One Simple Trick to be More Productive Working From Home

Summary

The author advocates wearing shoes while working from home as a simple yet effective psychological trick to enhance focus and productivity.

Abstract

The article discusses the author's personal experience with the challenges of maintaining consistent productivity while working remotely. Initially struggling with staying in "work mode" amidst the comforts of home, the author discovered that the act of wearing shoes significantly improved their ability to focus and remain motivated throughout the day. This shift in mindset is attributed to the psychological association of shoes with activity and purpose, contrasting with the relaxation cues of being barefoot. The author notes that this practice not only boosts productivity but also encourages better posture and quicker task completion. The choice of footwear is considered important, with the author preferring clean, comfortable sneakers similar to those worn by Mr. Rogers. While acknowledging other factors in remote work productivity, such as adequate sleep and exercise, the author emphasizes the simplicity and effectiveness of wearing shoes as a productivity tool.

Opinions

Wearing shoes at home helps transition into a productive work mindset.
Shoes act as a psychological trigger for increased focus and motivation.
Being shoeless is associated with relaxation and can lead to distractions like browsing social media or snacking.
Wearing shoes promotes an active posture, enhancing alertness and task efficiency.
The type of shoes matters; the author recommends lightweight, comfortable sneakers.
The act of putting on shoes is likened to flipping a mental switch that aids in maintaining productivity.
Other productivity factors include sufficient sleep and regular exercise, but the simplicity of wearing shoes is highlighted as particularly effective and straightforward.

All you need is a pair of shoes

I’ve been working remotely since the beginning of Covid. For the first 18 months of the pandemic, I worked in procurement for an E-commerce company. Since then, I’ve been self-employed as a freelance writer.

During this entire time, my productivity working from home has been inconsistent. While I vastly prefer remote work to the office, sometimes I struggle to stay in work mode when surrounded by the comforts of home.

But things changed when I discovered a deceptively simple trick to keep me focused and motivated all day. It’s so simple that I could spell it out in the sub-header: wear shoes.

Perhaps this is already a part of your life, as ingrained as brushing your teeth or putting on your seatbelt. In that case, I’m afraid this article will be of little use to you. But if you’re like me, and habitually go shoeless in the house (how else can you cozy up on the couch or your favorite chair?), then read on.

As much as I love being barefoot, it connotes things like lounging and relaxation — things that are not conducive to productive remote work. By contrast, wearing shoes suggests activity, doing.

It may be entirely psychological, but when I put on a pair of shoes at home, I can feel the gears shifting; my focus and productivity rise effortlessly.

And not only that, but I can stay productive for long periods of time. By contrast, if I try to work shoeless, I’m much more prone to browsing social media or rummaging in the cupboard for snacks.

Wearing shoes also forces me to sit up straight in my chair or on the couch rather than putting my feet up in lazy, comfy positions. The latter may feel good, but for me, sitting up straight in a chair has always made me more alert. Any task I’m working on in that position typically gets done faster and with greater precision.

Lastly, the type of shoes you wear at home matters. Personally, I prefer a pair of lightweight sneakers, sort of like what Mr. Rogers wore when he got home each day.

I like them to be clean and comfortable, easy to put on and off. And when the day is done, I enjoy my relaxing, shoeless evenings all the more.

There are certainly other important factors to being productive at home, such as getting enough sleep and getting daily exercise.

But there’s something incredibly elegant, simple, and even magical about the power of wearing shoes. As you put them on and tie the laces, it’s like a switch goes off in your brain.

It doesn’t get the work done for you, but it makes the ride much smoother.

The new work week begins and you’re wondering what you can do to be more alert and motivated. You’re about to google the latest productivity hacks. Wait. Pause for a moment. Look at your feet. Solutions are sometimes easier than you think.

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