If you have been working from home these past few months, you will know that this set-up is not as stress-free and easy as many people think it is. While it comes with perks such as avoiding traffic and spending more time with your family, everything else remains the same: the deadlines that must be met, the deliverables that must be executed, and the productivity level required. On top of that, working at home means you also handle household tasks for your family. This takes a lot of skill and presence of mind.

However, there is a way to make the work-at-home set-up work for you. With a little practice and the help of a few tried and tested tips, you will soon have an easier time managing your work load. Here are a few that may be of help:

Keep a schedule – Write down your daily tasks on a whiteboard and take note of how many hours to allot for each task. It’s so easy to get too focused on one task and lose track of time. Keeping a list and sticking to it is a practical way of managing your hours and ensuring productivity.

Create routines – When you have regular tasks, it’s good to have a routine when performing them. For example, play your favorite tunes on Spotify while your go about your work. Music can help set the ambiance. If you drink coffee or tea, use your favorite mug. Teach your young children to get ready for their own schedules (whether at home or at school) by helping them develop their own routines. Ask them to prepare their clothes the night before or sit down with them to discuss what they want or need to do the next day.

Organize, organize, organize – A clean and tidy workspace is always better than one that’s cluttered and disorganized. It will save you time and frustration and you can work without distractions. Tidy up your desk, always empty your trash can, and keep files in folders or boxes. When you accomplish this, teach your kids the same habit so they’d see the value of organizing.

Take the time to breathe – You can’t always keep your energy levels high, so take occasional breaks. Stop and assess your work and determine how ahead or behind you are with your tasks. Regularly stop for a breather to clear your head.

At the end of the day, plan for the next – As with many things in life, preparation is key. Take stock of what you accomplished today then set your goals for tomorrow. It will help stay focused and remind you to keep going. Much like how it is in your financial journey: setting goals and preparing ahead are key to getting closer to your brighter future. For this purpose, consider life protection plans like Sun Grepa Elev8 or Sun Grepa ProSecure Plus from Sun Life Grepa Financial Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), one of the top insurance companies in the country.

You can also encourage your kids to open a GoSavers bank account, which was developed by RCBC in partnership with Sun Life Grepa. Such products not only help parents secure their children’s future, but also ensure that the kids themselves will grow up being money-wise.

Plan ahead and build a future today. Let Sun Life Grepa be your partner for life. Call 88499633, visit any Sun Life Grepa branch, log on to www.sunlifegrepa.com or email wecare@unlifegrepa.com to learn how you can secure your future and that of your family.