Staying productive while working from home can be hard. While we are all attracted to the comfort and flexibility of working in our own home, it can actually be really challenging. There are so many distractions and it can be tough to set up boundaries between work and home life. If you are struggling to stay focused while working from home, we have put together 4 tips to improve your productivity so that you can stay on task and complete what you need to.
1. Create a schedule
Freedom is one of the key perks of working from home but having a blank slate to work with each day does not help productivity. Try to plan out your days so that you know what to do and when. This will give you day some structure and ensure you complete the work that you need to. At the very least, write a to-do list each morning with deadlines attached so that you don’t miss anything.
2. Limit distractions
Try to avoid distractions such as your phone and social media when you are meant to be working. We’ve all been guilty of sneaking a peek at Insta while in the office, but without anybody looking over your shoulder you can be hours down a rabbit hole before you know it. Set yourself sessions (say a period of an hour or two hours) where you don’t look at social media or answer non-related work calls. This will improve your productivity and help you to work through tasks faster.
3. Schedule regular breaks
The lines between work and home can quickly become blurred, so much so that you forget to take breaks or finish your work day. Make sure that you schedule breaks in your daily plan so that you have a chance to get up, stretch, take a walk or whatever you need to do to reset. While it may seem counterintuitive, taking regular breaks will actually help you to stay focused, meaning you can get things done more quickly.
4. Leave the house
Sometimes, you can feel trapped when you work from home. If you need a change of scenery, go for a walk or do something like grocery shopping. You’ll be surprised how this can change your mindset and generate creativity!
These small changes will go a long way in helping you to improve your productivity.