How to keep yourself accountable, content and productive at home

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How to keep yourself accountable, content and productive at home

We've had two years of working from home now and we all probably realise that working remotely takes a lot of planning.

The sounds of crows' cries and children's demands - along with your neighbour's attempts at DIY - can impact on your professional veneer in an instant. And these external disractions are just the start of the problems presented in a home working environment. 

How can you keep your focus regardless of your environment?

Start Work as Early as Possible

Rising before the sun is a habit shared by most successful people. Most say they wake up before 6 am on weekdays and some rise at 4am. I often get up to enjoy the wonderful artwork in the early morning sky before the sun rises.

Also, waking early can also make you happier. Some evidence suggests that morning light exposure improves depressive symptoms in seasonal affective disorder by affecting melatonin levels.

Finish the important tasks first

Do the real work when you are most active, while you have clarity and energy and plan the top three things you want to achieve when you write your "to do" list either in the early morning or the night before.

Take frequent breaks

I've been told by a very busy person that instead of trying to work out a problem in the office, he went outside to enjoy the trees. Find your way of resting your brain, to enable it to come up with the best answer.

Structure Your Day 

Create reminders to tell you when to begin new tasks. And stick to your schedule. Discipline and attention are important. 

But that also means giving yourself a break - have a coffee, make breakfast, go for a walk.

And dress the part to remind yourself you are in work-mode. Staying in your dressing gown all day is not conducive to working in a productive way.

Resist the urge to return to your computer after dinner.

Make yourself a special work zone 

Work in the same space each day.

Wear your air pods / ear buds

The best purchase I've made in a long time are my air pods. 

Stay social

Stay healthy, productive, happy and sane by connecting with others through virtual meetings, phone calls, or text. Reach out and support one another — and laugh!