Keep in touch with colleagues
If you work in a team this is important to keep creativity flowing – email often isn’t as inspiring as speaking to people. Virtual meetings can still be held over Skype or Zoom. You may relish the chance to get some work done without interruptions but when working on something creative, it’s likely you’ll miss the collaboration. Bouncing ideas around in a video call is the next best thing to a face to face meeting.
Set up a dedicated workspace that will keep creativity flowing
For many, working from home will be temporary. It doesn’t mean you can’t make your new workstation as inspiring as possible though. Surround yourself with things that motivate you – be it photos or your favourite stationary or mug. If you’re used to working in a busy office with background noise, consider putting music on or playing something relaxing in the background.
Get some fresh air or change your surroundings
It can be easy to forget to get some air or move away from your workspace if you’re working from home. If you are working from home with a partner, family member or children you may find yourself in the same space all day. If you have a garden, try to spend your lunch break outside or go for a short walk somewhere remote if you’re allowed. A break from the screen and a change of scenery can help motivate and give you a fresh perspective.
Check in with customers, suppliers and industry connections
At a time when you may feel isolated it can help to see others operating business as usual. Check in with clients or suppliers to find out what they’re up to. LinkedIn is a great way to keep in touch with your network. One of the positives to come out of this testing time is building relationships and supporting each other. Finding creative ways to help others and seeing what your connections are doing to support one another can be inspiring.
Challenge yourself to learn a new skill
If you have teething or minor technical issues when working from home, use downtime to learn a new skill. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to set aside time to hone your photoshop skills or you want to find a way to make a process more efficient, now’s the time to do it! Sir Isaac Newton made the discovery of gravity during the The Great Plague of 1665 when he had to isolate after his University closed. No pressure!
Stay social online
During this difficult time social media can seem a negative space but it can also help keep you connected and inspired. There are some things you can do to limit seeing content you dislike – on Twitter for example, you can mute certain keywords to avoid content you don’t want to see. Social media can help get creativity flowing – often through humour or the sharing of relatable content so can be a force for good.
Finally, tea, tea & more tea!
In true British style, a tea break can do you the world of good. If you’re not a tea or coffee drinker be sure to stay hydrated with the drink of your choice!
