Many of us are working from home. Despite restrictions easing, many employees are either working from home full-time or switching between home working and going to the office. It can be tough to stay focused when you’re at home and there are distractions to contend with. Here are some tips to help you make being at home work for you.

Get your working environment right

The most important step to take when working from home for prolonged periods is to ensure that you have a dedicated workspace. The home office environment should be quiet, calming and inspirational and it’s essential that you feel comfortable. Set aside a corner of your living space or use a spare bedroom or a dining room to create a study or work area. Try to limit distractions by taking yourself away from the hustle and bustle of the busier parts of the house, organise your desk and make sure your chair provides support.

Establish a routine

Most people who are used to going to an office or a communal workplace had a routine before they started working from home. If you’re used to getting up at a certain time, making your way to work, clocking off at a set time and travelling home, it can be difficult to adjust to a more flexible regime. If having a more rigorous routine works for you, establish a regime to follow at home. Set your alarm for the same time each morning, give yourself time to enjoy a healthy breakfast and start work at a time that suits you and fits with your core office hours. Take regular breaks and make sure you get off to a good start with a hearty, nutritious breakfast. If you don’t want to start work straight after eating, take half an hour to go for a walk, stretch, read or prepare for the day ahead. Tailor your routine to suit the demands of your job and your preferences. Some people are early birds, while others take a while to warm up.

Enhance your brain with supplements

Caffiene often has negativiity attached to it, but it really helps a lot of people stay focussed and sharp. It’s the ideal way to get started for the day, especially if you’ve had a bad night’s sleep. Just watch you don’t take more than the recommended daily amount and that it’s a good quality coffee e.g. from Contact Coffee Co that is used by the Marines to stay alert!

Other supplements such as Gingko Biloba, which has its origins in Chinese medicine, is said to improve focus, improve brain function, and increase blood circulation. Research what supplements would work for you and be careful if you are taking any existing medication.

Stay active

Exercise is one of the best remedies for good physical and mental health and it can help you to stay focused and increase your energy levels. Make time for exercise when you’re at home. You can either take breaks to work out at home, go to the gym or go for a run, or block time out outside of your core working hours to do classes, enjoy active pursuits or play team sports. Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. It is particularly beneficial to stay active if you find that your energy levels tend to dip at certain points during the day or you have a stressful job. Exercise can help you to relax, express emotions and clear your mind.

Working from home offers multiple benefits, but it can be hard to stay focused, especially if you have to contend with distractions. Create a dedicated workspace, establish a routine and try to stay active.

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