If you are a freelancer or self-employed, then you know far too well the unique benefits and challenges that working from home present, with the leading contender being procrastination. You have access to an endless supply of snacks, 24/7 nap potential, and no one to walk by your “cubicle” and startle you into putting your phone down. But without proper structures in place and a flushed out plan for your day, productivity can go out the window at home. Here are five strategies to maximize productivity when working from home:
1) Organize Your Day The Night Before and Set Productivity Goals
When you are working from home it’s easy to get caught up in the lack of structure and the endless list of distractions — there has never been a better time to color coordinate your closet, stare out your bedroom window, or watch just “one more episode” of a series you have already seen. Therefore, it's critical that you not only make a list the night before so you wake up with a plan, but that you also set productivity goals so you have a way of measuring your efficiency.
2) Don’t Sleep In
One way to start your day off at home on the wrong foot is by sleeping in. Set your alarm for the same time you would on any other regular working day, and stick to the schedule. Look forward to the fact that you don’t have to commute anywhere so your day will likely finish earlier.
3) Schedule Your Breaks and a Set Lunch Time
When you are organizing your day the night before, schedule in formal breaks and a set lunch time. Use the breaks as your time to scroll through social media and text friends.This will prevent you from constantly getting up and walking around throughout the day or falling into an endless social media binge during key working hours.
4) Define Your Workspace(s) Ahead of Time
Set aside somewhere in your house to work that will allow you to focus, but is comfortable enough that you can stay there for a few hours. Act as if you are headed to the office: pack your snacks, fill up your coffee mug, and head to your designated work area first thing in the morning. If you need to switch it up after lunch to a new spot in your house make sure it’s part of the plan, or else you will end up floating from room to room without getting anything done.
5) It’s Ok to Dress a Little Cozy
While staying in your pajamas is a bad idea when it comes to sparking self-motivation, it’s ok to reap some of the benefits of working from home and slip into something cozy after you have showered and had your breakfast.
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