Telecommuting has become increasingly popular, with 3.7 million employees working from home at least half the time in 2016 According to a Gallup poll, 43 percent of employed Americans said they spent at least some time working remotely in 2016, up four percentage points from 2012.
But while there are plenty of advantages to working from home – including increased flexibility and freedom – it can also be challenging to maintain focus and achieve a good work/life balance. Here are a few tips for how to stay focused and balanced when working from home:
1. Make sure you have a dedicated workspace
2. Set regular hours and stick to them
3. Take breaks throughout the day
4. Keep active and get enough exercise
5. And most importantly, don’t forget to take time for yourself!
Set up a dedicated workspace in your home, away from distractions like the TV or bed
Working from home has become increasingly common, and having the right tools to keep a focus on productivity is essential. Setting up a dedicated workspace can help optimize output and ensure that progress doesn’t get derailed by distractions like scrolling through your phone or watching TV. With the right balance between comfort and certain limits, you can create a space where you can stay focused and productive.
Designating an area to work in allows for the organization of supplies and materials, which makes sure there’s less disruption when it comes time to focus or start a project. All in all, having a dedicated workspace in your home away from any kind of distraction will ensure you make the most out of the time spent at home working.
Get dressed for work each day, even if you’re just going to be sitting at your kitchen table
Waking up to start another workday can sometimes be drudgery, especially when your workspace is just the kitchen table. If your regular commute has been eliminated by stay-at-home policies, you might be tempted to roll out of bed and go straight to work – but don’t skip getting dressed first! Taking the time to properly manicure your look each day is a way to honor yourself and your job. It sets the tone for productive sweatpants-free work sessions and also signals respect to colleagues or clients should a video call arise. Even if it’s just you and the kitchen table, getting dressed for work each day will help make sure productivity remains at the top of your agenda.
Take breaks throughout the day to move your body and get some fresh air
Taking breaks throughout the day can have a significant impact on your well-being! Allowing yourself time to move your body, get some fresh air, and stretch your legs can help your mental clarity and energy levels. Breaks during work hours provide a chance to step away from screens and recharge.
Taking a walk outside can be incredibly refreshing – breathing in the open air and listening to nature can help you return to work feeling invigorated and productive. Studies have even shown that physical activity of any kind can increase creativity, so don’t forget to take breaks throughout the day for some movement!
Make sure to schedule time for yourself outside of work, whether it’s for exercise, relaxation, or socializing
Finding time for yourself, outside of work, is an important component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise helps you stay in shape, keeps your energy and morale up, can lift your spirits, and help reduce stress levels. It’s also nice to be able to take some time to relax; an hour or two spent reading a book, taking a hot bath, or playing with your pet can help rejuvenate your body and soul.
Socializing with friends and family can provide us with support, laughter, and advice during trying times which in turn leads to improved mental health. Whether it’s exercise, relaxation, or socializing (or all three!) – take the time to schedule something for you every week!
Let your family and friends know when you’re working so they don’t disturb you unnecessarily
Working in peace is essential for getting any job done. If we’re constantly being disturbed, it can be immensely difficult to concentrate and complete tasks. Because of this, it’s wise to let our family and friends know when you’re working so they don’t interrupt us unnecessarily and distract from our productivity. This will also help remind us that it’s time to focus on the job at hand instead of getting sidetracked by online activities or household chores. Taking a few minutes to let the people around us know that we’re going into work mode is an excellent way to stay productive and focused during work hours.
Set boundaries between work and home life – don’t work late into the night or on weekends unless necessary
Working from home can be a real boon, and it’s important to find equilibrium between your work life and home life. There’s no need to work late into the night or on weekends unless necessary. Allowing yourself time to relax is key to staying productive during office hours; burnout isn’t worth it in the end. Even if you do have deadlines that require working extra hours – make sure you drift away from your laptop or phone when those hours are up!
Working non-stop is not only unhealthy but could reduce your efficiency and focus while at work. Setting boundaries between work and leisure can help ease stress, maximize productivity, and allow for plenty of restorative brain breaks.
Working from home can be a great way to maximize productivity and reduce distractions, but it’s important to set up your space in the right way and establish some good habits to make sure you’re making the most of it. By following these tips, you can create a dedicated workspace that allows you to focus on your work and get more done each day.
And remember, take breaks throughout the day to move your body and relieve stress – too much sitting is bad for your health! Have you been working from home lately? How have you found it? Let us know in the comments below!