COVID-19: How to stay productive when working from home?

Create an ergonomically fresh environment

• Don't work from the kitchen
• Don't work from the bed
• Invest in an ergonomic chair
  • Stability Yoga Ball Ergonomic Chair
  • Swivel Chair for Back Pain
• Ideal height desk
• Clear your desk and open your windows for fresh air

Create a "smart" setup

• Open windows for ample sunlight
• Use smart bulbs if your room is dark
• Invest in a nice mouse, keyboard, and headphones
• Use extra monitors

Exercise

• In the morning before starting work
  • Do 10 minutes yoga
  • Or 10 minutes run
• In the evening after work
  • Do 10 minutes of meditation

Routines

• Create a TODO list for the next day every night
  • Put top 3 things you MUST complete
• Take regular short breaks
• Prefer video calls over messages with your team

Other tips

• Wear something that will make you feel fresh
  • Don't work in sweatpants and sweatshirts
• Put mobile and social media aside
• Use Pomodoro technique

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Comments

[Jim Burbridge]

Greetings! I've worked from home for about 10 months now straight now, and worked from home two days a week / as needed before that. Some other tips I'd add:

1. Though you are home, you aren't really home. I know you might want to do some random cleaning, or help your spouse with the kids, but overall during your work hours, your office just so happens to be your house. Talk to your spouse about this, especially if you don't normally work from home as it takes time for them to adjust too.
2. Don't make more than one pot of coffee. Just trust me.
3. Make sure you have a time that you make to get lunch. Just because you're working from home doesn't mean you don't also need your regularly scheduled lunch break.
4. Don't be afraid to indulge a little in things you wouldn't do at work. I don't normally play youtube videos on my screens when I'm in an office, but I definitely will use the fact that my desk is also where my personal desktop is to put on youtube playlists of the voice or keep an ear out for some game streamers. As long as you're not blasting the volume during meetings, you have a bit more freedom.
   • HOWEVER, if you notice you are just not getting your work done, you have to police yourself. I know some days we get more work done than others, but you've got to find that sweet spot for yourself.

Good luck, and happy Work From Home (WFH)!

[Sleepless Yogi]

"Don't make more than one pot of coffee."

This is so true. Or else your night and the next day is completely ruined.

[Jan Küster]

Great list, I can confirm the fresh clothing to be a positive factor. The video call is debatable, because it depends on the team. If there are many talkative people in the team, it becomes one of these classic annoying meetings. BTW working in standing position is also a nice experience.

[John Peters]

Tx