Ways to Stay Productive While Stuck at Home

For most of us, we are trying to navigate a new "normal." Whether its working from home, doing school work from home or both, we are all just trying to figure out the best way to do it among all the chaos. Some are used to a specific work and school environment so trying to accomplish the same tasks at home has been a difficult feat. Here are a few ways to stay productive in the comfort and safety or your home.

1. Define your spaces.

It is important to define your work space and relaxation space, especially now. We don't tend to work well in places where we usually rest and vice versa. When there is no option of not mixing your home and work life, make sure you define a specific space for working so that you can be in the working mindset when you're in that spot.

2. Set a schedule.

It can be easy to slack off when there is not structure to your day. Its important to set some kind of schedule so that at the end of the day you feel accomplished. Structure helps you get things done. As tempting as it may be to sleep until noon and get around to working/doing homework eventually, that is not going to help you cope with this change.

3. Take breaks.

Taking breaks is important because you don't want to feel trapped in your work space. Take 15-20 minute breaks for every hours you work and give yourself a moment to relax. Being trapped in our houses all day is already a struggle, so don't make yourself feel trapped in your work space.

4. Get ready for the day.

As much as you'll want to stay in your pajamas throughout your work day, it won't help contribute to your productivity. When you get ready for the day, you're almost tricking yourself into thinking that it is just another normal work day, therefore, you will be more productive and less likely to slip in a two hour nap on the couch like you would if you were still in your pajamas.

5. Take it day by day.

This is new for everyone. If something doesn't work out for you, keep trying. A strict hour by hour schedule of the day is not going to do the same for some as it does for others. Try things out and see how they help your productivity. If something doesn't work out, try something new the next day. No one is expecting you to have this perfected, so don't think of it like that. Listen to your mind, and find what works for you.