6 Tips to Stay Productive [and SANE] Working From Home

Figuring out how to stay productive when you aren’t used to working from home can drive you insane. Maybe you don’t have a home office and your kids are home with you (making a racket in the background). You’re constantly getting updates and notifications about the impact of the Coronavirus. There are endless distractions in your home.  Sometimes it’s all just too much. So how do you stay sane? How do you learn to work from home AND be productive? In this minisode of Wingnut Social, Darla and Natalie share 6 tips that will help you stay on track, productive, and sane (whiskey MAY be involved). What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social [1:40] Tip #1: Keep a schedule! [2:52] Tip #2: Get dressed [4:06] Tip #3: Give yourself a break  [4:45] Tip #4: Turn off your notifications [6:43] Tip #5: Start a journal [8:39] Tip #6: Stay connected [11:03] Watch the ‘19 Hours’ webinar [12:18] Blooper Reel!  Resources & People Mentioned 19 Hours Virtual Design Conference Dixie Willard Design Mydoma Studio Asana Slack Trello Ivy.co Zoom Tip #1: Keep a schedule Staying in bed a little longer sounds great, right? But Darla and Natalie point out it makes a dent in your productivity. Roll out of bed on time and work your normal schedule. That means starting on time—and ending on time. You’ll be more productive AND it will be an easier transition when things get back to normal. Tip #2: Get dressed Darla and Natalie get it—nothing sounds better than rolling out of bed and staying in your pajamas all day long. While taking advantage of working in your skivvies sounds appealing, it can hurt your productivity. Plus, it makes a positive psychological impact to shower, get dressed, do your hair and makeup, and so forth.  Tip #3: Give yourself a break Most of us no longer have a commute to work—which means less time to mentally prepare for the day. Schedule a transition time (10-15 minutes) to psych yourself up for the day. Taking breaks in-between scheduled work can also help you—as Darla phrases it—“cleanse your mental palate”. Read a little or listen to music. Do whatever gives you a moment of reprieve.  Tip #4: Turn OFF your notifications The ladies understand that you want to stay apprised and up-to-date on the current situation. But during the workday turn off your notifications. The News, social media, etc. can remove your focus—and alter your mood. Watch the news and catch up after your workday is complete. Tip #5: Write things down Make yourself a to-do list of things you need to do for clients, project management tasks, etc. Get yourself in order and stay on-task. Darla points out that journaling about your day and things you’re grateful for can make an impact on your mental well-being. Listen to hear the ladies chat about how they journal.  Tip #6: Stay connected The last—but not least—tip is to stay connected with your team. Don’t isolate yourself in your home. Familiarize yourself with different tools you can use (Asana, Slack, Trello, Ivy, Mydoma studio, etc.) to keep the lines of communication open. You have the time to get over the learning curve!  Listen to the episode for all the details—and a way to have fun with your family while under quarantine.  Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social www.WingnutSocial.com On Facebook On Twitter: @WingnutSocial On Instagram: @WingnutSocial Darla’s Interior Design Website Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group! 1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)   Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com