How many of you are working from home? What I have found best is to begin each workday early. This is easier said than done when your big, warm, soft bed is calling you to sleep in. When you commuted to an office, you knew you had to allow time for traffic, parking, etc, yet you planned it. It was just part of doing your job. Working from home can be more challenging because of a lack of structure.
It is less challenging if you plan your tomorrow before the end of today. Now, your mind can relax and sleep knowing that your pre-planned structure will be successful.
Because while working from home, it is so easy to pull the covers over your head and sleep-in. Many experts say the best way to be successful is to have your workspace dedicated and separate from your play space. Have a structure consistent time to wake up and not get in the habit of hitting a snooze button. Wake up ready to begin your day. Some people hit the floor early and do stretches or some form of exercise. Others begin by dressing for work even though their workday is at home. There is a psychological reason for continuing your work habits even though the environment does not require it.
Even though working from home allows casual dress, staying in your pajamas is not as productive as getting dressed for work. When you get dressed, mentally you are ready to work. If you are making phone calls and your client would normally expect you to wear business attire, your mental attitude will be better. If you look the part even though you are not seen by the client. They call it, “dressing the part” and your confidence level increases when you “dress the part” for your work. After you work from home for a while, you will discover you are more productive when you mentally prepare to work. Otherwise, you will find yourself at some point going back to bed.
Use your same schedule from your office when working from home. Everyone is different, and adjustments are necessary, but keep your business and social life separated.
Dedicate a space specifically for your work. This space needs to be conducive to what is important to you based on the work you do. It needs to be a place without interruptions or distractions.
Remove social media from the toolbar on your computer.
Work without the television on in the background.
Choose your work hours when you are the most productive.
Do not sit the whole day without getting up and walking, stretching and staying hydrated. Give yourself a deadline for each project and then take a short break. Step away from your work and refresh yourself.
I do not have little ones at home anymore, but many of you do and that can be challenging. Keeping them busy and you focused at the same time on your work is a magic act all its own. It will take some creative preparations to pull off working with children, caring for an elderly parent, etc.
Taking care of yourself with a good night’s sleep, eating well, staying hydrated and some form of exercise is critical to your success anytime, but especially when working from home. My day begins at 5 am. It is my most creative and productive time slot. I have my coffee ready before bedtime so all I need to do is push the button while I wash my face, shave and get dressed. I grab a cup of coffee and get to work. I also have prepared my meals the day before.
My plan breaks throughout my day and includes an ending time to stop my work. If your day is not structured with a beginning and ending time, you will work 24/7 and burn out. Make sure you stay in contact with people and avoid hibernating. Becoming a recluse is easier than you think and it is not healthy. Social interaction is very important and that is why you need a planned time to work and a planned time to play, be social and fellowship with others.
Your day will look different and there is nothing wrong if you do it differently. You make your schedule work for you. Treat your workday whether you are going into the office or working from home with the same dedication and you will get great results. You will want to discover what works for you. I tried having background sounds or programs on the television, but it was too distracting for me. If I put a program on like the history channel, I get sleepy, so for me, the silence was better. But, if background noise works for you, go for it.
The challenge of working from home will take some adjustments, yet the benefits can be very rewarding if you set yourself up for success. Everyone is different and that is one of the real challenges of a home-based business, but with careful planning, this method of working may become a huge blessing in your life.
If you need additional help in working from hope, visit www.pamfosteronline.com.