I’ve been working from home today — pretty much the only thing I like about Wednesdays lately — and besides the fact that I don’t have to get up early, go to the office, or get out of my pjs it’s just like any other day at work. But with all the distractions you have at home that are right there. Like your room that needs cleaning, or the laundry that needs to be done, anything on Netflix, and, gee I dunno… the Internet in it’s whole time-wasting glory. Um, did I mention I’m working from home today?
So I went searching online for some tips to help me stay focused. Unfortunately, the majority of tips I found online about working from home involved how to manage toddlers during conference calls and other things you can do during nap time. Since that doesn’t exactly apply to me (unless you count cats on the keyboard vying for my attention), I’ve come up with a couple tips that are a little more relevant.
Tip #1: Take breaks
You’d think this would be obvious, even easier to do while at home, right? When you’re on a roll though, it’s easy to get lost in your work and sit typing away at your desk for hours on end. The only difference is at the office you have coworkers that want to go out for lunch, get coffee, etc around to give you a reason to get up. At home it’s just you and your computer.
Sitting and staring at a computer screen for too long saps your energy, which is why breaks are important for both your mental and physical health. Make sure to take them every now and then — go for a walk around the block, make something to eat (or take care of that laundry already) and then get back at it.
Tip #2: Plan your meals for the day like you would at the office
Alternately, keep junk food out of your house the day you know you’ll be working from home. This is my one weakness! All too often I have found myself saying I will have just a couple Doritos (ughh I know, why do I keep buying them when I can make healthier options like this) only to realize later that I actually ate half the bag without even thinking. Or standing in front of the fridge because I feel like eating something but I don’t know what.
It’s much better to plan to have breakfast and lunch like you would if you were going to the office. You can also keep healthy snacks nearby for when the boredom/I’ve been at the same task for the past three hours cravings hit. That way you can eat better and you don’t waste valuable working time in front of the fridge.
Tip #3: Whatever you do, do NOT work on your bed
Even if it’s the only place you can sit up you can put a couple pillows on the floor and get to work there. I suppose if you absolutely have to for comfort’s sake you could, but maybe stay on top of the covers. If I’m working in my bed (under the covers, naturally, because my place is freezing year round) I will ALWAYS fall asleep. Usually only for a couple of minutes, but it still happens. Yes, even when I’m sitting up with my laptop. It’s better for your sleeping habits anyway, to keep work and sleepy time activities separate. It’s even better to keep a designated area for work in your home.
PS. I realize it might look like I’m working on my bed in the photo above, but I’m not, I swear. I spread a blanket on the floor in front of the fireplace… usually I work at the kitchen table.
Maybe you’ll find these tips helpful the next time you’re working from home, or even doing homework on the weekends. The same rules apply. Keep that productivity flowing!
-C
