Working from home need not bring an end to your productivity. There are plenty of things you can do while working from home during the coronavirus pandemic to not only keep your head above water but also even to increase your productivity and create habits that you can carry over into the post-corona world.

Here are some productive tips for starting your day when working from home:

Don’t rush

It’s tempting when working from home to get up right at the last minute. Plan to have around an hour or preferably longer to make sure you’re not in a rush or stressed out. This is especially the case if you have any kind of deadline or call to take. Your mind needs sufficient time to wake up before doing any work. Try different breathing techniques to start your day properly!

Set goals

When you sit down at your desk, take some time to plan out your day. You can set some goals as to what you need to do and when. It’s usually a good idea to start this before checking your emails, as these can distract you from major tasks and interrupt your schedule.

Try to wake up at the same time every day

Although it’s great being able to get up when you want, you should really aim to get up around the same time every day. This helps stabilize your internal clock and improve your sleep overall. You’ll feel more refreshed, less tired and more able to concentrate for longer periods of time.

Eat a healthy and satisfying breakfast

Working on an empty stomach is going to reduce your ability to concentrate and leave you with lower energy levels in the morning. It’s probably the most important part of any daily routine! You should really try to eat something filling and healthy to make the most out of breakfast. It may be easy and practical to grab a breakfast bar before getting down to work, but a balanced meal is really the best idea. You’ll find yourself with more energy, improved concentration, and a better mood.

Technology Detox

It’s all too easy to pick up your phone or laptop as soon as you wake up and end up being glued to the screen for the rest of the day. A lot of us can’t avoid using a screen for work, so it’s worth having a break in the morning. Try to not check your emails as soon as you get up, avoid social media and give your brain a more relaxed start to the day. Former Google Design Ethicist Tristan Harris notes that checking your phone first thing “frames the experience of ‘waking up in the morning’ around a menu of ‘all the things I’ve missed since yesterday.”

Do something physical

Incorporating some movement or physical exercise is good for both your mind and body. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to do a workout, perhaps it could be some yoga or maybe just a small walk. You’ll feel more awake and both physically and mentally alert. Working from home also means that you might not leave the house for extended periods of time, so getting outside and moving is important.