I know you are grateful to be able to work from home right now – given the uncertainty of the COVID19 pandemic. Hey- if your new normal is wearing pajamas all day, watching a show at lunch, and not using dry shampoo anymore – it’s okay.  We are all navigating our new normal. But – we can all benefit from structure in our days to keep the home office efficient.  I’m taking the guesswork out of what will help you work from home, here are 6 secrets you want to know now.

1. Identify The Most Comfortable Working Space In Your Home

Thinking outside the box is a great idea right now.  If you happen to love the view from your bedroom window – put your desk in there.  If you want to be beside the treadmill for some quick exercise breaks – put your desk in that room.  Don’t be afraid to move office furniture around to help you channel your best working attitude [goal digger!]. 

2. Attempting To Change The Stimulus is Something To Prioritize

You go to the kitchen to drink a glass of water, then go back to your desk. Use the bathroom, back to your desk.  Maybe you have a balcony or a backyard – let’s admit the scenery gets old.  The good news is you can rely on your brain to help give you a different stimulus so that you don’t get cabin fever.  Get low, on the ground, cross legged or lying flat on your back.  This helps blood circulate to the brain and achieve a more calm feeling overall.  If that isn’t your jam – fill a mason jar half full with water and take a wooden spatula to the rim and tap for one minute.  This technique is like drumming which can induce a natural “high” by increasing Alpha brain waves.  When the brain changes from Beta waves [concentration] to Alpha waves, you feel calm and relaxed.

3. Scents & Sensibility

True story – there was a hot guy at my college that wore Cool Water cologne by Davidoff. When I close my eyes I can picture that aqua blue bottle & if I ever smell that cologne I can close my eyes and picture the hot guy.  What I am trying to say is – associate a particular smell with work.  According to the American Psychological Association, smell holds surprising sway over cognition, emotion and even other senses.  Don’t get distracted like me -instead burn the same candle [I like vanilla for work], turn on a diffuser with the same scent [lavender], wear one particular perfume [Givenchy] during your office hours.

4. Snacking Isn’t All Bad

Never in a million years did I think I would get an ice cream delivery by Uber Eats [OREO overload from Cold Stone Creamery].  I’ve done it 5 times now. I will admit the quick change from office building to home office was a bit tough – BUT I made a major switch in snacking choices.  I wondered what foods were quick, easy and energy boosting.  Here are my top choices:

Apples + Nut Butter [NuttZo], Edamame [Maldon Sea Salt Flakes], Popcorn, Veggies and hummus [Hope Hummus -spicy avo], Dark Chocolate [Hu], Hard boiled eggs [Everything But The bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend]

5. A Plant Here, There & Everywhere.

They say your home is your sanctuary – so does that mean your office is the statement piece?  YES – according to science the trendiest decor piece is plants. A study by Exeter University found that people were 15% more productive when houseplants were added to otherwise sparely decorated workspaces. 85% of workers also feel that a workplace environment with plants helps to boost their productivity.

6. Have A Plan For Unwanted Distractions.

If you work in a noisy environment or your Spotify playlist is causing some disrupting work from home dance parties – there is an alternative to help you focus better.  White noise.  It masks random noises – like the street outside or of your radiator tapping to life, but isn’t annoying enough to register in your brain.  You can get to work in the comfort of your own home.

Need help with one of the 6 steps above?

Email me drrubina@thepositivitycharge.com, so I can answer your questions and help you thrive as you work from home.