Many people have started working from home due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19, which means that it’s more important than ever to create a productive work environment, wherever you live. For those who live in apartments, working from home can have many benefits. If you set up your workspace properly, you can be productive and minimize any potential distractions associated with working from home. We’ve created a list of tips to make working from home productive for those who live in an apartment community.
Designate a work area
Sometimes, there’s a lot of noise and distraction at your apartment, with doors opening and closing, sounds coming from the TV, and the dog barking. To avoid distractions, you’ll need to create an office space that is separate from the rest of your apartment. You might want to pick a room for your office that is used less, like a spare bedroom or a nook. Try to select a room without a TV, and if it can’t be avoided, then make sure it remains off while you’re working. If needed, you can wear noise-canceling headphones while working to minimize background sounds so that you can focus. Additionally, you could put up a curtain, or another type of divider, to separate your workspace from the rest of your apartment.
Create a regular routine
Setting a schedule can help you keep a regular routine while working in your apartment. Routines allow people to create helpful habits, which in turn, helps them accomplish their daily and weekly objectives. Try to stick with the hours that you would normally work when in the office. Take breaks when you would normally take them, such as for lunch. Breaks can help divide up your day and help you refocus on important tasks.
Set daily and weekly goals
Tracking daily and weekly goals lets people know how much they are able to accomplish on a given day. Research shows that when you set goals, you increase your productivity by 25%. Obviously, establishing goals is a good idea for anybody who works from home. Before starting your day, write down the daily and weekly goals that you want to accomplish. That way, at the end of your workday and workweek, you will see all of the items that you’ve accomplished. You’ll feel a sense of achievement, instead of feeling overwhelmed at the number of tasks you weren’t able to complete. Using a planner can be a great tool to help you remember your objectives and tasks throughout your day or week.
Make healthy choices
While you are quarantined, it can be easy to forget to make healthy choices, especially if you are working from home. Remember, you can still benefit from making healthy decisions, even if you are stuck in your apartment. Try stretching and completing exercises on your breaks, so that you can maintain blood flow and get your adrenaline pumping. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself with pushups, situps or other difficult exercises. You also might want to consider eating healthy lunches or snacks, so that you can receive your daily nutrients and keep your immune system on track. Making healthier choices while working from an apartment will help keep your mind and body in peak condition and ready for work.
Utilize proper lighting
When working from home in an apartment, it’s always a good idea to keep your workspace well lit. Research shows that light not only improves mood but also can increase energy levels. Because of this, you should make sure your workstation has a light located nearby or a window adjacent for natural light to filter through. Adjust the setting on your lamp so that your workstation is well-lit, as well as the shades on the neighboring windows.
The benefits of working from home
Working from a home office in an apartment has many benefits. It also allows you to have a more flexible schedule, so that you can take care of your family members if needed. You can enjoy the comforts of your own home while working, including eating lunch at your own kitchen table. Even though many people only are temporarily working from home, they can still reap the benefits of it if they create a productive environment.
444 Social offers a variety of floor plans to promote a flexible working environment. Interested in learning more about our apartment complex in Lincolnshire? Contact us here for more information.