I remember slicing into work on my laptop (emails, administration, editing) for the first time after having a baby. Slightly sleep deprived but desperately excited to regain my usual routine, I pulled open my laptop and began responding to emails. Days followed where I was consistently editing, emailing and working for over 2-3 hours a day (during my baby’s nap time – I was still caring for him full time). However, within a couple months I felt tired and purposeless in my work. I was running on empty and trying to create content and keep up with work from a place of necessity rather than joy. How could I change that? How could I be productive and maintain a workload?
These simple ideas could apply to anyone, but they certainly helped boost balance and productivity in my life.
3 Work From Home Productivity Ideas
1. Implement a simple routine on top of an existing routine
Habit stacking (as mentioned in the book ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear) is my favourite way to be productive (while it feeling effortless) at the moment: Add another habit to an already existing habit. For instance, every time I wake up and make my tea, I will do 10 pushups beforehand, or every time I check social media, I will reply to one email prior to opening an app.
2. Consistency over perfection
Journalling and walking aside (these are non-negotiable simple habits during my weekdays), this week I’ve found it hard to find time to intentionally sit down and work. Every time I ‘found’ time to work, there was something else ‘urgent’ to do – messages, laundry, meal preparation, and the list goes on. Small, consistent moments in your everyday life are IMPORTANT; not only do they prevent decision fatigue, but also they spark a sense of balance and rhythm to your everyday.
Consistency over creative perfection. And within those little moments of consistency, creative flow and zest – ‘light-bulb’ moments and vibrant inspiration – follow.
3. Create a desk space you are excited to work at
Ask yourself, where in the past have I been most productive? What stimulates me to work?
Here are some ideas to create a perfect workspace with a few things I’ve tried in the past couple years that have helped a lot: Keep it simple. Utilise sticky notes for pending tasks. When you’re completed that task, have an envelope you add ‘completed sticky notes / tasks’ to. At the end of the month, you should have a big pile of sticky notes (mmhm, talk about amazing productivity aesthetic – it’s more satisfying than ticking boxes on a to-do list!). Look up ‘productivity aesthetic’ on Pinterest and you’ll find a plethora of ideas to add to your desk.
Happy 2024 friends!
xo
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