Working from home can be a major benefit to many people, especially those with children. But working from home doesn’t mean you won’t ever have work-related stress or other problems that come along with it. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 22 work from home tips to help you stay productive and get things done.
For years, I was already working from home. I was a freelance writer and editor for several magazines, websites, and companies. I loved the freedom of being able to work in my pajamas with no commute or office politics to deal with.
Although I was working from home, I wasn’t getting much done. There were always distractions and reasons not to work: laundry needed to be folded, dishes needed to be washed, and I had to go to the grocery store.
I didn’t have a set schedule or routine that would help me get things done. So I decided to take concrete steps that would help me be more productive.
The steps I took helped me be more productive, meet deadlines, and feel less stressed about my workload. And that’s what I will be sharing with you now. But before that, let me just reiterate the fact that working from home is a blessing, and it’s not an excuse to slack off.
This article will show you how to be productive when you work from home so that you can still achieve the work-life balance you’ve always wanted to have.
And just in case you forgot, here are the benefits of working at home:
Benefits of Working From Home
- You can work from anywhere with an internet connection, provided that you have a laptop or computer and the required software.
- You are not bound by time constraints like office hours. You can work anytime and anywhere, provided that you have a laptop or computer and the required software.
- There is no need to commute to an office every day, which is a great advantage to people who live far from their offices.
- You can work in your pajamas! Wear what you want, when you want. It’s nobody else’s business.
- You can work in the comfort of your home, which is a great advantage to people who are not comfortable working in offices or other public places.
- If you have children, you can work from home and spend more time with your children.
- You don’t have to worry about office politics.
- Working from home saves you money on gas and transportation costs.
- You can avoid the high cost of living in a big city if you live in a place where it’s cheaper to live (like Nebraska).
- You have more time to spend on things outside work.
22 Work From Home Tips
Keep A Separate Workspace For Your Home Office
Your home office should be a place where you can focus on work without distractions from the rest of your house. When you’re trying to get things done, it’s easy for your mind to wander, and you can get sidetracked. A separate workspace will keep your home office free from distractions so that you can focus on the task at hand.
Create a To-do List
I know you’ve heard this before, but creating a to-do list is one of the best things you can do for yourself more than any other productivity tip. It’s the most important thing you can do to keep your day on track and make sure that nothing slips through the cracks.
I’ve been using the to-do list app called Todoist for years, and it’s honestly one of my favorite apps. It allows me to create different projects with tasks inside them, and I can color code them for different categories if needed. It also syncs with my phone so that I have it on me at all times, which is really helpful when I’m out.
Put Your Phone On Silent Mode
This way you won’t be tempted to check it every five minutes and get distracted by the constant notifications.
Find an Approprıate Place To Work
I’ve had the best results working from home, but you can also go to a coffee shop or library and find a quiet spot if you think you’ll be more productive there.
Don’t Work For Too Long Without a Break
It’s important to give your brain a rest every once in a while, and working for too long without a break can affect your productivity.
Get Rid Of Distractions
If you’re working from home, then it’s easy to get distracted by your pets or family members. If this is the case for you, try giving them their own space when you’re working or setting aside certain hours of the day for family time.
Don’t Work in Bed
I’ve done this many times, and it’s never good. You’ll end up sleeping, watching TV, or reading instead of working. Your bed should be a place for resting and for having intimate moments, not a place for work.
Use The Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that breaks your work down into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. It’s a great way to stay focused on your work, and it will help you avoid distractions from the Internet or other things that might pull you away from working.
If you’re someone who likes to procrastinate, then this tip is for you. Start a timer when you sit down to work. Set it for 25 minutes and tell yourself that you can only do something fun after those 25 minutes is up. This will help you have more discipline and get things done.
Get Organized
If you’re a bit disorganized, then it’s time to get your act together. The best way to get organized is to start with a simple system that you can follow every day.
The first thing I do when I sit down at my desk in the morning is set up my day. I use a simple system that I call “The Daily Three.” I block out three things that I want to accomplish each day. These are the most important things that need to get done, and they are usually work-related.
So, at the start of each day, I have my to-do list ready and waiting for me. It’s a great feeling to know that there are only three things on the agenda for the day and that I can knock them out in a short period of time.
