Working remotely can be a great way to reduce stress and increase productivity, but staying focused can also be challenging when you’re not in an office environment. Although more than 58% of millennials work from home, there’s a risk of decreased productivity as motivation levels diminish. 

Unmonitored performance and distractions can also lead to an increase in stress levels. Here are nine tips to help you boost productivity and mental performance when working remotely.

Take Care of Your Health

Your energy levels should be high to boost productivity. It means that you need to take care of your physical and mental health. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods and exercising regularly.

Have routine health checkups to make sure you’re physically fit and take care of any health concerns you may have. In this age of the COVID-19 pandemic, have checkups whenever you have any symptoms or suspect exposure to the virus. The good news is that you can have an at-home COVID-19 test at your convenience.

Allocate Time for Breaks

Working remotely can be a great way to get more done, but taking breaks is essential. Allocate time to relax during the day and don’t work on any task during these breaks. This will give you a chance to unwind, reducing stress levels and increasing productivity. Some ways to relax include reading, listening to music, taking a bath, or spending time with family members. 

Create a Dedicated Workspace

A dedicated workspace keeps distractions to a minimum and helps you focus on the tasks at hand. Have your workspace in an area of your home that isn’t prone to noise or distractions. Invest in the required equipment to work comfortably, such as a good chair, appropriate desk, and adequate lighting.

Besides this, create a to-do list and stick to it. Ensure the tasks on the to-do list are specific, measurable, and time-bound. Prioritize responsibilities based on how important they are so that you know what to work on first.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Technology is a great way to boost productivity and mental performance when working remotely. The tools and applications help you stay organized and focused.  Use a task management application to keep track of the tasks you need to complete and a time management application to track how much time you’re spending on each job.

Other tools include project management applications, communication platforms, and productivity applications. Using software to streamline business activities can vastly improve productivity. Project governance structure can clearly define roles, responsibilities and tasks required of employees.

Set Boundaries To Avoid Burnout

Working from home can be a great way to boost your productivity and mental performance, but it can also lead to burnout if you don’t set boundaries. Ensure your family members understand when you’re working to avoid disturbances.

Avoid checking your emails or responding to instant messages during working hours. By setting boundaries, you’ll be able to work more efficiently, boosting productivity and mental performance.

Connect to Like-Minded People

Working from home isolates you from the rest of the workforce. Look for ways to connect with others working remotely to avoid loneliness, stress, and a lack of motivation. There are online platforms and communities that you can join to connect with other people working remotely. Additionally, find time to step out of the house to meet with friends or attend networking events in your industry.

Additionally, take time to connect with nature. Nature has a calming effect on the mind and can boost productivity and mental performance. Spend time outside taking a walk or sitting in a park. Alternatively, sit by a window with a view of nature or bring some plants into your workspace.

Set Goals

It helps to set goals for each day, week, and month based on the tasks at hand. Ensure that the goals are realistic and include a deadline so you know how much time is available to complete them. Daily, weekly and monthly goals help you gauge your progress and stay on track. They also motivate you to work harder, boosting productivity and mental performance.

Finally, reward yourself for achieving your goals. Celebrating your achievements keeps you motivated and focused on completing more tasks. The reward can be anything you enjoy, such as a new book, a trip to the movies, or dinner at your favorite restaurant.

Focus on One Task at a Time

Multitasking is a great way to get more done, but it can be stressful. It’s better to focus on one task at a time, giving it your undivided attention until it is complete. Doing so will help you stay focused and organized, reducing the amount of stress you feel. Additionally, it’ll help you complete tasks more quickly and efficiently, avoiding mistakes. 

Have a Routine

A routine keeps you organized and focused, boosting productivity and mental performance. Create a daily routine that includes work-related tasks and other activities, such as exercise, meditation, and eating healthy foods.

When you have a routine, you always know what you need to do, making it easier to stick to your goals. Plan the day’s tasks the night before and, if possible, stick to the same routine each day. For instance, you can exercise every morning before starting work, eat lunch, and spend the afternoons working on creative tasks.

Working From Home Doesn’t Have To Be a Challenge

Maintaining high productivity levels is one of the concerns when working remotely. Regularly gauge your productivity levels and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that you’re working at your best.