Working from home does require some motivation, as it can be easy to start procrastinating. When you find the right rhythm for you, working from home can be so fulfilling and will give you so much independence. Everyone has their own personal productivity routine; you have to try and find what works best for you. Whether you work freelance or you work part-time at home, we have a few helpful tips on how to stay productive and get the most out of each day you work.
Lists
The key to being organized, is making a list. The evening/night before your next day at work, make a list of everything you need to do tomorrow. It will allow you to clear your mind and relax the night before the workday begins. It is so important to allow yourself resting time, otherwise you will become stressed and clouded. When you are writing your list, it is really good practice to write it in time order, to give your day more structure. Make sure you give yourself breaks little and often if you can, as it is better for concentration if you can have a few minutes away from work then jump right in again.
Sleep
A good night's sleep is imperative before a day's work, especially if you are working from home. When working from home, it does require more concentration because you are motivating yourself. Sleep improves concentration, which in turn will lead to you feeling and being more productive. No one likes to wake up feeling tired and run down whether you're going to be staying at home or not, so it is important to get good quality sleep. If you suffer from bad sleep, it is worth having a look at your mattress to see if it is as comfortable as it can be. It is a good idea to look into buying a cooling mattress if you're a hot sleeper to improve your night's sleep, get the sufficient hours of sleep you need, and also wake up feeling ready to go.
Designated Workspace
It may seem tempting to work in bed or on the couch, but don't do it! Having a desk or working at a table is so important, and here's why – if you work in your living/chilling spaces, then there is no separation. What this means is that when you finish a long, hard day of working, you will still be in the same space you were working so hard in. It is important to distinguish the difference between the two spaces so that when you finish work, you can move out of that space – therefore leaving all of your work-related thoughts there – and go to switch off on the couch or on your bed. It works the other way too; if you start work where you have just been relaxing, you won't feel productive because you are in the same spot.
Don't Overdo It
After a great, productive day of working, it can be tempting to carry on into the night. This is a slippery slope because if this then becomes your routine, you will end up finishing later and later every day and in turn getting up later from your lack of sleep the night before. Morning productiveness is important, so don't lose it. Make sure you set yourself a correct start and stop time, as it'll help with your routine building too.
Working from home can give you so much freedom and independence, which is a great thing, so follow these simple steps to keep your productivity to the maximum.
Author Bio
Jessica Peters is a freelance writer from Melbourne who blogs about health and fitness. Jessica is an avid traveler and regularly crosses the globe to learn about other cultures while blogging from her laptop.