Losing Motivation Whilst Working From Home? Expert Reveals Tips for Getting Your Mojo Back
Dr Giuseppe Aragona
With the weather being pretty miserable and most people still working from home, this can leave us to feel demotivated and uninspired when it comes to our job. Without the buzz of the office and colleagues to chat to, many people notice that they become less productive and may even start to question their career choice.
However, there are a few things you can do to help productivity levels and ensure that you make the most of your working days, so you feel back on track. Here Dr Giuseppe Aragona, GP and online doctor for Prescription Doctor reveals his tips for getting your work mojo back.
Take some time away from your desk
The reason many people lose motivation is because they’re tied to their desks, and don’t have any time to think outside the box or reassess. This is quite apparent when working from home. When you’re in the office, you are making coffee for people, chatting to colleagues, attending real-time meetings and having mini-breaks throughout the day, which is important to keep you feeling on top of your game. When working from home, this is all taken away and you may end up at your desk with little or no breaks, so make sure you take regular trips away from your desk is imperative, whether that be a daytime walk, workout, lunch break, or tea breaks taking yourself away from your screen, which should increase productivity.
Work from a public place
Now things are back open to an extent, I would advise working from a public place a few times a week, whether that’s a café, co-workspace or a library. This is important because you will be around other people and the hustle and bustle, and this will trick the mind into thinking your back in the office. If a person is working in a space surrounded by other people, this usually makes them more productive. It will also do your mental health world of good, getting out, seeing and speaking to other people.
Increase physical activity
Ensuring you break up office hours with exercise is important. Keeping the body healthy and the blood pumping will have a positive impact on your mind, therefore, improving concentration at work. If you can’t find time at lunch, try and fit in a workout in the morning, evening or go for a nice long walk after work.
Have a working structure in place
Having a routine is imperative when working from home – you may find that your mind is all over the place from not having a proper structure. Start your day at the same time every day, ensure you allow time for yourself in the morning to have coffee and breakfast. Regular breaks throughout the day are also important, even a lunchtime walk may help productivity.
Fall back in love with your job
If you are losing your mojo with the job at hand, try to remember what made you choose this career path. You may want to join forums or speaking events to help you remember why you are in this field, and help you to regain that drive. There are usually plenty of work events or business lunches to join, network, and attend.
Get outside regularly
Getting fresh air is integral for not only your physical health but also your mental health. Whether it’s a run, a walk or meeting a friend for a coffee in the park, ensuring you get fresh air into your lungs daily will keep your mind free from stress, and this will help you work with a clear head.
Meet your colleagues
The office may not be open, but you can still meet with work colleagues for drinks on a Friday or for lunch on certain days of the week. Meeting with those you work with that you only see on a screen will help you reconnect with them and your role. Face to face contact will help boost your work relationships and remind you why you chose this job. Perhaps organise weekly work drinks on a Friday so you can keep that social element of your job alive.
