It isn’t easy, though. Productivity can suffer. It’s easy to get distracted by the dog or that television show you can stop watching. It’s vital to stop yourself from venturing into the wild in Jungle Giants slots and the like, and to get focussed on the task at hand. It can be easier said than done, though, especially when you’re left to your own devices, and you might, for example, be having an off day.
Staying motivated is key to any chances you have of successfully working from home. So with that in mind, we thought we’d highlight a few helpful tips to help you stay motivated when working from home.
Wake up nice and early
When you don’t have a morning meeting to attend or an annoying commute to make, waking up later than usual can be an easy habit to slip into. Creating a routine is ideal but sticking to it is essential. Devise a plan that works for you, be it applying for various jobs to start with, then cracking on with a project from the boss, and force yourself into a schedule. You’ll then find things begin to fall into place, and a rhythm develops.
Avoid working where you sleep
If you get into the habit of working where you sleep, it can be mentally detrimental to you moving forward. For example, it can be difficult to relax and sleep at night in the place you’ve been working out of all day. If you can create a dedicated office space you can call your own; then the benefits will soon arrive. You will feel like you have a more normal job (with a much easier commute!), for starters. If space is an issue in your house, then there’s always office spaces you can rent. The key point here, though, is to avoid slipping into a rut and developing cabin fever. A fresh location can result in fresh ideas.
Exercise as much as you can
Protecting your mental health is a necessity when working from home, but your physical health also needs to be monitored. Working from home allows you to create your own schedule and get into a routine, which is exactly why adding some physically beneficial activities to your roster is important. Not only does it help build up motivation and self-discipline, but you’ll feel a lot better for it. Avoiding a sedentary, office-like existence is crucial here. Not only will it damage your health, but it’s also a sure way to kill any motivation and discipline.
Stay off social media, turn off notifications
Mobile phones are one of the biggest distractions for any worker, be it at home or in the office, which is exactly why staying off social media during your working day is vital. A noisy notification can distract you from a potential idea, as could an argument with a family member via a private message. Deal with it once you’ve got your work done.
Have a side project
Dead days or downtime can result in boredom, and a loss of motivation, which is exactly why creating a side project is a necessity. It might be writing a book, starting a blog or learning code, but make it worthwhile and you’ll thank yourself for it in later life.
