Getting Started
In order to get started, it is of upmost importance that you define where your home office is and turn it into a comfortable and productive workspace. Sharing the kitchen table is not enough; try finding a space where you can store important papers, work materials and your laptop or desktop without them being disturbed. Separating your work space from the rest of your home can help mentally prepare you to focus strictly on work and work-related projects. Doing this also signals to other members of your household that you have a defined workspace and are serious about getting work done within that space without being bothered or distracted.
Next, effort needs to be placed on minimizing your distractions, which will include politely explaining to your family or roommates when to not interrupt you. For most people, it would be nearly impossible to work efficiently when your family is active in the space where you are working.
Discipline
Setting up your schedule and sticking to it is one of the most important factors when increasing work productivity at home. Many business people recommend setting your schedule up for working in the morning if possible. A routine schedule that begins in the morning allows you to accomplish peripheral tasks (like getting the kids to school or tidying up around the house) so that you do not have to be bothered with these during your working schedule. However, if you are a night owl and often notice yourself having increased productivity at night, then a night schedule may suit you better. No matter the time of day you choose, it is crucial to keep your tasks and deadlines visible so that you have a constant reminder of deadlines and what must be done to achieve specific project goals. Build a habit of prioritizing your tasks according to what you can focus on and get done according to a pre-made to-do list you keep near your business calendar.
Refreshing your mind is essential when under a heavy workload so it is important to give yourself breaks when needed. Taking a 10 minute break every hour or stretching every couple of hours is important for your health, especially if you work from a desk and are sitting down for most of the day. Making time for a healthy snack, watching some TV, or listening to music during your break is a great way to rejuvenate during the work day. Discipline is key here, so it is important to keep track of your break time or have an alarm setup so that you do not get too comfortable. If you get too comfortable on your break, you risk developing habits that repel you from productive work and creating a counter-productive environment. On the other hand, you should not overwork yourself either, so knowing when to stop is equally important if you want to prevent work from running your life.
Review your schedule often, and if you find that you are bumping incomplete tasks into the next working day, you may not be working productively. Keep track of time by tinkering with useful time tracking apps like Toggl, TimeTracker, or Chronos. These will help you organize your daily routine more effectively, and potentially help you structure a structured work-from-home routine that results in some of your best work.
Angie Picardo is a staff writer for NerdWallet. Her mission is to help consumers stay financially savvy and save money with NerdWallet’s best credit cards.
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