Posted by MDI on April 22, 2020
Top tips to get the most out of working from home, by Shocklogic.
1. Choose where you will work from
Are you sharing a space with others? Negotiate (if possible) when and where you will work from best. Some might need their privacy and silence. Others might be able to speak freely. Take into consideration the different types of work and activities of those you share the space with.
2. Set up your arena
As much as we may want to wake up and work from the comfort of our own bed, this is not great for long term success! For example, setting up a desk instead of working from your kitchen table can improve productivity, and help avoid back pain.
3. Lock your door!
If you are having an online interview/important meeting, or you are about to give a presentation, your privacy will be very important. Make sure you lock your door, or at least keep it closed. You could even consider a "Do not disturb" sign! Remember the best video ever from last year?
4. Define boundaries for the people you live with
Are you living with family, your partner, a bunch of flatmates? Boundary definition and candid conversations will save misunderstandings and aggravations. Consider the physical space, sounds/noises, and bandwidth usage. This is a wonderful example.
5. Make sure you have a comfortable chair
It might sound basic, but studies show that a good chair ensures better breathing and posture, resulting in less fatigue.
6. Set up an external monitor
Many of us are used to working on multiple screens in the office, so having a similar set-up at home might be a great option. Plug in an external monitor if you can, to your personal laptop.
7. Wear a headset
With everyone being at home at the moment we need to expect the unexpected (kids, partners, flatmates, pets). Always wear a headset (noise cancelling if you can), to prevent any interruptions.
8. Test your audio
Test your microphone to make sure you have clear sound. When you are in a conference call and you are not speaking, always mute your mic to avoid your background noise leaking in.
9. Check your internet connection.
A reliable internet connection can save you from many hassles! It can be impossible to have a conference call with your video on, when you have a poor connection. If you're worried about your itnernet, you can runa speed test. there are great resources to check the quality of each network where you live. To test the speed of your internet connection, use Speed Test. You can check the quality of your 4G Network (UK based) here.
10. Check your Wi-Fi strengh
It is possible for you to have a good internet connection, but poor Wi-Fi! This can be misleading because you think that the issue is your internet connection, when the issue is the signal of your Wi-Fi. Test the strengh of your Wi-Fi and make the necessary arrangements, e.g. move your router closer to your place of work. If the signal strengh is not great, you can boost it by using a Wi-Fi signal booster.
11. Begin your day with some stretching
Stretching is a great stress reliever, and it also helps calm your mind. By starting your day with some stretches, you will feel more energised, and help to prevent any pain developing throughout the day. The lymphatic system which clears our body of toxins is activated by moving our limbs. Moving is a great strategy.
12. Stay indoors, but stay active
Spend your lunch break doing some exercise. There are so many online classes available right now on Youtube and Instagram. From yoga to aerobics, and even tap dancing - you can find something that you will enjoy!
13. Take care of you mental health
Taking care of our mental health is integral to living a healthy and balanced life. If you are struggling with your day, make sure you communicate this. It's okay not to be okay. Check out the app "My Possible Self" for practical tips on wellbeing.
14. Practice meditation
Meditation can do wonders for your mind, body and soul. Taking a few minutes to meditate is agreat way to relax and recalibrate. If you need some guidance, our favaourite apps include "Calm", "Headspace" and "insight Timer".
15. Try out a mindful breathing exercise
A simple breathing exercise for 3-4 minutes in the morning can help relieve anxiety and control panic attacks. Check out The Anxiety Coach to discover a breathing exercise, for when we encounter difficult moments.
16. Stay social with your team
We still need that human connection, even though we are socially isolating. Come up with ways to interact with your team, and make everyone smile! For example on #ThrowbackThursday, get everyone to share a baby photo or high school photo!
17. Create a daily routine - and stick to it1
Having a daily routine provides a structure and discipline to our lives. It also gives us purpose, and the focus to stick to each task. To help you form good habits, you can try the app "Streaks".
Find out more about Shocklog here.
Shocklogic is hosting a webinar on 28th April on "Managing remote working during a crisis: how to look after ourselves, and our teams". Register here: https://bit.ly/3b9mzf3.
