NERDs’ tips for staying productive and motivated when working remotely

At NERD, we’ve been crafting in a flexible & remote approach for nearly 5 years now, due to our international talent & global clients. Our collaborative nature from our birth has meant that during these times, we have been continuing to bring to life visual delights, without risk to our teams, clients, and brands. With the working from home situation likely to be extended until later this year, we asked NERDs to share how they’re keeping productive and motivated while working from home. We hope their thoughts might empower you too!

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Illustration by Heather Colbert

situation we’re currently living in hasn’t made a significant difference to my normal life. Morning me-time does wonders for me, I wake up in the earliest hours and prioritise this time to feel peaceful and have a moment with myself. Although I am based in Spain, it is essential for me to feel connected with the UK team and I regularly talk to teams and clients face to face via video chat.  

Animation by Volstok

Continuing conversations with co-workers, current clients, and prospective collaborators

To feel closer to the people I have been collaborating with and those I might collaborate with in the future, I have been checking in on a weekly basis. This has been a great way for me to feel grounded and spark conversations and look toward the future. I have been exercising and made sure to stay away from media bombarding.

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and have a moment with myself. Althou

Lydia Kaufman, Head of Business and Talent

situation we’re currently living in hasn’t made a significant difference to my normal life. Morning me-time does wonders for me, I wake up in the earliest hours and prioritise this time to feel peaceful and have a moment with myself. Although I am based in Spain, it is essential for me to feel

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Captured in Paragard by Hayley Morris

Staying motivated with a list

I like to start the day by being active. I get up and go for a 20 minutes power walk while listening to some good music, I love my R’N’B. Doing my hair and make-up makes a difference on how I will feel during the day. I like to keep myself organised, motivated, and productive, and to support this, I create to-do lists at the end of each day for the next – checking off goals and keeping track of progress.

Claire Plaskow - Nerd Blog - Nerds’ Tips For Staying Productive And Motivated When Working Remotely

and have a moment with myself. Althou

Claire Plaskow, Executive Producer

situation we’re currently living in hasn’t made a significant difference to my normal life. Morning me-time does wonders for me, I wake up in the earliest hours and prioritise this time to feel peaceful and have a moment with myself. Although I am based in Spain, it is essential for me to feel

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Illustration by Marcos Chin

Connecting via video

I have always been working from home and the situation we’re currently living in hasn’t made a significant difference to my normal life. Morning me-time does wonders for me, I wake up in the earliest hours and prioritise this time to feel peaceful and have a moment with myself. Although I am based in Spain, it is essential for me to feel connected with the UK team and I regularly talk to teams and clients face to face via video chat.  

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and have a moment with myself. Althou

Maria Leal, Business Development Manager

I have always been working from home and the situation we’re currently living in hasn’t made a significant difference to my normal life. Morning me-time does wonders for me, I wake up in the earliest hours and prioritise this time to feel peaceful and have a moment with myself. Although I am based in Spain, it is essential for me to feel

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Illustration by Roman Bratschi

Taking time out and let the mind wander

I am not an exercise person and, in the morning, I like to have some time for myself and lay in – allow the thoughts to flow and let the mind wander. I have always been working from home and reaching out to people and brainstorm on a daily basis has been my ray of sunshine where I haven’t been able to connect people physically.

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and have a moment with myself. Althou

Milana Karaica, Founder & Executive Producer

I have always been working from home and the situation we’re currently living in hasn’t made a significant difference to my normal life. Morning me-time does wonders for me, I wake up in the earliest hours and prioritise this time to feel peaceful and have a moment with myself. Although I am

 GIF by Sharon Liu

Scheduling for work and personal times

I have started my new role remotely and while it comes with a few challenges, it was important for me to create a schedule that allows for my work to be done efficiently. I have assigned time to get work done and block out time for reading, hula hooping, and painting. This way, I am holding myself accountable for regular breaks to refresh the mind and the body.

Ornella Kolle - Nerd Blog - Nerds’ Tips For Staying Productive And Motivated When Working Remotely

and have a moment with myself. Althou

Ornella Kolle, Social Media Strategist and Content Producer