12 minor tweaks to supercharge your work from home lifestyle
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Working from home (wfh) is such a double-edged sword. On the one hand, we have more time to sleep in, engage in regular workouts and even cook thanks to the extra time otherwise spent commuting. On the flip side, some of us may fall into the dark hole of working round the clock.
Hands up if you are guilty of checking and replying your work texts and emails long after the official working hours are over. Need help? Boost your productivity as you work from home, without extending your working hours. By employing small tweaks to your wfh routine, you may gain an exponential jump in your productivity. We have compiled a list of tips and wfh accompaniments to help you along the way.
1. Create a work-only space
Surround yourself with things that make you happy. As Marie Kondo advocates, “The important thing in tidying is not deciding what to discard but rather what you want to keep in your life.” The same rules apply to your work desk. Review every single object you place in your study and work desk to make sure they spark joy. You can also try some space-saving hack like utilising the wall next to your study to free up some space. An uncluttered space usually brings about an uncluttered mind.
Hanging side table, S$55.30
2. Set boundaries
The bane of working from home for parents could be the distractions of having to take care of your kids during working hours. Set clear boundaries to your family and give them advance notice when you need to focus on work meetings or projects. Lock the door if you have to. However, be present during meal times and make it a sacred time for family bonding.
3. Create a priority list, not a to-do list
At the end of each workday, list in order of importance and urgency the top 3 tasks you need to accomplish the next day. Once you have gotten that out of the way, you should enjoy a peace of mind to work on the other less urgent matters. Remember to be reasonable in what you can achieve within a day.
Round desk jot pad, S$24.89
4. Know yourself
Find out what works for you: Schedule creative tasks or tasks that require more brainwork during times of the day when you enjoy the most exceptional mental clarity.
5. Beautify your work area with living plants
Having plants goes a long way in improving your moods. Consider growing herbs that you can use in your cooking like basil and mint. Or try growing air-purifying ones like snake plant or peace lily. Don’t think you have a green thumb? Try succulents. They are known to be low maintenance yet gorgeous to lay eyes on. Here are a couple of pretty planters you can grow your greens in.
Llama planter, S$66.36
Coconut fibre dog planter, from S$82.96
6. Take regular breaks
A mid-day coffee or tea break may just be what you need to give you the final jolt towards the end of the workday.
Nespresso machines, from S$168
Get $80 off selected machines. Offer valid from now till 10 August.
California Gold Nutrition, GuayusaCeps, cardio blend instant beverage, 60g, S$14.21 (was S$$23.69)
7. Work your smartphone
Our smartphones, with its numerous functions, may serve as a distraction with its constant notifications. Turn off notifications for non-work related group chats. Better still, resist the urge of FOMO and set your phone to flight mode during working hours.
Since we started telecommuting, the smartphone is in use more than ever. Are you aware that your smartphone is a hotbed of germs? Are you guilty of bringing your phone everywhere, leaving them on surfaces and also accompany you to the toilet? Ensure it’s really clean by sanitising it properly. It may just save your skin from unwanted blemishes.
PhoneSoap smartphone sanitiser, S$110.61
Phone sanitizer UV light, portable, S$150.82
8. Set regular check-ins with your co-workers
Working from home can make us feel lonelier than ever, especially if you are the sort that thrives in teamwork. Schedule regular virtual meet-ups with your colleagues. Of course, you want to look good for those work meetings as well. Having a selfie light means less time fussing and stressing over how you appear during virtual meetings – which translates to more time to do actual work.
Live streaming selfie light, S$34.57
9. Show up
The first step toward success is showing up. One of the things nagging the minds of employees is missing deadlines and meetings. Have a clock ready at your desk and set the alarm if you need.
Bicycle desktop organiser, S$41.46
10. Get a little help on focusing
A diffuser can make your work environment more conducive.
Handblown intention diffuser, S$67.75
Alternatively, try burning or spritzing essential oils like frankincense and cypress, which are known for enhancing mental clarity and concentration.
Frankincense essential oils, 30ml, S$13.92
Cypress essential Oils, 30ml, S$13.92
If you need something more, fortify your brains with brain foods.
Irwin Naturals, Brain Awake, 60 liquid soft-gels, S$20.10 (was S$25.12)
Super deal!
California Gold Nutrition, L-Theanine, supports relaxation, calm focus, 200mg, 60 veggie capsules, S$13.96
Exclusive deal!
11. Lift that bum off the chair
Short on time to work out? Consider investing in items that help you to sit less. These minor tweaks in your work routine are said to help combat food coma and also counteract muffin tops. Time to work that core!
Standing desk balance board, S$207.39
Balance disc wobble cushion for home or office, S$34.38
12. Improve your blood circulation
Did you know there are 7,000 nerve endings on our foot? Get a massage in while seated at your desk. Short of engaging a masseuse, give your hardworking feet a well-deserved massage to increase blood circulation, reduce tension and ease aches. Get the job done with a wooden foot massager handcrafted in Slovenia.
Handmade wooden foot massager, S$47.01
Telecommuting may be here to stay for a while. Remember to be kind to yourself even as you work hard.
The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider on queries regarding a medical condition. Any action taken by you in reliance on or in connection with this content is solely at your own risk.
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