hand. When the timer goes off, check the task off your list and enjoy a short break of three to four minutes. If you complete your task before the time is up, review and reflect on your work or organize your next list of tasks.
- Make breaks technology free
- We’re glued to our screens more than ever before. All of that makes it harder to concentrate. We need frequent breaks from all screens, to not only protect our eyes from strain but also our bodies from poor posture and stiff shoulders.
- Eat
- Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and antioxidants support brain health, make an effort to select more brain-healthy food. To help enable focus while working from home, step away from your work area while eating.
- De-stress
- De-stress with activities you like and find support in your loved ones and colleagues, but don’t get stuck in a rut. Meditation is another great way to clear the stressors from your mind.
- Proper rest
- Practicing good sleep hygiene is even more important now. Finish coffee and other caffeinated drinks no later than early afternoon, and limit your screen time as the evening winds down.
- Just keep moving
- Numerous studies suggest the positive effects of nature on health, so spend time outside at least once a day if you can. Try to fit in a 20-minute walk before starting your work in the morning, or take a walk after logging off to help you mentally mark the end of your day.
- Keep connected
- Even though interruptions throughout the day can break your focus, there is value in scheduled time to connect. Socializing will help keep you—and your brain—feeling healthier and happier, and help you avoid feelings of isolation while raising morale and productivity.
- Be kind to yourself
- We’re living through a stressful time, our work and social lives have been turned upside-down, and we’re coping with issues many of us never had to before. No one is an expert at doing this, yet here you are, still working and getting things done despite it all.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.