How to stay creative while working from home

As a creative, these are trying times for most who are dependent on face to face interactions that is no longer the case and uncertainty kicks in. If you are trying to figure out how to remain creative, we have compiled a list of how to keep going during these lock downs and while working from home.
 

1. Create a list

Ideally a day before, write down what you must accomplish the following day as short and clear as possible. This will help you prepare mentally for what is to come and will keep you motivated. The trick is to include everything you need to get done no matter how small it seems. Why? Because the way our minds are wired, once a task is accomplished we automatically seek to accomplish the next task, there is an internal reward  system that craves for more of the same rewards. Make lists for the following;

• Work related tasks: This list is meant to include all your main assignments. Think calls, follow ups, emails, projects. 
• House chores: Throwing out the trash, spring cleaning, cooking, home improvements
• Social activities: Chatting with friends, dinner dates, family

 

2. Set clear boundaries

Although home seems to be the perfect place to work from it can also be counter productive if clear boundaries are not set. There are to ensure maximum productivity and avoiding being burnt out. Here is how to go about this effectively;

• Set up your work space/station
• Set clear working hours and BREAKS!!
• Let others know when you are working to avoid disruptions

 

3. Have goals

Break your tasks into smaller goals to be accomplished over shorter periods. Instead of saying you have to finish the report by today. Break it down to introduction: 45 minutes, main body 75 minutes and conclusion 30 minutes. This way you trick(although it is true) your mind into thinking goals are being met hence more motivated to hit the next milestone. Another positive outcome from this is the ability to see progression and schedule reward breaks in between. No matter how small the task seems, break it down into manageable slots. 



 

4. Improvise....A lot

Maybe not your ideal working environment but somehow you have to get work done. Creatives are notoriously known for using the "I am not in the right space" excuse or the "looking for inspiration", "not yet inspired" Sure we aren't always just inspired but also we sometimes fall trap into thinking there is a certain place or activity that will result in inspiration, well that is only partially true. Yes, your trip to Iceland inspired you to take landscape photos and see this beautiful world with a different lens but also inspiration is everywhere if we look hard enough, if we try. Change your working spot in the house, change the layout, try different activities, these are some of the ways that can help us fully utilize our surroundings. 



 

5. It's OKAY not being productive

With a massive campaign on how we must learn a new skill, be productive, start on those unfinished projects, now we have extra time. We should also remember we are human beings, we have emotions, we like certain things done certain ways so it's okay when our routines are disrupted and our normal is no longer. We all need a break to re calibrate, it is overwhelming to think everyone around you is creating and you are feeling left out and at times even wasting this precious "extra" time. Take it at your own pace.