Working remotely has become more popular in recent years, and for a good reason. It allows for greater flexibility, and the ability to work from anywhere, often resulting in increased productivity. However, staying focused and motivated when working from home can also be challenging. Here are the top 9 productivity hacks to help you make the most of your remote work.
Follow the Pomodoro Technique
PomoFocus Timer is a productivity tool that helps users break up their workday into focused blocks of time, also known as the Pomodoro Technique. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s. It involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. This cycle is repeated four times, after which the user takes a more extended break of 15-30 minutes.
This technique has helped me through writer’s block or getting into admin tasks that are my least favorite to do. I commit to 25 minutes and if I still cannot get past the writer’s block or into a flow then I move on to the next block of tasks. 9 times out of 10 I get into a flow and can complete the task.
The benefits of using PomoFocus Timer include:
- Increased productivity: By focusing on one task at a time for a set period of time, users are less likely to get distracted and can get more done.
- Improved time management: PomoFocus Timer helps users manage their time by breaking up the day into focused blocks. This can help users prioritize tasks and make better use of their time.
- Improved focus: By taking regular breaks, users can avoid burnout and maintain their focus throughout the day.
- Increased sense of accomplishment: Seeing the progress made during each Pomodoro can help users feel a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
Use time-blocking techniques
In addition to using the Pomodoro Technique, focus your time using a time-blocking technique. Instead of juggling multiple tasks at once, divide your day into blocks of time and dedicate each block to a specific task or set of tasks. This can help you stay focused and be more productive.
For example, you might block off the first hour of your day for emails, the second hour for a project, and the third hour for a meeting. Time-blocking can help you stay organized and make the most of your time.
Here’s an example of how I block my time during the week, so that I’m not constantly switching between projects throughout the day👇
Take breaks
It’s essential to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and refocus. Step away from your desk, take a walk, or do some stretching to clear your mind and come back to your work refreshed. Breaks can help you avoid burnout and maintain productivity over the long term. It’s also a good idea to take a proper lunch break to recharge and give your mind a break from work.
Create a designated workspace
It’s essential to have a designated area in your home where you can work without distractions. This can be a separate room or just a corner of a room, but it should be a place where you can focus and get things done. A designated workspace can help you separate work from leisure and establish a routine. It’s also a good idea to ensure your workspace is comfortable and ergonomically designed to reduce the risk of injuries or discomfort.
If you’re a digital nomad like me and often don’t have a home base to set up a designated workspace or your home environment is not equipped to work (partner, children, etc.) then head to a cafe! I find working from a cafe is a huge productivity boost. There are no distractions like TV, laundry, or your bed and you have access to tasty beverages and snacks all day. Bonus- you might even meet some other co-workers or entrepreneurs!
Set boundaries
It’s easy to blur the lines between work and home when you’re working remotely. Set boundaries with your family and friends, so they know when you’re working and should not be disturbed. You may also want to set boundaries for yourself, such as not checking work emails outside of business hours. This can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevent burnout.
Stay organized
Keep your work area organized and free of clutter. This can help you stay focused and be more productive. Use tools like Notion, Airtable, Trello, or Asana to keep track of your tasks and projects. Having a clear idea of what to do and when can help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Set goals
Having clear goals and objectives can help you stay focused and motivated. Make a list of what you want to accomplish each day, and break down larger goals for the month, quarter, and year into smaller tasks throughout the weeks. This can help you stay organized and feel a sense of accomplishment as you check off items on your list.
Use productivity tools
Many tools are available to help you stay productive while working remotely. Some popular options include Asana, Trello, and Todoist. These tools can help you manage your tasks, communicate with your team, and track your progress. Experiment with different tools to find what works best for you. My team and I use Slack for communication which has been game changer for keeping communication streamlined and organized.
Limit distractions
It’s easy to get distracted when working remotely, especially with all the tempting distractions of home. Use your phone’s settings to automatically turn on a Do Not Disturb or Work Focus for your working hours. Mine automatically turns on from 10am-3pm each day and also goes into Sleep Mode from 8pm-8am. It enables you to add APPs (like a calendar) and specific people to be on your list allowing their messages to come through (a partner, parent, childcare, school, boss, etc.). Turn off notifications for social media APPs in the APPs settings for a set amount of time (15 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours). This will prevent those popups that can derail you throughout the day when you’re working. It can also be helpful to use tools like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distracting websites or apps.
By following these productivity hacks, you can make the most of your remote work and stay focused and motivated. Remember to take breaks, stay organized, and use productivity tools to help you stay on track!
