Sian Victoria © - Working from home office desk

Best ways to be efficient working remotely

Working from home isn’t new to me. Its something I’ve been doing since 2010 when I became self-employed at 19 running an online store and blog. So, I’d like to think I’ve gained enough experience by now to share useful tips and tricks on how to work productively from home regardless of whether you work for yourself or are employed. I’ve previously posted my tips if you're self-employed working from home that you may find helpful too.

Working from home has many challenges such as having to effectively manage your time while not allowing yourself to get distracted by home comforts. Or becoming unproductive by not being within a work environment your familiar with and feeling isolated and depressed by not having colleagues around you.

But there are also many benefits of working from home such as flexible working hours and having more time for living without the loss of time, energy and expense of commuting to a physical place of work.

So here are my tips on how to work remotely from home and stay productive so that you can make having to work from home, work efficiently for you and your overall health.

1. Finding the best environment

Sian Victoria © - Scandi style home office

You may need to switch up your home a little if you have children and other people living with you so that you can find the best place in your home to work from without distractions. Finding a quiet space that has plenty of natural light should take priority. Followed by having enough space to move around and store everything you require to carry out your duties.

When choosing the room, you're going to be working in make sure it's within range of your router if you're using WiFi. The last thing you'll want is to be slowed down by your internet speed. You may find that you're still being restricted even though you're as close as possible to your router, in this case, you may want to consider switching to a faster broadband provider. Whatever you choose just make sure you read broadband provider reviews.

If at your physical work you have a desk then you should have one for your home too to make it feel familiar. I find that when I work from my sofa or bed, I’m less productive because these are places associated with relaxing.

Over the years I’ve moved around working in different rooms of my home and have noticed that when I’ve worked from a desk in my bedroom it can affect my sleep as my work-mode brain is unable to shut off because I’ve turned my bedroom into a work environment and it’s no longer a place associated with relaxation.

Understandably, not everyone has space for a desk. However, there are adjustable portable tables on wheels and folding laptop trays available to make your work environment more comfortable.

2. Make comfortable adjustments to avoid RSI & poor posture

Sian Victoria © - Computer desk with office chair

Whether you invest in a desk, work from a kitchen table or the comfort of your sofa or bed. Your new work environment must be supportive of your back, neck and joints to prevent repetitive strain injury due to being in an sedentary position for 8 hours a day.

As someone who does suffer from lower back pain and a neck hump from poor posture. I’ve had to make lots of adjustments to my workstation over the years to reduce the pain and stop it from getting worse. Therefore, I would recommend from day one investing in supportive equipment that will prevent RSI. Don’t wait for it to happen like I did, because you’ll soon find that it will affect other areas of your life too. Not just when you’re at your desk.

I invested in a wrist support mouse pad, an under-desk footrest, a back support cushion, a coccyx cushion to sit on and an adjustable padded office chair. This helps along with tilting my screen and keyboard so that it is in a comfortable position.

3. Convert your desk to a standing desk to reap the health benefits

Sian Victoria © - Standidesk, standing desk

Studies show that sitting for 6 to 8 hours a day, whether it’s at a desk or watching TV can cause deadly health problems and poor posture. There’s only so much that supportive RSI accessories can do to help reduce back and neck pain. As sitting for long periods can cause muscle atrophy leading to weak lower body muscles.

Sitting can also cause weight gain around the middle area of the body which is the most dangerous area to store fat. Making you at greater risk of metabolic syndrome. Excessive sitting can also encourage anxiety, depression, heart disease, varicose veins, diabetes, and cancer. After reading an article on what can happen if you sit down all day, it got me searching for a standing desk immediately.

Converting your desk or kitchen table to a standing desk can be done easily with a standidesk. This standidesk from etsy is made from thick reinforced and recycled cardboard and two pieces of plywood for extra strength. As you can see it fits my large heavy screen, mouse, and keyboard perfectly. I’ve got the standard height edition which is perfect for me so that I can keep my back nice and straight and see and reach everything.

There’s also a lower stand. So, whether you are tall, short, have a computer or laptop. The active standing desk could be the best solution for you. It’s not only cost-effective, easy to pop up, take down and store away. But it is sustainable too with a tree being planted with every product they sell.

So, investing in a standing desk is a great way to improve your posture at home and could be the best thing to do to improve your overall health. I’ve only been using the standidesk for a short time and I’m already noticing so much improvement in my physical and mental health.

