Tips for Working From Home
I absolutely LOVE working from home, but it definitely brings its own set of challenges. Today I am sharing my top 7 tips for having a successful work day - all from the comfort of your home ;)
Get Dressed!
This may seem like a simple one, but it actually makes a huge difference. Sometimes it’s hard to sacrifice the extra 30 minutes of sleep, especially when I know nobody will see me! However, I feel a noticeable difference on the days that I get dressed versus days that I work from the couch in my PJs. Taking a few minutes to get yourself ready at the beginning of the day can have lasting effects on your productivity and motivation!
Keep Your Workspace Clean
I don’t know about you, but when my workspace is cluttered, so is my brain! I like to take a few minutes at the end of each day to tidy up my desk, put away loose papers, and write out my to-do list for the next day. Not only does it make me happy to see a clean desk, but it makes walking into my office the next morning so much more enjoyable.
Silence Distraction
My dad has worked from home for years, so I asked him if he had anything he would like to share. His #1 tip was to silence any distraction. Turning off your iMessage/email/Facebook/any other random non-work-related notifications is key! Even though they only pop up on screen for a few seconds, they quickly take your mind away from your work. Silencing these distractions can significantly increase your productivity and keep you focused longer.
Block Your Time
Working in time blocks is a great way to manage your day. Each morning, I like to set aside an allotted amount of time for each task I need to complete. I also set aside time for breaks, which mostly consists of telling my puppy what a good boy he is (and bribing him to stop barking at the Amazon truck). If you’re competitive, challenge yourself to see if you can complete your tasks quicker than you originally planned!
Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
My office just so happens to be right next to the kitchen….and I find myself wandering more often than I should! Keeping your favorite healthy snacks on hand is a great way to keep you from digging into a bag of chips or taking “just one bite” of leftover dessert! My go-to snacks are hummus and veggies, hard boiled eggs, apples, nuts and dried mango.
Get Some Fresh Air
It’s easy to go stir crazy when you work AND live in the same place. Sometimes I’m crawling into bed before I realize that I never walked outside. Getting some fresh air, even if it’s just for a few minutes, can help you feel refreshed, refocused and ready to tackle your to-do list. My favorite ways to get some fresh air are drinking my morning coffee on the porch, playing fetch with Miller, making a phone call on a walk and eating lunch on the patio.
Respect Your Time
I’ll admit, this one is the most difficult for me! Knowing when it’s time to shut off the computer or close the office door becomes incredibly important in establishing a healthy work-life balance. My husband also works from home, and we find ourselves reminding each other of this on a regular basis. Just as you would leave the office, the school, or the hospital each day, remember that it’s okay to leave your “office” too.
I hope you enjoyed these tips and I would love to hear how you stay motivated while working from home!