Technology has made it possible for many people to exercise the option of working from home. This practice has many undeniable benefits especially if you live far away from an urban business center. You can spend the time you usually waste on a long commute doing other more productive things motivated when working from home.
Working from home also allows you to manage your work-life balance because you have the flexibility to choose your own hours. However, it is also this flexibility that can be your downfall. Because nobody is really watching over you, it is so easy to be distracted and not have any work done. So how do you avoid these productivity pitfalls when working from home? Here are some techniques to keep you motivated.
1. Set Up A Dedicated Working Space
When you don’t have a separate space to do your work, you are more prone to distractions. If you live with other people, setting up your workstation in a common space like the kitchen or the living room is not advisable. Your family or your roommate might not realize that you’re trying to concentrate, and they might disrupt your workflow by chatting. But if you work in a separate space, the people you live with will know not to disturb you unnecessarily. If you live alone, working on your bed or near the TV might tempt you to sleep it out or watch the latest episodes of your favorite show. You don’t really need a very big space to set up a home office. All you need is a small table with a comfortable chair in a quiet space in your home. Check out Pinterest on how you can spruce up your small home office desk with a vibrant plant or cheery décor this all motivated when working from home. The great thing about this project is that you don’t really have to ask anyone for permission and can decorate it however you like. Occasionally, it’s also good to change it up and work in a different space like a coffee shop or a common working hall. Or better yet, why not take your work someplace you’ve always wanted to go? Keep in mind that the beauty of working from home is that you can take your work anywhere you want. Escape the cold weather and take your work to the beach or maybe spend a couple of weeks in Greece. The possibilities are endless so don’t limit yourself.
2. Get Yourself Good Coffee.
So is there a middle ground? Well, you don’t really need to put up with an instant brew because if you work from home, there are a few types of coffee machines you can have that will not break your budget. It may even be cheaper than buying a cup from the store. Arming yourself with good coffee is a sure-fire way to keep you alert and focused on your work.
Many productivity experts advise people who work from home to set up a fixed work schedule. The strict routine is supposed to ensure that things will get done. While this may sound sensible, any person who works from home knows that this is impossible to keep up so keep motivated when working from home. The primary reason you’re working from home in the first place is probably that you’re not cut out for the 9-5 stint so why would you limit yourself to a regimented schedule?
One technique that might help you get things done is to schedule your work in your calendar based on your deliverables. Have a target of how many tasks you want to finish in a day. Then, estimate how much time it would take you to finish a task or a project and stick to that time frame.
4. Socialize
around people will break the monotony of being alone all the time. What working from home gives you though is the choice to meet people who share your same interests. You don’t need to be stuck with people chosen by an HR manager. There are different social meetup clubs in the UK for people who like books, art, fitness, dance, wine, travel and many more. You can also join business clubs and attend local events to expand your network.
5. Reward Yourself
You’re in control One of the best advantages of working from home is that you can control how you live your life self motivated when working from home. You can earn a living without being trapped inside the four corners of an office building and have time for your personal life. While remote work has its pros and cons, these simple techniques can help you enjoy the benefits and still get things done in the process.