3 Ways to Stay Motivated When Working from Home*

3 Ways to Stay Motivated When Working from Home

There are two types of people: those who enjoy a life free from distractions and thrive in a home working environment, and those who struggle to find the oomph to get up and go. Between the challenges of homeschooling, finding the right workspace, and navigating a working world of Zoom meetings, it can feel impossible to accomplish anything. If you’re struggling to strike the balance between enjoying the flexibility of working from home, and smashing through your to-do list, here are 3 top tips to keep you motivated.

Dress for the occasion

Ever heard the saying, ‘dress for success?’ One of the many benefits of working from home is greater flexibility and work-life balance, but this shouldn’t come at the price of professionalism. Our clothing choices are key to expressing our personality, but they’re also an important part of mentally preparing for the day ahead. Last year saw the rise of athleisure and loungewear trends, with most day-to-day clothing adopting a more relaxed fit. Tap into the trend and keep it comfortable whilst working from home by investing in some basics, such as leggings or t-shirts. Don’t forget to elevate your look with accessories. Add gold hoops for some loungewear luxury, or brighten your day with some happy socks. Although it may be tempting to work in your pyjamas, make a point of getting up, showered and dressed every morning, just as you would if you were in the office. A ‘work from home wardrobe’ could be just the motivation you need to switch out of your pyjamas and dress for success.

Stay active

If working from home has impacted your productivity, you may feel the need to be chained to your desk, working long hours to claw back time on looming deadlines. Not only can working from a screen all day lead to headaches and eye strain, but taking time away from your desk to stretch your legs and do an activity you enjoy can actually increase productivity. During the first few weeks of lockdown, many of us enjoyed a long daily walk, but it’s time to step it up a notch. Set yourself the challenge of 10,000 steps per day, or mix up your workout with a 20 minute HIIT session during your lunch break. This improves motivation by boosting your mood, concentration, and sleep quality, also working to break up the day and beat that dreaded afternoon slump!

Keep in touch

Many remote workers value the independence of working from home, but it’s important to stay connected to your team. One of the pitfalls of home working is feeling a lack of team spirit, but you can still boost morale whilst keeping your distance. Schedule in time for a digital team coffee break. Chat about non-work related matters and check in on each other’s well being. Use this time to celebrate successes, ensure everyone is on the same page and focused on the same goals. Keeping in touch with your colleagues creates an open channel of communication, improving motivation, mood, and overall job satisfaction!

Will you be following any of these tips whilst working from home?