Throughout the past year, we've had to quickly adapt to working remotely. We transitioned to tele-health appointments and e-coaching for our clients, but the intertwining of home and work life can mean our productivity and efficiency goes downhill.
As explained in my last blog post, using nudge theory strategies may increase clients’ compliance to a certain behaviour (ex. healthy eating) so they can reach their goals. Continuing with this concept, let’s look at 5 ways you can self-nudge to enhance your work-from-home habits and give your productivity a boost.
1) Design a suitable workspace
Designing (and designating) yourself a distraction-free workspace is a great step toward increasing productivity. By minimizing distractions, we can allow ourselves to engage in deep work. For example, clear your desk of any unnecessary items; leave your phone in another room to avoid notification distractions; or turn your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode so that the notifications don’t pop up as usual.
Keep the items you absolutely need with you, like your computer, pens, paper, planner and a lamp. Maybe even wear some noise-cancelling headphones if you need complete silence when you’re working.
2) Keep organized
Now that you have your own personal workspace at home, take a few minutes to note any team meetings, client meetings or appointments you have, and give yourself deadlines for any notes or tasks you need to complete.
Every morning, organize yourself by outlining the most to least important tasks you need to complete and check them off when they’re finished! Having a visual checklist for completing even the simplest task (like checking your emails) shows you all that you’ve accomplished in the day.
3) Dress like you’re at work
Still having difficulty getting in the right headspace while working from home? Then get out of those pyjamas or loungewear and dress like you’re going to work (bottoms included). In wearing your business-casual outfit, and sitting at your designated workspace in your house, you can help trick yourself into feeling like you’re back in the office.
4) Take breaks
If you feel like you aren’t being productive, it may feel counterintuitive to take breaks. However, scheduling breaks for yourself can be a really helpful way to manage your time. The Pomodoro Technique is a helpful tool that you can implement using a timer on your phone or computer. A standard interval includes 25 minutes of work followed by a 5 minute break. After 4 intervals, you get a longer, 15 minute break. The intervals are customizable, so you can make them work with your schedule.
Taking your lunch break is also vital for resetting. Take a moment for yourself, eat mindfully and rest a little before you continue with your next task – make your mental health a priority.
5) Clear your head
Still having difficulty concentrating? Are all the hours blending together, making you feel like you’re losing motivation? Go spend some time outside! Go for a walk or run and breathe in some fresh air. Enjoy some time on your patio or in a park and do some stretches or jumping jacks. Set out some exercise clothes by your desk to nudge yourself toward a little activity and get all your juices flowing once again!
Can Nutrioso help increase productivity?
Nutrioso was designed with productivity and efficiency in mind! Its automated assessment helps you spend less time charting, and its designated charting space allows you to fill in your notes with ease. The platform also allows you to contact your clients right from the app so can save time switching between tabs to write emails or find their contact information.
Do you have any other techniques you use to improve your productivity at home? Comment below to let us know!
-Justine Chriqui, McGill Dietetics Graduate Student