In today’s modern world, working from home is a luxury given to employees by their respective companies. However, this situation can become stressful if you’re easily distracted. While at work you have your boss breathing down your neck, at home you are not bound by any pressure to get work done.
To avoid becoming your own worst enemy, here are some tips to stay focused and crush that to-do list at home:
- Start early
Commuting to work early in the morning prepares you for work by the time you reach the office. However, when working from home the movement from your bed to your computer can be unsettling. One way to start your day productively is to run through your to-do list, as soon as you wake up. Getting started on a project first thing in the morning is the key to making progress on your other tasks throughout the day. Or else, you’ll end up feeling sluggish the whole day.
- Play pretend
Preparing your mind to work in an office-like environment can make you feel more productive. Pretend like you are in your office. When working from home, you can do all the regular things you would do in the workplace, like wear good clothes, set alarms for important tasks and make or go get coffee. You can also set a separate browser toolbar for home and work activities.
- Plan your day
Schedule your tasks, as well as breaks to avoid losing focus or burning out. In order to stick to your schedule, plan what you’ll do and when, over the course of your day. Use an online calendar to create reminders and personal events to get alerts on when to begin new tasks.
- Pick a dedicated workstation
Working from home doesn’t mean you can’t have an office at home. Instead of slouching around on your bed or a couch, select a room or surface in your home to work efficiently.
- Don’t stay at home
Don’t restrict yourself to working strictly from the four walls of your home. Step outside. Go visit a coffee shop, library, public lounges or similar Wi-Fi-enabled spaces that can help you work productively.
