The digital era has helped to usher in the popularity of freelance and remote work. This year the pandemic has created the need for even more people to work from home. Alongside remote work comes a number of challenges. For people who are not used to working from home, it can be very difficult. Navigating work outside of an office setting can often make people feel a lack of connection and collaboration, which doesn’t help productivity levels.

Here are a few tips for staying focused while working remotely.

Creating a workspace

It is imperative to create a workspace where you can get things done efficiently and effectively. Make sure that you give yourself enough space to work comfortably with the necessary equipment close by. It’s also a good idea to add a few office touches to the workspace by personalizing it with things that you would keep at your regular office desk.

Spend money on a solid, comfortable workspace office chair. Trying to work in a chair that makes you uncomfortable will not only hurt your back, but it’ll provide you with an excuse to get up and move around, decreasing productivity and focus. Make the investment in a high-quality chair!

Lastly, if possible create a workspace in an area that has few distractions. It can be challenging to focus, especially as a parent, but arrange the space so that at the very least distractions such as pets or street noise is limited.

Make a routine and stay consistent

There are a plethora of changes that take place when work becomes remote. Your morning commute has become a simple walk from the bedroom to your desk and some days it may be hard to justify getting out of pajamas. Routine’s are imperative if you want to be successful while working remotely.

Aside from the usual habits, such as getting a good night’s rest and having breakfast, there are a few things you need to do to stay consistent and on track. Make sure that you are, in fact, getting dressed every day. It’s one small thing, but it’s important. Wearing pajamas can create a mindset of comfort and have you feeling as though you’d rather lay on the couch. Once you’re dressed, stick to your morning routine in the kitchen, whether that’s coffee, tea, or something healthy to eat.

Before you sit down to actually begin work try to take the time to take a daily walk. Walking helps to increase our energy levels and get our brains going. Plus, it’ll help to make up for the lack of exercise you may be getting since going remote.

Other tips include staying connected to coworkers through video calls and collaboration tools, taking regular breaks, and eating your lunch in a different area than at your workstation.