6 Tips to Help You Be More Productive When Working from Home
We’ve been around for a lot in our lifetimes. We’ve seen wars, recessions, bear markets and even other big virus scares in the past several decades. These events often bring about panic and fear because of the uncertainty involved. Yet, things usually get back to normal with time. There’s no denying that the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has really hit us all hard. It is affecting almost every country in the world and every person will be personally impacted by the devastation this illness is causing (whether it’s physically, financially and/or emotionally).
A Life Less Convenient
Your daily life may have already been altered by this situation. Schools and non-essential businesses are closing temporarily. Staffs are being reduced. Workers and students are being sent home for self-quarantine. Many of us are expected to work and learn from home in a sudden telecommuting arrangement that we weren’t prepared for. Adapting to a remote lifestyle can be a challenge for some.
With this in mind, we thought we’d share a little of our own experience and insight on living a more remote lifestyle. We have to accept this will be the new norm for at least a little while, and this pandemic could end up forever changing the way many businesses and schools operate. Telecommuting and online education have already grown extensively over the years with the advancements in technology and the convenience of the internet, smart phones and other devices.
The Show Must Go On
As real estate agents, we’ve already been well prepared to make this transition. Technology has definitely evolved the way we do business. Our clients know they can reach us at any time via phone, email and social media. Important real estate documents can be e-signed and transmitted instantly through all digital devices. Home inspections and other appointments can be made online through virtual assistants, and it’s easy for everyone involved in a real estate transaction to stay in constant communication.
We have many active listings, with clients in the process of buying and selling homes. It’s sad that we are unable to meet up with people and interact personally as much as we normally would, but the business side of things can still go on with minimal interruption. When you find yourself suddenly working from home, you might be amazed at how productive you can be.
There are a few important steps you can take to make this transition to a remote lifestyle:
1. Get Organized
Disorganization can be a detriment to working from home. Make sure you have all your log-ins and passwords to access various online accounts for work, banking and other every day activities. Have everything you need available for when you need it. Try to bring your normal organization methods from work to your home environment. If you are not the most organized person, working from home may force you to learn some better skills that can help you down the line.
2. Time Blocking
The biggest challenge for many new remote workers is being productive when you have things beyond work to worry about. When you are at the office or out in the field, it can be easier to shut off your personal life for a bit and focus on your job. At home, there are many more distractions. Set daily and weekly schedules with specific tasks that need to be done. Block out time for certain activities. You may be dealing with your job, while also helping your children with their online classes. Figure out a family work schedule that works and do your best to stick to it.
3. Long-Term Planning
Use this time to think about your future and develop long-term plans. A situation like this will force many people to sit back and reflect on where they are and where they want to be. A time of crisis could be a catalyst for making bigger changes in life. It can even allow you set and achieve more substantial long-term goals (career, family, education, living situation, financial, etc.).
4. Find Balance
Perhaps the most important thing we can all strive to do right now is to find balance. Use this opportunity to spend more quality time with your children. Read some books. Learn a new skill. Find a new hobby. Don’t let the stress of working from home get you down. Use this as an opportunity to learn and grow while cherishing the time spent with those you care about most.
5. Be Aware, But Not Consumed
Staring at the news all day is not healthy. It’s good to stay informed on what’s happening, but don’t become obsessed with it. Dramatic headlines only spread the fear and panic, so try not to get sucked into the negativity. It will only make you feel more anxious and scared.
6. Find Other Ways to Be Productive
Many homeowners will use this opportunity to make home improvements, clean up, declutter and make their home a more pleasant environment to work and live. If you are considering moving in the near future, now is the perfect time to start getting your property ready for sale.
We’ll get into this last step a bit more in our next article about “Reevaluating Your Housing Needs,” so stay tuned to The Cyr Team Blog. We’re going to be doing our best to provide helpful information and advice as we all learn to adapt to the new normal.
Also, just know we’re here to help. If you have questions or just need someone to talk to about your current home situation, give us a call or send an email.
The Cyr Team is a leading real estate team with Keller Williams Real Estate based in Chester, PA. Vincent & Jane Cyr serve the needs home buyers and sellers throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, Northern Delaware and Southwestern New Jersey. Contact them today for all your local real estate needs.