5 Easy Tips to Work From Home Successfully
As more and more companies offer work-from-home options, many individuals are faced with the challenge of staying productive outside of a traditional office setting. If you're new to remote work, struggling to focus at home, or simply looking for ways to optimize your productivity, you're in the right place. In this blog post, I share five easy tips to help you stay on track and achieve your goals while working from home. My hope is that these practical strategies will empower you to feel confident and productive in your remote work environment.
1. Make a Dedicated Workspace
When it comes to staying productive while working from home, creating a dedicated workspace is key. Whether you're working with limited space or have plenty of room to spread out, it's important to establish an area that's solely dedicated to work.
I can relate to the struggle of finding space in a small apartment. I used to work in the corner of a 700 sq ft apartment that I shared with my significant other and our cat. With little to no storage space and my love for art, finding a dedicated area to work was a challenge. My solution was a 2ft desk that was placed in the corner of our living room. While it was shared with my art supplies, it helped to know that when I, “went to work,” I had somewhere to go.
Dedicated workspace not only helps you stay organized, but it sets a clear boundary between work and personal life. You're also more likely to feel motivated and focused.
2. Style Your Work From Home Setup
Granite contact paper on a black desk from Amazon.
Your workspace doesn't have to be boring or mundane! In fact, incorporating your personal style can help you feel more motivated and inspired while working from home. One of the easiest ways to do this is by choosing a style that works for you. Some people prefer a clean and modern minimal look, while others like to incorporate bold colors and patterns. Whatever your style, create a workspace you want to work in everyday.
For me, having my desk near a window is essential to bring in natural light and help me stay focused. I chose a style that inspires me and creates a clear distinction between my work area and personal space. My home has a vintage, Mexican-cottage core style, so I wanted my office to reflect that while also incorporating a darker, more sophisticated aesthetic.
Mirror with space for books below.
To achieve this, I used granite contact paper on my desk, added art and books that fit the vintage and dark academia style, and incorporated other elements that fit my personal taste. However, it's important to choose a style that works for you. Some people prefer a clean, light, modern minimal look, while others may want a more eclectic or colorful vibe.
Remember, your workspace should be a place that you want to spend time in. Consider adding plants, artwork, or other decorations that you enjoy. When you love your workspace, you'll be more likely to feel motivated and productive throughout the day.
3. Being Diligent About Digital Organization
Just as it's important to keep your physical workspace organized, it's equally important to maintain a clean and organized digital space. Your digital space is essentially your company office, so keeping your apps, folders, and tabs clean and organized is crucial for productivity.
One of the best ways to keep your digital space organized is by creating a folder system that works for you. Consider organizing your files by project, client, or type of document. This will make it easy to find what you need when you need it, and it can also help to reduce clutter on your desktop.
In addition to organizing your files, it's also important to keep your apps and tabs clean. Close out of apps and tabs that you're not actively using to reduce distractions and free up memory on your device. This can also help to speed up your computer or device, which can be especially helpful if you're using an older device.
Another helpful tip is to regularly clean out your inbox and delete unnecessary emails. This can help to reduce clutter and make it easier to find important emails when you need them. Consider setting up filters or rules to automatically sort incoming emails into specific folders to help keep your inbox organized.
Remember, your digital space is just as important as your physical space when it comes to staying organized and productive while working from home. By staying diligent about digital organization and keeping your apps, folders, and tabs clean, you'll be able to focus on your work and get more done in less time.
4. Take Breaks and Spend Time Outside
When working from home, it's easy to get lost in your work and forget to take breaks. This leads can lead to the horrors of burnout which is a big no thank you. Taking regular breaks is important for both your physical and mental health. It can also help increase productivity and reduce stress. One way to ensure that you take breaks is to incorporate them into your daily routine. Here are some tips:
Set a Timer: Setting a timer is a great way to remind yourself to take a break. You can use your phone or a physical timer and set it for a specific amount of time, such as 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break.
Use a Productivity App: There are many productivity apps available that can help you manage your time and remind you to take breaks. Some popular options include Monday, Trello, Todoist, and RescueTime.
Stretch or Exercise: Taking a break doesn't mean that you have to sit still. In fact, taking a few minutes to stretch or exercise can help increase blood flow and reduce stress. Try doing a quick yoga routine or taking a walk around your neighborhood.
4. Spend Time Outside: Spending time outside can have many benefits, including reducing stress and increasing creativity. Try taking your lunch break outside or taking a quick walk around your neighborhood. I prefer to patron a local coffee shop while on my walk! I find the coffee shop atmosphere incredibly motivating and will never say no to a fresh cup of coffee.
I recommend 1 hour total: a 15min. break in the morning, a 30 minute lunch. and a 15min. afternoon break.
Remember, taking breaks isn't a waste of time. It's an important part of maintaining your health and well-being, and can actually increase productivity in the long run. So, make sure to take breaks regularly and find a routine that works for you.
5. Keep Your Tools and Resources Within Reach
Having the necessary tools and resources at your fingertips can help you stay productive and focused when working remotely. Whether it's a coffee pot to keep you energized or a heater to stay warm during the colder months, make sure you have everything you need within reach.
Organizing your office is key. Consider using desk organizers or storage containers to keep your supplies in order. As a creative worker, my space requires well thought out storage solutions. You can find out what I use to stay organized here. Place frequently used items, such as pens, notebooks, or chargers, in a designated spot on your desk or in a nearby drawer.
By having everything within reach, you can avoid interruptions and stay on task. Plus, having your workspace set up in a way that works for you can increase your productivity and motivation.
So, take some time to assess your needs and preferences, and make the necessary adjustments to your workspace. And remember, a well-organized workspace is not only functional but can also boost your mood and overall well-being when working remotely.
My office must-haves to stay productive:
If you want tried and true products that saved me time, check out these clickable photos below:
Desk-size Coffee Coffee Brewer
Mirror for light and pre-video call touchups
Granite contact paper to upgrade your desk style
Desk with plenty of working space
Feeling Confident Working Remotely
The shift to working from home is still relatively new for many, and it's important to stay diligent in setting and maintaining boundaries to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Whether you have the privilege of working from home full-time or part-time, I guarantee that at least one of these tips will have a positive impact on your confidence. By implementing these tips and making them part of your daily routine, you can stay productive and successful while working from the comfort of your home.
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