Most governments and corporations have issued remote work directives to curb the coronavirus pandemic. If you’re not used to this arrangement, you’ll have a hard time adjusting. Various distractions around the house mean you can’t focus as you would in an office setting.

Here are some tips for staying productive while working from home:

Set a Routine

The daily routine you had before going to the office used to prepare you for work mentally. At home, it will help you settle down faster and avoid distractions. Such a routine would include working out, taking breakfast, brushing your teeth, and dressing appropriately before sitting at your desk.

Create A Proper Work Area

You’ll probably be more productive if you designate a specific part of the house as your workspace. It could be a room, desk, deck, den, or any place that allows maximum concentration on the tasks at hand. You may change locations to avoid monotony. For instance, you can work from a desk and catch up with the news on the couch.

Maintain Communication with Remote Colleagues

The past few weeks have witnessed an explosion in demand for tools associated with remote work. They include software and apps such as Zoom, Trello, Slack, Evernote, Skype, Time Doctor, Dropbox, and Teamwork.

Other than work-related communication, it’s essential to nurture the teamwork you had at the office. Apps such as Slack are flexible because you can add a water cooler feature that encourages socialization among remote team members.

Organize Your Workflow

The first step to staying focused at home is to create a schedule you can realistically follow. Having a list of all your tasks and crossing them off one at a time motivates you to achieve your daily target. Keeping your workspace clean also reduces distractions.

Use apps such as Offtime, Moment, and Flipd to limit the time you spend on social media. Other tips include setting clear boundaries between your work and personal life and resting when necessary.

Invest in Ergonomic Essentials

Often overlooked by remote workers, mindful ergonomics has long term health benefits. The reduced strain and stress on your body automatically increase work productivity. Invest in a chair that maintains proper posture to avoid back pain.

Other tips include buying an ergonomic work desk and floor padding, as well as keyboards, mice, and other computer accessories.

Medical experts are unsure of how long the COVID-19 pandemic will last. This situation means you’ll have to get used to working from home for the foreseeable future. If you follow these tips meticulously, you’ll be just as productive as you would be in an office setting.