4 Simple Ways to Invigorate Your Work from Home Routine
More and more people are choosing to work from home rather than an office.
Whether you work remotely for an employer, you’re a freelancer, or run a small business from your home, there are ways to tweak your routine to keep you feeling motivated and stave off procrastination.
Adapt Your Commute
Commuting is probably everyone’s least favourite part of working.
Crammed onto the train or stuck in an endless traffic jam, commuting can be the bane of your working life. But it serves a very useful purpose in separating your home life from your office life.
You can recreate that effect at home by developing a ‘commute’ routing before you start your work for the day.
Make it a habit to go for a brisk walk or go to the gym first thing. Make yourself a coffee before you sit at your desk. Do something that marks your entry into a new working day.
Use Your Senses to Get Focused
Research has shown that the sensory experience of your environment influences how you feel about it.
Your daily trip to the office provides a range of sensory experiences that are new and exciting and not like home. Think of what sounds, smells, and sights can help motivate you.
Maybe some fresh flowers, scented candles, and soothing or uplifting music will make working from home more comfortable. Make your home workspace a pleasant place to be.
Connect Through Video
Isolation is a real risk for people working at home. Make the most of the video conferencing technology that’s available and connect with colleagues and clients.
Have a regular time slot where you’re available for video meetings, so they don’t intrude on your focused working time too much.
Video meetings also mean you have to look professional instead of slopping around unwashed, in sweat pants!
Prioritise Your Self-care
It can be tempting to let your self-care slide when you’re working at home.
Unless you have some discipline, one day can be much like another, and you can find your motivation lacking. Or you might find you’re staying up later and later and not having enough energy to be productive during the day.
Try focusing on one aspect of self-care every week. Make a list of the self-care items that are important to you, starting with good sleep hygiene, fitness, healthy eating, and relaxing with friends and family. Be sure to include enough downtime so you can pursue your favourite hobbies and sports.
The better you take care of yourself, the more productive you will be at work.
Check out the free 7 Day Productivity Challenge
Sign up for the Work from Home online course