As standing is making me want to move more often. I’ve found myself dancing at my desk while listening to Grimes, helping me to burn calories why I work. I’m also being a lot more productive as I’m no longer distracted by the pain I usually feel in my lower back.

I wish I had converted to an active standing desk sooner. I like to wear supportive trainers while I’m standing and stand with my legs apart so that it is comfortable and keeps me moving my body often and encouraging me to evenly balance my weight.

4. Keeping your space tidy and organised

Now that you’ve chosen the best environment to work in and made comfortable adjustments so that its supportive of your physical health. It is now essential to ensure that your workspace is supportive of your mental health too.

The saying ‘tidy room, tidy mind’ is true. When my desk is messy, I’m a lot less productive as being unorganised bothers me. But once I’ve forced myself to take the time to get it clean and tidy it gives me the boost in productivity I need.

5. Creating a structure to your day

Sian Victoria © - Organising a weekly planner

When you work from home it is easy to fall into the trap of not having an official structure to your day. So, you find yourself working at random hours, being distracted, not getting what you need done and putting tasks off.

Therefore, you need a clear structure to manage your time effectively so that work fits nicely into your lifestyle and you get everything completed.

For the week ahead use a diary or a weekly planner to give time slots to work tasks that must get done, as well as everyday life chores and errands. Such as going to the supermarket, appointments, visiting family, going out with friends and more importantly a time slot for self-care. I also find writing a to-do list for the following day effective so that I won’t forget anything that needs to be done. Having it written down rather than in my head makes me feel a lot less stressed.

To create an effective morning routine to boost productivity you may find my post on structuring a productive morning routine useful.

6. Add inspiring quotes, happy memories and plants

Sian Victoria © - Inspirational photo collage

Being in a tidy room that has plenty of natural light is proven to help boost productivity, concentration, focus, mental health and wellness. As well as surrounding yourself with real indoor house plants, inspiring quotes and photos of happy memories.

Incorporating this into your workspace environment can help improve how you feel since having to spend long periods indoors at our desk and even more so now during a worldwide pandemic can cause problems with our mental health. So, it’s important to surround yourself with positivity by bringing elements of the outdoors, inside.

If you do find yourself struggling with mental health than you may find my self-care tips to improve mental well-being helpful.

7. Avoid distractions

I’m pleased to say that during the past 10 years of working from home I’ve never put the TV on during working hours. Although, now that I’m no longer home alone and have others with me working from home too, I have started to fall into the trap of watching daytime TV when I’ve come downstairs to make a cuppa.

Once I’ve realised, I’ve been sucked into the trap of daytime television I quickly make my way back upstairs. Some people find background noise from a TV helps them get work done, but for me, it’s a distraction and I struggle to concentrate and focus.

Instead, to start the day I’ll make coffee and listen to my usual rock-metal playlist while I start the morning sorting through emails. I find this helps me wake up. Once I’ve finished my cuppa, I’ll then put some instrumental music on quietly in the background while I work. This helps me block out the sounds of others at home and keeps me focused so my mind doesn’t drift elsewhere. Everyone’s different, but I find that if there’s talking or singing going on around me while I’m working, I struggle to concentrate.

For some going on social media can be the biggest distraction of all. So, if this is the case for you, incorporate it into your daily structure and give yourself an allotted time to scroll social media. Although if you work in social media like me it can be a struggle as I often find myself going on and forgetting what I was supposed to do as I’ve been distracted by my feed. To prevent this, I use a social media management platform to schedule my posts so that I don’t have to access the app.

8. Take regular breaks

Sian Victoria © - Working from bed with a spring view

Although a lot more people are working from home nowadays, most still work the 9 am to 5 pm working hours as some calls and emails must be responded too during this time.

However, because you’re at home some people for instance my friends and family are finding themselves working through their lunch break as they are eating at their desk and are no longer exploring the high-street. But this means they are not getting paid or receiving any recognition for this extra hour of work.

You deserve a proper break, so just like you would at work log off and spend that hour eating something healthy, getting outdoors, walking the dog, reading a book or catching up with a neighbour or friend. Do anything, just as long as you’ve taken a break from staring at the harmful blue light emitted from our digital devices.

As well as a lunch break its important to have at least 15 minutes at some point during the 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the afternoon to give your eyes a mini rest and to stretch your legs. This can give you a boost in productivity and sometimes a mini walk around the home or garden can refresh your mind, especially if you’re a writer as I often find myself rushing back to my desk to type something.

