5 Ways To Increase Productivity When You’re Working From Home
When you’re working from home you should always be looking for ways to increase productivity. More work done in less time means more time to kick back, relax and have fun. Working smart and in a healthy, holistic way will help you to achieve more.
Here are a few suggestions for increasing productivity that can really make a difference:
1. Keep a daily routine
Some people who are new to working from home will scoff at the idea of anything resembling a daily schedule. The truth, though, is that it can really boost productivity and prevent work from spilling over into your spare time. By starting and stopping work at approximately the same times every day, you ensure you’ll have plenty of time to recharge afterwards, which is ultimately great for productivity.
It is important to turn work off at a reasonable time. Do not work 12-16-20 hour days. Work smart, work focused and stop working every day.
2. Always plan ahead
Something as simple as a daily to-do list can do wonders for your productivity. Sure, deciding on the spot what to do next has a certain charm, but it leaves you spending too much time on deciding, and too little on actually working. Keep a daily to-do list and decide on your tasks for the next day before your work day is over – you’ll notice the difference almost immediately!
When you have a comprehensive marketing plan — part of this is already planned out and gives you the roadmap to follow each day. Be sure you are using your strategic plan and your marketing plan to guide your business. Where should your focus be?
3. Stay healthy
It’s impossible to stay productive in the long run if you treat your body and mind poorly. You don’t have to become a health nut to get some real work done, but you should at the very least try to schedule some exercise a couple of times per week, even if it’s just going for a walk around the block. It’s also a good idea to invest in an ergonomic workplace, including a good chair to sit on, as that helps reduce fatigue and keep you energized throughout the day. Stand up part of the day or create a work space where you can work and stand.
4. Eliminate distractions
Yes, some people are able to watch TV while they’re working. They’re probably a minority, however, as most of us find it quite difficult to focus on two things simultaneously. When you’re working, turn off the TV, set your phone to silent, close your Facebook tab and shut the door – your productivity will skyrocket! This doesn’t mean that you cannot multi-task.
I am a multi-tasker. I know, I know, everyone is telling you to focus on ONLY one thing at a time to increase productivity. But, women are especially good at multi-tasking. It is how we live — working, doing laundry, cooking dinner, watching kids and getting it all done at the same time. Imagine, if we only did one thing at a time…. what on earth would get done? So, be smart in how you focus and how you multi-task.
5. Get out of the house
Even if you’re the type of person who enjoys working alone, the fact is it can get lonely after a while. If you spend all your week cooped up in your office, rarely seeing the outside world, chances are you’ll feel a bit isolated and your work will suffer as a result. Therefore, make a point of leaving the house at least a few times per week, even if it’s just to do something simple such as meeting a friend for lunch.
Be sure to pick up my Success Mindset Guide that includes more information about creating your Daily Practice. Having a daily practice can be challenging but it can result in greater success and producing better results. As we all are moving online and working from home, remotely, creating a way to do that effectively is going to be critical. With multiple people working from home it becomes even more challenging.
Make decisions together. Are we all taking a break for lunch? Who’s cooking? Is it make your own and we eat together? Connecting with the other people in your house throughout the day is important too. Don’t just hole up and let everyone do THEIR thing! Get together, connect. And plan some time for virtual friend get togethers too. It will all help you to get more done and increase your productivity!!
