How To Be Productive While Working From Home

byJaniceW

679 followers

10 years ago

So you’ve managed to do what you’ve always wanted to do. You get to work from home and be your own boss. Now you can go to work in your pajamas and watch TV and take as many coffee breaks as you want without your boss breathing down your neck right? WRONG!!! How do you intend to make any money if you don’t actually do some work?

Some people are naturally motivated on their own but there are many people that have busy lives, busy households, etc and so much going on that it may be necessary to properly prepare for a work from home job or opportunity. Here are a few tips to help you stay focused and productive.

1. Have a dedicated workspace – It may be very tempting to set your laptop up on your kitchen table. Now you can keep an eye on the kids and start preparing dinner. You can still keep an eye on your computer and respond to a quick email right? Well most of us are only born with 2 eyes and even though as parents we have learned to have “eyes in the
back of our head” when it comes to the children, not the same can be said about work. You need to maintain your focus. Set up a dedicated workspace in a spare room, finished basement or attic space, etc. Even if you don’t have a room with an actual door, you need to have a space (desk, chair, etc. ) that is completely dedicated for work. This
brings us to the second point.

2. Eliminate distractions - Distractions come in many forms. A ringing cell phone from the friend or relative that knows you’re working from home so of course you have time to chitchat right? A crying child, someone ringing the doorbell, having a TV in the same room you are working in, etc. All of these things factored into your day can make it very hard to handle everything you need to for your job. While some distraction may be unavoidable, be proactive in preventing what you can. For example let your family member or friend (the one that calls you constantly) let them know what your working hours are so they know not to call during that timeframe unless it’s an absolute emergency. (Yours not theirs) I’m just kidding but I’m sure you get the picture.Right? You sometimes have to set boundaries with family and friends.

I know that show that came on is really interesting so you tell yourself that you will just finish watching that one show. I mean it goes off in about 30 minutes so it won’t take up that much time. However, why don’t you record it to DVR so you can watch it later and
turn the TV off?

3. Get dressed – Wait a minute! One of the perks of working from home is being able to walk around in your pajamas and bunny slippers right? While it is a tempting thought studies show that when people dress for work they tend to be more productive. Now I’m not saying that you need to put on your business suit and heels but get out of your
pajamas and put on some clothes.

4. Set a routine – I personally find that I work better late at night into early morning. I have my focus and since my daughter is in bed I don’t have anyone competing for my attention. I put her to bed, turn off the TV and go to my desk to begin my workday. Not everyone is able to complete his or her work in the middle of the night but with the work that I do it is possible for me. What time of the day are you most productive? Do you need to have a cup of coffee while you are working? The point is find out what works best for you and do it.

5. Take breaks – It is nearly impossible to work straight through 8 hrs (more if you’re self employed) and not take a break to eat lunch, smoke a cigarette (if you’re a smoker) or just take a breather. In the corporate world an employer is required to give you a break for every 4 hours that you work. Why would you treat yourself worse than an employer would treat you? Take a break. Get up from your desk and take a quick walk around the block (weather permitting of course). Not only will it clear your head and help you focus better when you return but you will also get some exercise and get that cardiovascular activity
going.

6. Make a To Do List – Optional of course but I make a list to go to the grocery store so I don’t forget certain things, I make a list of questions to ask when I take my daughter to the doctor for her checkup, etc. List helps you from forgetting important things so make a list of what needs to be done the night before so when you are ready to begin your day you already have a game plan in mind. It can definitely help to relive a bit of stress by knowing ahead what needs to be done.

These are just a few tips that will make your work from home venture
more productive and less stressful. Feel free to comment below and add
more tips if you feel there are some that I may have missed. I’m sure
someone (even me) may benefit from your insight!