As a Health Psychology Specialist & Author, Amira Sookram is well known as the, “Goal Setting Girl.” Her latest ebook, “Goal Setting 101” is focused on taking Imperfect Action Toward Your Dream Self. Her book is a perfect guide, to help you achieve your goals with proven techniques.
Here are my TOP 7 TIPS for Working From Home during your flow state which I'm sure will get you into a productive state:
Tip #1: Make Your To Do List
First, you should determine how you want to feel for the day. Do you want to feel relaxed? Ambitious? Focused? Lit Up? Free? You should write that down at the top of your to do list.
Next, you should make a list of the top 3 things that you have to do that day. Prioritize your three Most Important Tasks for the day. Anything else you add to your list is a bonus!
Tip #2: Know Your Flow Hours
Next, you need to find out which hours of the day you feel most productive, energized, and focused for work.
Make sure that you have little to no interruptions during those hours of the day. Schedule your other activities around this time. For example, if you’re most productive between 6-7 pm at night, eat dinner before or after your productive hours! Make sure that you don’t let non-productive tasks get in the way of your flow.
For me, my productive hours are after lunch to early evenings, that's when I fully come alive and ready to work.
You need to set boundaries with your loved ones to make sure that you have the space you need to complete your work tasks. If you don’t feel focused at home, keep reading!
Tip #3: Structure Your Environment
If you don’t feel productive at home, structure your new work environment in a way that works for you or that reminds you of your office.
Think outside the box! You don’t have to work at a desk or work in the same spot every day. Here are a few suggestions that will help you create a focused work area:
➤ Create enough space to lay out all your work materials.
➤ Have a comfortable place to sit. Invest in a new office chair if you need to.
➤ Use background noise like sounds from a coffee shop, or music like classical or binaural beats. Alternatively, you can use white noise soundtracks if you prefer quiet or grab a pair of noise cancelling headphones.
Add plants (real or fake) to your new workspace. Plants are known to boost creativity and help you focus.
I have several favourite places to work, surrounded with lots of plants inside and my large windows gives me a perfect view of tall trees.
Tip #4: Eat A Nourishing First Meal
Whether you’re experiencing a huge increase in cravings or a lack of appetite due to less activity and movement, this tip will help you.
You can use your commute time to eat a nourishing first meal. Make sure that you have 1 tsp-tbsp of healthy fat (e.g. fish oil, hemp oil, MCT oil, almond butter, etc.) Ensure that your meal has protein, fibre, and carbs to give your body what it needs for the day.
I personally nourish my body with healthy fats - great brain food!!
Remember, coffee isn’t a meal (even when iced) and if you’re drinking more coffee, keep reading for ways to get back to your normal intake.
Tip #5: Create A Daily Rhythm With Me Time
Me Time can be defined as, “time spent relaxing on one's own as opposed to working or doing things for others, seen as an opportunity to reduce stress or restore energy” (Oxford Dictionary).
Create a list of things that you would love to do every day AND that benefit you (i.e. helps you feel great). For example, my list includes movement, meditation, smoothies, music, CBD, tea, and more.
When it comes to Me Time: Quality > Quantity.
Even if you only have 5 minutes of your day to spend on YOU, that 5 minutes is better than none. It doesn’t have to be spent alone; it just means doing what you love to do for at least 5 minutes daily.
Me time is great for…
➤ Helping you unwind & rebooting the brain
➤ Improving your concentration & productivity
➤ Allowing deeper thinking & problem solving
➤ Enhancing your relationships (Happify Daily)
Use your old commute time to do 1+ thing on your list.
Tip #6: Way For You To Beat The Afternoon Slump
Instead of reaching for that extra cup of coffee to keep you focused, try one of these suggestions instead:
➤ Eat fruits and/or vegetables
➤ Have a crunchy snack
➤ Do sun salutations (yoga for focus)
➤ Have a cup of herbal or rooibos tea
➤ If you really need caffeine, try drinking matcha, decaf tea, green tea, or kombucha
The rule of thumb is not to have any caffeine after 3 pm. Reducing your caffeine intake may also alleviate anxiety, help you fall asleep at night, and sleep more soundly.
Tip #7: Find What Works For You
Simply put: if something doesn’t help your productivity, don’t do it.
Did you have a really productive day? Take note of what you did to start creating awareness around what works for you and what doesn’t.
If you’re ready to get unstuck and start taking action on your goals, then Goal Setting 101 is for you!
In the Goal Setting 101 E-Book, you will learn exactly how to move from where you are to where you want to be by setting goals that work perfectly for you and your lifestyle. From learning how to set boundaries with loved ones to building your most ideal life, Goal Setting 101 is designed to guide you in helping you achieve your goals.
“If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much!” - Jim Rohn
