Six tips to help you stay focused while working at home
Struggle to stay focused when working from home? Here are six tips to help you.
Working from home can be filled with unique challenges. Whether you are new to working at home because of the COVID-19 quarantines, or are starting your own freelancing business, it can be tough to stay focused and productive.
You may find it difficult to adapt from the office environment and struggle to stay on track. A lack of collaboration with your teammates can leave you feeling disconnected. You may lack the right discipline to keep a regular schedule now that you are in charge of your own time.
You may choose to work from your home or take out some space at one of the newly popular Novel Coworking locations across the country. Wherever you are working, it is important to get the job done. Let’s take a look at a few ways to help you stay focused while working from home.
1) Get dressed
One of the luxuries of working from home is the ability to dress casually. There is no need to put on a suit and tie or uncomfortable high-heeled shoes when you are only heading to the livingroom to work. However, if you want to get into the right headspace to accomplish some work, you should get out of your pajamas before starting work.
2) Tidy up
Taking a few minutes in the morning to tidy up your working space can help you eliminate distractions. A pile of dirty dishes or a basket full of laundry also have a way of pulling your attention away from what you need to be accomplishing. Set aside some time in the evenings to clean up your home and take care of any chores that may distract you the next day when you are trying to work.
3) Set a schedule
Establishing set work hours can help you stay on track. If you are used to getting up and starting work at a regular time everyday when you were at a traditional job, adopting those kinds of hours can help you stay motivated.
Split your established work hours into segments that are attached to specific tasks. Having a daily routine can help you stay focused and get more done. For example, set a time to answer emails, a time to connect with colleagues and all other tasks that need to be handled daily.
4) Avoid eating at your desk
Your body needs the right fuel to help you stay focused and productive. When it’s time for your lunch or dinner, it’s important to step away from your workspace to enjoy your meal. This can give your mind a break and help you to avoid a lot of workstation snacking.
5) Get natural light and air
A fresh breeze and some natural light can help your mind to stay clear and focused. Open a nearby window to allow fresh air to keep your mind vitalized. Opening the shades and letting the light in can ease the strain that working can have on your eyes.
6) Take breaks
Taking breaks from your work may seem counterproductive but it can actually help you stay more focused through your day.
Split your time into smaller sections of tasks and take breaks before you move on to the next assignment. Move around, take a few moments outside, or play with your dog to refresh your mind before you take on the rest of your workload.
Working from home can be a real pleasure if you can manage to stay on track. With a little self-discipline and following some of these tips, you can stay focused while adapting to this new environment.