9. Get outdoors and exercise

Sian Victoria © - Views from hiking Telford Wrekin

My happy place is getting outside and being surrounded by lots of trees. It is proven that green spaces increase happiness, productivity and reduces stress and anxiety.

Plus, exercise triggers feel-good endorphins so incorporating the two will do wonders for your mental health. Especially at a time when we must spend more time indoors during quarantine.

When creating your weekly schedule, ensure you make time to get outdoors so that it becomes part of your everyday lifestyle. Whether you do it in the morning, during your lunch break or in the evening. As long as you get outdoors to a local woodland or nature reserve it will positively affect how you feel.

10. Prepare healthy meals in advance

While working in the city or town centre you would usually be able to grab food to go or meet friends for lunch. But now you may be cooking a lot more food from home. Some people may find this too time-consuming during working hours.

I enjoy preparing meals in advance through batch cooking or making quick, healthy dishes. Meal deliveries from brands like EveryPlate are available for individuals looking for a cost-effective and efficient solution that doesn't sacrifice health benefits and is convenient for a busy lifestyle. These meals are nourishing without being too expensive.

In my post plant-based foods with health benefits I discuss how I treat food as medicine. The type of foods we eat can have a direct effect on how we feel. Some foods and drinks can negatively affect our mental health.

Whereas others can significantly improve our mental and physical health as well as concentration and productivity. So, you may find it beneficial at incorporating more plant foods into your diet, the more colourful the better.

11. Keep the PJ’s for bedtime only

As I’ve always worked from home, I do find myself far too often rolling out of bed, making a coffee and getting straight on my desktop to start work without making the effort to get changed. It’s these days sitting at my desk in my PJs that I’m less productive since loungewear is associated with being in a relaxed state of mind.

I find changing into work out gear such as leggings, a sports bra and a loose t-shirt helps with my motivation and encourages me to get outdoors during my lunch break as well as to stretch and use resistance bands during my short breaks to improve my core strength and posture.

12. Keep hydrated

If you are struggling to focus and concentrate you may find it could simply be due to dehydration. According to studies not drinking enough water can negatively affect our productivity.

For this reason, I start the day with coffee and then drink chilled water and herbal teas such as green and refreshing peppermint tea throughout the day. Both beverages are effective at improving overall health.

13. Use the time saved from commuting wisely

Sian Victoria © - Home office working from laptop

Since you are no longer having to commute to work you may have extra time to yourself during the week. You could use this extra time to ensure you are getting the recommended 8 hours of sleep, exercising, catching up with friends and doing something fun.

Alternatively, on one of the five workdays, you could use it productively to learn a new skill or start a new hobby. You may find my post on reasons to study distance learning courses helpful.

14. Start the day with a healthy balanced breakfast

Sian Victoria © - Avocado on toast breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When spending the day working from home, I always prioritise a healthy plate of healthy fats like avocado on toast or peanut butter, slow-releasing carbohydrates such as oats and wholegrain bread along with coffee and a refreshing citrus drink.

I try to diversify my breakfast each morning. The next day I’ll have a bowl of dairy-free yoghurt mixed with low-sugar granola topped with berries and plant-based omegas like flax seeds and chia seeds.

The seeds improve insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar levels as well as keeping me fuller for longer as they are high in fibre. I’ve noticed the days I’m not working from home and have had to skip breakfast my energy levels and productivity is significantly lower; I struggle to concentrate and find myself continuously yawning.

Now you are working from home and no longer need to commute there shouldn’t be any excuse not to eat breakfast since a healthy balanced meal in the morning will set you up for the rest of the day increasing productivity and mood.

15. Give time for self-care

Most top entrepreneurs have a strict regime where every minute of the day is accounted for. It’s been reported that Elon Musk prioritises showering first thing in the morning over allowing time for breakfast. But when he does eventually eat as well as do many other things, they are allotted only five minutes of his time each so that he can achieve the full to-do list that often sees him staying up till 1 am.

However, since most of us are working from home now I know more than most that working from home can often mean being lazy skipping a morning shower or two. Eventually, this leads me to be unmotivated and feeling rubbish.

So always ensure you’ve allotted time for self-care whether it’s a quick jump in the shower or a little extra time at the weekends to pamper to give you the boost you need to feel good about yourself.

Eating healthy and taking care of yourself inside and out will certainly give you the productivity boost you need to get work done faster.

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