10 Tips to stay productive when working from home
There are plenty of challenges that come with working from home – from staying focused and avoiding distractions, to maintaining a healthy work/life balance. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success.
Here are our top tips for staying productive when working from home:
- Create a dedicated work space
One of the first things you need to do when working from home is to create a dedicated work space. This will help you to stay focused and avoid distractions. If you don’t have a spare room that you can use as an office, try to create a space in your living room or kitchen that you can use as your ‘work zone’. Make sure it’s well-lit and comfortable, and that you have everything you need within reach.
- Set regular work hours
Another important tip is to set regular work hours and stick to them as much as possible. This will help you to stay on track and avoid working long hours. Of course, there will be times when you need to work outside of your regular hours, but try to stick to your schedule as much as possible.
- Take breaks
It’s important to take breaks when you’re working from home, just as you would if you were working in an office. Step away from your desk for a few minutes every hour or so, and take some time to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. This will help you to stay refreshed and focused.
- Avoid distractions
There are plenty of potential distractions when you’re working from home, from the TV to social media. So it’s important to find ways to avoid them. One way to do this is to set yourself some rules, such as only checking social media during your lunch break. Or, if you know you’re likely to be distracted by household chores, try to do them outside of your work hours.
- Stay connected
When you’re working from home, it can be easy to feel isolated and cut off from the rest of the world. So it’s important to stay connected with your colleagues and clients. Use video conferencing or instant messaging to have regular catch-ups, and make an effort to socialise outside of work hours.
- Make time for yourself
Working from home can be tough, so it’s important to make time for yourself. Whether it’s taking a lunch break to watch your favourite TV show, or going for a walk at the end of the day, make sure you schedule some ‘me time’ into your day. This will help you to relax and recharge, so you can be productive when you need to be.
- Set goals
One of the best ways to stay productive when working from home is to set yourself some goals. Whether it’s completing a certain amount of work by the end of the day, or finishing a project by the end of the week, having something to work towards will help you to stay focused.
- Stick to a routine
If you can, try to stick to a routine when working from home. This means getting up at the same time each day, taking regular breaks, and finishing work at a set time. Having a routine will help you to stay on track and avoid working long hours.
- Take care of yourself
When you’re working from home, it’s important to take care of yourself. This means eating healthy meals, staying hydrated, and getting some exercise. Taking care of your physical and mental health will help you to stay productive and focused.
- Get organised
One of the best ways to stay productive when working from home is to get organised. This means having a clear idea of what you need to do, and when you need to do it. Use a planner or to-do list to keep track of your tasks, and set some deadlines to keep yourself on track.