Most people who work from home would agree on two things: it's pretty awesome ... And it can be tough to stay focused (even if you have a standing desk). After all when you work from a home office your comfy bed is just a few steps away there are dishes waiting in the sink and if you prep dinner your spouse (or whoever) will be really happy. Oh--and you just saw your favorite movie is playing on TV. Those who work from home know the distractions can be endless. But if you always distract yourself with getting non-work tasks done your own work will suffer.
Here are six tips on how to stay productive while working from home.
1. Set Hours and Keep Them
The benefit of working from home is that you can set your own hours and work when it's most convenient for your lifestyle. Early birds work better before the sun's even up while night owls tend to think most clearly when the stars are out and they're burning the midnight oil. It's important for those working from home to set their hours--and keep them. By sticking to a schedule you'll be able to resist the temptation to throw in a load of laundry and burn away precious work time killing productivity.
2. Designate a Work Space
Not everyone has the luxury of their own home office. For some their house is brimming full of their kids and pets and for others their studio space barely fits their bed and dresser. Even if you don't have a private home office to put your desk be sure to designate a specific workspace. Designating a corner or even cleaning out a closet and housing a small desk can bring your productivity and focus up. Here are some tips on how to create a productive home office.
3. Set Goals
This may seem simple but it gets big results. By writing down a few manageable goals each day you can ensure that you'll be productive and feel accomplished when you cross through your tasks. Writing down goals (along with creating a schedule) creates structure for those who work from home and in order to be productive structure is usually needed.
4. Take Breaks
Taking breaks isn't lazy. Making time for breaks helps refresh your body and mind which is much needed during a busy work day. Taking a break for lunch is always recommended and short refreshers involving stretching walking and getting away from your computer desk every 90 minutes really help boost your mind. However if you're on a roll and are having a super productive moment don't hop away from your stand up desk for a break; continue your momentum get everything down and then take a break.
5. Dress for Success
Often regular office-goers imagine that if they worked from home they could stay in their pajamas all day long. It sounds nice but it's actually much more stimulating to dress for success. It doesn't mean putting on a full suit and tie or tailored skirt and blazer--but it does mean changing out of your oversized t-shirt and sweatpants. Getting dressed can signal to your mind that a work day is beginning.
