Hi friends! This week is obviously unique. With a significant increase of people working from home, I’ve created a Work From Home blog series to help my readers be more productive, motivated, and optimistic with everything going on. This will be a five post series, breaking down each recommended tip on Thursday’s blog post: 5 TIPS TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY WHILE WORKING FROM HOME.
Today’s topic, How to Create a Schedule & Work in Break Times to boost productivity while working from home! These tips will help you kick off your day well, and get your work done more seamlessly.
Tips on How to Create a Schedule & Work In Break Times
Every single New Years, my resolution has included becoming more organized. I am not a naturally organized person. I tend to be cluttered, I almost always multi-task, and I’ve struggled to figure out how to overcome this.
Finally, I figured out exactly what needs to be done and how to create a schedule, plan out my day, and actually follow it! These are the steps on how to create a schedule!
How to Create a Schedule & Work in Break Times: The Steps
1. Find an agenda or calendar that you can use to plan your day
I’ve tried EVERY type of calendar/planner/agenda! I’ve ordered paper ones, types you can throw in your purse, large desk calendars, virtual apps, you name it, I’ve tried it!
The absolute best app that I’ve found (so far) is the Artful Agenda App
This app is both mobile and desktop friendly. It also syncs to Google calendars (which I have used forever), making it easy to stay on track no matter where you are!
It costs $34 annually, or there’s a monthly option but I preferred just going for the annual amount.
The app allows users to break out their schedule for the Month, Week, and Day. It also tracks water consumption, personal goals, daily and long term goals, and has a task check list!
If you are looking for a mobile, consolidated planner, this one is amazing! My referral code is ‘71452‘ if you’re interested.
2. Make a schedule and hold yourself accountable!
Monday through Friday I am out of bed by 7:30am. Having a general wake up and bed time schedule really helps! I wake up, make myself coffee, feed the dogs, and then plan my day.
I list out my tasks and prioritize them from most important (what has a deadline?) to least important (no deadline or a later deadline). If all of my tasks are considered important, I typically knock out the tasks that take the least amount of time first.
3. Add in break times (10-15 minute breaks plus lunch)
Don’t expect yourself to be super woman!! Working 8 hours straight is not realistic in an office, nor is it a home office.
Be sure to schedule in 10-15 minute breaks every couple hours or between tasks! PLUS give yourself a lunch break (away from your work space).
This will give your brain time to recharge, and you’ll be much more productive after your break!
4. Share it to social media
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I share my daily schedule Monday through Friday on Instagram Stories! Not only does this hold me accountable, but I know my followers and friends are waiting for me to share what I’m up to (as promised).
By sharing your schedule, you will be held more accountable! I’ve been doing this since October, and I’ve never felt more organized and accomplished after a day’s work!
5. Check in on your schedule
After your breaks, check in and see how realistic your daily schedule was. If you’re half way through your day, and nothing has been checked off your list, ask yourself why! Re-evaluate and get a flow going.
It took me about a week to figure out exactly how my day should be structured for best productivity and less stress.
6. Repeat daily!
And that’s it!!
Give these simple steps on how to create a schedule a try! Follow these tips and check out 5 TIPS TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY WHILE WORKING FROM HOME! Stay tuned for the next week, I’ll be completing this working from home series to help boost your productivity while we’re stuck inside.
