Working from home is the dream of many. It gives you the opportunity to set up whatever business you want and work for yourself around other commitments and at times that suit you. However, once the dream of starting a business from home has been realized, the reality can be very different.
Working from home is often much tougher than people expect. If can be hard to turn off at the end of the day, difficult to separate work from real life, and hard to stay motivated when there are so many distractions. Here are some top tips to help you to stay motivated when you are trying to work from home.
Create an Office Space
Having a separate space to use as your office is one of the easiest ways to define work and life. It makes it easier to focus on work and get into the zone, but also easier to switch off when you are done. If possible, use a different room as your office, so it’s completely free of distractions. Use plenty of white space, make sure you’ve got great lighting, and add some bright touches to keep you alert.
If you don’t have a free space available and have to work in another room, the dining room or bedroom are often the best options. These are rooms that the family doesn’t have to spend much time in, so they can be kept relatively free from distraction. If you use your bedroom as your office, make sure it’s kept neat and tidy and that the bed is made, perhaps with a Madison Park duvet cover, and that there is no clutter. This will make it easier to settle into work.
Stick to a Schedule
Try to treat work, like work. Whether you are working around other commitments or you are free to get on with things whenever you want, sticking to a routine can make it easier to focus and to get into a productive frame of mind.
Dress for Work
While you work for yourself, you don’t need to wear a uniform or even look smart if you’re not meeting clients. However, dressing for work can be another thing that puts you in a working mood and makes it easier to stay motivated. You don’t need to wear a business suit; just make sure you have a shower, get dressed, and look relatively smart instead of trying to work in your sweats.
Give Yourself Breaks
When you are working from home, it can be tempting to try to work through until you’ve finished for the day. However, this can lead to you becoming tired, bored and restless. You will probably find that if you give yourself a lunch break and a few short coffee breaks throughout the day, you’ll feel more alert and motivated and get a lot more done in the same amount of time.
Working from home can be brilliant. It’s a fantastic solution for many people that allows them to work, run their own business, and become successful. But, there’s no one size fits all way to do it. You have to find a process that works for you. Use these tips to help.
