I’d say for the most part I’m a homebody. There’s nothing better to me than curling up in my comfiest sweatpants on the couch, under a cozy blanket with my dogs, and just relaxing at home. However, this is why working from home can be seriously difficult. It’s tempting to stay in my pajamas all day and work from the couch with some TV on in the background, but I can tell you from experience, that’s not how you get sh*t done. Although that sounds ideal, you’re most likely not going to be as productive. With that, after a few months of working from home before going back to teaching, I’ve figured out a few things that make my day more productive. So whether you work from home on the daily or your job allows you to stay home every once in a while, just follow these tips on how to be more productive and make the most of your workday!
1. Get dressed
First things first, start your day like you’re going to an office! Set your alarm, get dressed, and make your bed as if you’re leaving for the day. This will not only help create a set structure for your day, but it will also wake you up and put you in the right state of mind to get to work. Not to mention, it allows you to feel more productive as soon as you begin your day!
2. Make a to-do list the night before
Often times when I wake up in the morning, I feel overwhelmed with everything I have to do that day. There are so many ideas going through my head that it can be difficult to choose one and get started. Instead, I create a to-do list at the end of each workday so that the next morning I can just use it to guide my day. I love to-do lists! They help keep me on track, focused, and aid in laying the groundwork for a productive and busy day.
3. Sit at your desk
While I’ll admit, there are many days I take my computer straight to the couch, I find that it really helps to have a specific workspace in your home. Plus, working from the couch or even from my bed may be relaxing, but it can often lead to many distractions. Therefore, take an initiative to create a space that inspires you where you can really focus with no distractions. Even if you alternate between your desk and your couch throughout the day, it helps to have a specific spot for serious work time!
4. Get outside of your house
Do whatever you can to spend at least some time outside of your apartment or house every day. You don’t want to get stir crazy feeling cooped up inside! Especially for those that work from home each day of the week. You never want your home to feel like the workplace as well. Therefore, whether you choose to work for a few hours at a coffee shop, walk your dog, or even meet a friend for lunch, getting out of the house will give you that extra energy boost that you most-likely need. It’s also a great way to break up your schedule so you’re not sitting at your desk for 7+ hours straight.
5. Set aside free time
When it comes to working from home, I can get easily distracted. Instead of listening to The Office on Netflix in the background or checking social media every other minute, I suggest setting aside time for these distractions. Work for a few hours, then reward yourself with two episodes of your favorite show on Netflix. This way, you’ll work more productively in those few focussed hours than you would when trying to multitask. Not to mention, the risk of becoming distracted will decrease as well!
I hope you found these tips on how to be more productive when working from home helpful!
What are some of your tips for working from home?
I would love to hear any of your suggestions!
xo, Cydney
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