Excited about the New Year? As most would say, get your new resolutions ready!
It’s the perfect time to start anew and aim to improve. Retain what’s working and throw out what isn’t.
And you can apply spring cleaning to your remote working routine as well. Here are 7 tips you can apply.
Organize Your Workspace
Let’s start with actual cleaning. Did you know that a clean workspace improves your productivity?
Based on multiple studies, your brain is heavily affected by the clutter around you. By simply organizing and cleaning your workspace, you can come up with better output.
You can even improve on a few more things to make an inspiring and ideal workspace.
Get Rid of Distracting Cues in Your Workspace
There are a lot of distractions at home. Your TV, social media notifications, pets, and even your family members. How do you manage?
Based on James Clear’s Book “Atomic Habits”, an action starts with a cue. For example, if you want to build a habit of drinking water, it’s best to put a pitcher where you can see it. This simple tweak can “cue” your brain to drink water when you see it.
Conversely, if you want to avoid distractions, just take the cue away from your workspace.
For example, if you’re distracted by social media, you can store your phone in a different room. Without the phone, there’s no cue.
What about your family members? You can’t kick them out of the house, right?
What you can do is inform them about your boundaries. Explain that you’re working and that you can’t be bothered during those work hours.
Clean and Organize Your Cyber Clutter
How clean is your virtual desktop?
Are there files all over the place? Do you have duplicate documents on your computer? Or maybe leftover stuff from a past project?
Your physical desk is not the only place that needs cleaning. You might want to clean and organize your cyber clutter as well.
Research shows that this digital clutter can overwhelm your brain and lead to mental exhaustion. Cleaning your cyber clutter can free up your headspace to get more things done.
You can start with your files and email. And then, check subscriptions and software you barely use.
It might take time to go through your data, but it’s all worth it. You can check the following tips for your digital spring cleaning.
Start a Routine Before Work
The great thing about remote work is that you don’t need to commute. If you’re in the Philippines, it translates to saving roughly 2-3 hours.
With this, some remote workers just wake up minutes before their shift. But we suggest that you start a routine before work instead.
Create a structure and schedule activities like eating breakfast, doing a little stretching, or showering. You can also add time for reading or planning.
With this, you can mentally prepare for a productive day.
Strengthen Your Mental State
Remote working can be stressful. How can you cope with all the pressure from work? One way is to strengthen your mental state.
Your mental state affects your thinking capabilities, emotions, and behavior. With a more stable mental state, you can produce more for your clients.
Eating healthy, exercising, and meditating are some routines you can do. You can also add the following simple tips to further enhance it.
Intentionally Connect with Your Friends
Working from home can feel isolating. Sometimes, you don’t have anyone to talk to in person — more so if you live alone.
It’s time to intentionally connect with your friends this year. A simple conversation, whether online or in-person, can make a difference.
It’s healthy to have a buddy you can talk to about anything under the sun.
Establish Your Work-life Balance
Flexibility is a big advantage of remote workers. Most have control over their time. And you can even work from anywhere.
But ironically, most tend to overwork themselves. There are no clear boundaries anymore between your work and your personal life.
This year, take time to establish a healthier work-life balance.
Set a structure like definite working hours. If you set 8 AM to 5 PM, you should not be working afterwards as much as possible.
Also, try to give more time to more important things. It can be more time for your family or maybe a passion project or a hobby.
The healthier your work-life balance is, the better the results you can provide for your clients.
Are you looking for online jobs? Sign up through Remote Staff for the best remote working opportunities.
Remote Staff has numerous online jobs based on your skill level. And with the spring cleaning tips above, you can get the best possible start to a more productive year ahead. Cheers!
