Is anyone else struggling to stay motivated while working from home?

It’s our 3rd Lockdown now, it only feels like yesterday when the smell of banana bread filled the air, my trainers got more use than ever before and zoom quizzes were almost fun.

Read below for my top tips to get the most out of your mornings, keep up momentum and feel happier. 

Get up and Get Out 

While working from home, many of us see the lack of commuting to the office as a benefit. And whilst it may be tempting to roll out of bed and right into your email, the biggest piece of advice I can give you is to get up early and get some fresh air. (Easier said than done, trust me)

Whether that’s getting out for exercise, taking a walk around the block or simply taking your morning brew outside, the benefits include:

Improves your mental well-being

• Creates normality – think of it as your new, improved commute.

• Creates a sense of achievement before work – Work towards new fitness goals. 

• Wakes. You. Up. – Aids productivity and creativity. 

• It helps you transition into the work day.

• Feel refreshed and ready for your 9AM Zoom meeting.

Stop Procrastinating 

When you’re working from home, there are endless opportunities to procrastinate as we are surrounded by our comforts and the urge to make a start on chores. 

Consider why you are procrastinating. For example, if you aren’t fully prepared for the task at hand due to lack of understanding or comprehension:

• Reach out to colleagues for a cup of tea over zoom. 

• Remind yourself how good being productive feels and think of the end result.

• Think of how this work will benefit you and your team.

• Make a start

• Starting is the hardest part. Make a start and work until you get stuck then switch to a different task or have an active break, put on some washing or go for a walk.

Routines Matter

Each morning the team I am in (Marketing) jump on Zoom and prioritise our tasks for the day. We each individually run through what we have on, and so we have good communication from the get go. 

Personally, I love a to-do list. For me, this really helps with my productivity levels and there is no greater feeling than looking back over what I have achieved that day.  

Why write a good to-do list?

• By laying the tasks down on paper, it is easier to plan and structure your day to get your workload done. 

• Seeing a clear outline of your completed and uncompleted tasks will help you feel organised and stay mentally focused.

Get out of your jammies

As I write this I can picture my colleagues expressions of ‘oh really, Tab’. But there really is a lot to be said about getting out of your comfy slacks. If you stay in your jammies all day, you’ll miss out on how good it feels to reach for your fluffy penguin pyjamas at the end of a difficult day. I know everyone needs a pyjama day now and then, but save it for a snow day when you’re stuck inside with a cup of tea and biscuits. 

Cut yourself some slack

Be willing to cut yourself a little slack if your productivity isn’t on par.

Working from home can be challenging in the best of circumstances; so allow yourself time to adjust and stop beating yourself up for not being motivated enough. A little self-compassion goes a long way. 

Lastly, from helping me with my work to listening to my rambles of what I ate for breakfast; I want to thank all my coworkers at SIAN for always being at the end of the phone. 

Let us know your tips and tricks to stay work motivated!