Working from home is convenient, comfortable and typically less stressful than doing so in an office environment, but that doesn’t mean it’s free of challenges. For instance, many people who work in their homes have a difficult time staying focused, as there’s nothing stopping them from indulging in any number of distractions over the course of their workday. Here are some easy strategies to help you stay focused as you work from home.
Kick the Checking Habit
Checking your mobile phone, email and social media accounts is always tempting as you move through your workday, but you should avoid doing these things if you want to be as productive as possible. Set aside specific times during the day that you can use your mobile devices and check your various online accounts, and be sure to only do those things during their allotted times. This allows you to stay updated in all the ways that you need to be, while also staying focused on the work that you need to get done.
Get Out of the House
If you ever feel like you’re losing motivation as you work, try leaving your home for an hour or two. Go to a coffee shop or a co-working space and continue your work from there. This is a great way to break up the feelings of isolation and stagnation that are common in people who work from home, and can provide you with a measure of social interaction that will benefit your focus and productivity.
Optimize Your Schedule
One of the main advantages of working from home is that you can customize your schedule to your liking. Consider the times of day that you typically do your best work and build your schedule around them. These times may not conform to traditional office hours, but that’s the whole point. Enjoy the opportunity to shake things up and pursue a work life that’s tailored specifically to you.
Communicate Clearly with Housemates
If you share your home with others, it’s a good idea to establish clear boundaries with them regarding your work schedule. As enjoyable as it may be to spend time with the people you care about during your workday, it’s one of the surest ways to lose focus and lower your productivity. Unless there’s an urgent matter that needs your attention, you should expect to have no interruptions as you work from home. Save this time with your loved ones for after your work tasks are completed for the day, and you’ll enjoy it all the more.
Working from home can be a highly rewarding experience, as long as you’re able to stay focused and productive. By implementing these tips, you’ll ensure that you’re able to do just that.