If you’re not sure where to start with your daily three, then follow these tips:
- Write down the three most important things you need to accomplish that day.
- Look at your calendar and block out time for these tasks.
- Make sure they’re in the order of importance.
If you’re having trouble coming up with three things, ask yourself what your boss or someone else in a position of authority would expect from you that day? Those are a few things you can knock out.
Set a Timer For Work And Playtime
If you’re a person who is easily distracted, then set a timer for work and playtime. Take a break from work every couple of hours, go for a walk or do something that will allow you to clear your head. You’ll be more productive when you get back to work.
Be Realistic About What You Can Do in A Day
If there are too many things on your plate, it’s not going to get done. You have to be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day and prioritize the most important things first.
Invest in Ergonomıc Desk And Chair
This not only prevents aches and pains from working for long hours physically but also improves your focus on work when sitting down.
Take Regular Breaks
It’s important to take a break from work and get some fresh air. You’ll be able to focus better on your tasks when you return. This will also help you stay away from distractions and remain focused on your work.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
It’s important to get enough rest before you start working the next day. Having a good night’s sleep is a must if you don’t want to find yourself groggy throughout the day. You can get more done if you’re well-rested and feeling refreshed instead of tired.
Drink Plenty of Water
Keeping yourself hydrated is very important to your productivity. Staying hydrated will not only help you stay focused on your work, but it will also help you think more clearly and feel better.
This is why I always keep a large water bottle with me when I’m working from home. I usually fill it up right before I start working and then take small sips of water every few minutes. This helps me stay hydrated while also keeping me focused on my work.
Get Up Early If That’s What You Need to Do
Some people have trouble getting up early in the morning. But if that’s what it takes for you to be productive, then get up early! The earlier you start work, the more time you have to do stuff outside of work.
Get Up and Walk Around
A lot of times, when you’re in deep concentration, it’s easy to get lost in what you’re doing. You might even forget to take a break or eat lunch! Try getting up and walking around every hour or so. Go to the bathroom, get a glass of water, and take a short walk outside.
Set a Schedule and Stick to It
Have clear guidelines for when to work and when to call it a day. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with work goals, you’re probably working too much. Take some time off to relax and clear your head, then get back to work when you feel recharged.
Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you’re struggling with a task, don’t hesitate to ask someone who might know how to do it better than you. You’ll save time and might learn something new in the process.
Use A Separate Email And Phone Number For Work
Set up a phone number that you only use for work-related purposes. When you’re on the clock, turn your personal phone off and use the work number. This will help prevent distractions during working hours. This trick can help you achieve a work-life balance.
Take Sick Days
When you’re not feeling well, take time off. If you’re contagious, stay home. But if you just need a day to rest and recover, take it! It’s tempting to go to work when you’re under the weather, but it’s important to take a sick day. If you’re sick, your work will suffer. You’ll be less productive and more irritable.
End Your Day With a Routine
When it’s time to end your productive session and get off-key, do an activity that symbolizes this transition into relaxation or leisure activities. For example, you can listen to music while you tidy up your workspace. Or, you can read a book or magazine for five minutes before you call it a day.
How Can You Improve Productivity When Working From Home?
It’s not easy, but it can be done. You just need to consider a few things beforehand like the hours for work or for your family and lifestyle, or how much time is left in your lunch break so you don’t get too distracted by other online activities.
To feel productive in managing your wellbeing effectively, you can follow these tips:
- Try to keep distractions to a minimum and focus on completing tasks.
- Establish healthy boundaries with your family and household members.
- Stick to a routine that suits you, and make sure breaks are taken regularly.
- Effectively communicate and connect with your superiors and workmates to get things done efficiently.
- Be sure to get enough sleep and eat healthy meals.
- Consider apps or software that would help you manage your time and activities.
- If you’re feeling stressed out, take a break or go for a walk to clear your head.
- Rest properly after work so that you can be more productive the next day.
Final Thoughts
I hope these tips will help you to be more productive while working from home. I’m sure there are many other ways to be productive, but I hope these tips will help you find your own way.
I would also like to hear from you if you have any additional tips that are not included in the list. Feel free to leave it in the comment box!