For some people, working from home is a blessing. You can work in a familiar environment and have more control over your attire. While there are some significant advantages to having a remote workspace, it’s not always easy to maintain the same level of productivity as being in the office. Here are some tips on how to stay focused when working remotely that may enrich your workday.
Have a Proper Work Area
One of the worst things you can do for yourself is set up your work at your kitchen table or any area where you regularly spend time outside your job. This habit makes establishing a proper work/life balance challenging, as being at work will feel like you’re at home, and typical home activities will feel like you’re at the office.
We recommend finding a small area to create a place just for work. There are many tools to make working from home easier, and having some of these in your workspace will help it feel like a more professional environment.
Get Yourself Active in the Morning
One of the main reasons people like the idea of working from home is that they can skip that morning commute. However, that time often helps get us into the proper headspace for our workday. It’s not a good idea to crawl out of bed and immediately clock into work. You may not have a commute anymore, but we suggest using the time you would spend getting to the office to do some light stretching or exercise to help get you into a productive mood.
Avoid Online Distractions
It’s not always easy when you’re at a computer but staying off social media is a great way to stay focused when working remotely. Avoiding the temptations of social media, emails, or streaming sites removes a lot of common distractions. Some may like to play music in the background while working, which can help them focus. If you struggle to remain free of distractions, it may help to put your phone in another room or away from your desk.
