Working from home comes with all kinds of challenges. Whether the kids are gate-crashing your Zoom calls, your internet connection keeps failing, or you’re struggling to separate your home and work life, one of the biggest challenges homeworkers face is productivity. With so many distractions, poor lighting, connectivity issues, and high levels of procrastination, it’s incredibly difficult to remain focused in such a personal and busy environment. If you’re someone who struggles with productivity at home, then you’re not alone. There could be several factors that are contributing to your lack of efficiency and output. As a freelancer, I’ve worked at home for six years, so here are my top tips to help you improve your productivity at home with these simple, but effective ideas.
Update your eyewear
Tired, itchy, red eyes are common amongst people who spend most of their working day staring at a screen. And if you’re someone who wears contact lenses, like me, then you’re more likely to suffer from dry, irritated eyes after a long day. Being uncomfortable at work plays havoc with your productivity levels, especially if you’re struggling to see clearly. Wearing Glasses has the potential to boost your productivity and increase your levels of comfort whilst working from home. I always wear my glasses if I’m going to be at home all day. In addition, a high-quality pair of frames will make you look professional, knowledgeable, and personable – something
which will come in handy during all those long video calls. It’s easy to find the right pair of frames online. No matter what your budget or style might be. You’ll find a wide range available in various colors, shapes and materials that complement your look and your personality. Whether you want something bright and unique or something sleek and classic. There’s a frame for every face and every budget.
Always get dressed
It’s easy to think that working from home means lounging around in your PJs without ever having to brush your hair. However, if you want to start your day well, and improve your levels of productivity then you need to be in the right mindset. This means getting up, getting showered, and getting properly dressed. Putting on fresh clothes each morning will make you feel motivated and ready to take on your daily schedule. Then at the end of the day, you can change back into your loungewear and easily separate your working life from your personal life.
Take regular breaks
Struggling to compose client emails? Are all those numbers and cells on your database merging into one? If you find yourself struggling to concentrate and complete even the simplest of your tasks then don’t be afraid to take a break. It may sound counterproductive, but you’re more likely to get work done if you leave your desk, stretch your legs and return to your laptop refreshed, reset, and ready to try again. And finally, limit those distractions. Maintaining good working practices and keeping your productivity levels high is much simpler when you remove all those little distractions that keep you from your work. Little changes, such as keeping
your phone out of reach will stop you scrolling through social media, thus leaving you more focused on the task at hand. Ask family members not to visit during your working hours and block those websites you spend hours on!
How do you stay productive? Leave me a comment and let me know.
*This was a collaborative post but all opinions stated are 100% my own.