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<\/p>\nThe world is staying home, but for many people that doesn’t mean a break from work. Thanks to technology, there are many office-bound workers who are able to continue their work almost as normal during the national Covid-19 shutdown. But while\u00a0some may see working from home a welcome break from a bustling, noisy office, working from home alone can also be\u00a0incredibly isolating and challenging.\u00a0Some days you might be able to really buckle down and stay focused, while on others\u00a0you might feel unmotivated and, frankly, a little lonely. So how do you optimise your home workspace and routine to ensure you are as productive as possible? Check out these top 5 tips to help make working from a breeze.<\/p>\n
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Obviously, not everyone is overly prepared to work at home. While some may be fortunate enough to have a separate home office to work from every day, many others will have to make do with finding a space in their lounge, dining room, bedroom, or even kitchen to get work done. But not necessary, to have a home office to stay productive, all you need is a clean, clutter-free space.\u00a0Your kitchen counter or dining room table can work just fine, just be sure to clear off the dishes and get rid of any clutter as you will lose focus easier in a messy area.<\/p>\n
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Whether you’re working from your kitchen counter or you’ve made your separate own at-home work station, planning your workday and setting rules and boundaries for yourself is key to staying productive. If you’re able to schedule your own workday, try planning your working hours and projects around the\u00a0times you’re most productive.\u00a0Not everyone is efficient from 9 to 5. Maybe you’re better off breaking up the work from 7 a.m.to 12 p.m., and then again from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. Do what works best for you to ensure you get the most done in a day.<\/p>\n
Another great way to ensure you stay productive is to set concrete goals for yourself. Rather than trying to block out an entire day for one work task, try breaking up a big assignment into small achievable goals. That way finishing that big report by the end of the week won’t seem so daunting. Equally important is making sure the goals you set for yourself are\u00a0doable in a reasonable time frame.\u00a0Rather than trying to take on the world in 45 minutes, assign specific tasks for every hour to get things done in a practical way.<\/p>\n
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If you find yourself losing focus, move your work station somewhere else. Some days you may find your apartment is noisier than usual or you’re feeling cooped up inside. If you’re losing focus, either get up and move around for a little bit or, if possible, move your laptop or work station outside to the garden, your balcony, or even next to a window with a breeze. The new setting and scenery will help you refocus.<\/p>\n
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We’re not saying you need to don your best power suit,\u00a0but changing out of your PJs into comfortable work clothes will help you transition from sleep to work mode. Lounging around in baggy sweats all-day isn’t the best way to get into the mood to work and be professional. Put on a pair of jeans or shorts and a comfortable t-shirt and you’ll be ready to tackle any task.<\/p>\n
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As tempting as it may be to work from the comfort of your couch or your bed, it’s important to separate workspace from the spaces you use to relax. During this time, try your best to have a\u00a0designated work area and a separate ‘chill’ area. If you’re working on your couch or bed, may find the\u00a0distractions like napping and watching TV are just too tempting.<\/p>\n
While you’re at home self-isolating, don’t forget to stock up on lock-down essentials. From groceries and toiletries to cleaning supplies and pet care, you can find the best prices on essential items on PriceCheck<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
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