Four Tips to Stay Motivated When Working From Home
People may assume that you’re living the absolute dream working from home, but the reality of the job can become a bit of a nightmare for those who struggle to stay motivated. Unlike working in a co-working environment with the boss lurking around, finding the drive to work independently and in your own space can be a bit of a challenge.
If you are a freelancer working from home, how can you stay motivated throughout the day? Here are four top tips to take into consideration:
Take regular breaks
Although your workload may be piling up, one of the best ways to keep your mind on task is to take regular breaks. Research suggests that our brains can only focus intensely for approximately one hour at a time, so taking a breather away every now and again would be advised.
Everyone needs to recharge; especially those who work from home as it can often feel as though your whole life is based in your own home which can feel suffocating. During your breaks, you may decide to sit in the garden for a few minutes or take a short walk around the neighbourhood to break up the day.
Have a separate office space
While it may be tempting to work from your bed or om the sofa, feeling too comfortable at home may make you less driven to get the job done. It’s a good idea to have a set-up office space in a quieter room of the house to ensure you’re in the right frame of mind; aswell as avoiding any interruptions from those who may live with you. Working freelance may mean you have to work irregular hours when your family members or housemates are at home, therefore you will need all the peace and quiet you can get.
When you enter your work environment, switch off your personal mobile phone to prevent outsider distractions and try not to spend valuable time scrolling aimlessly through social media sites – you’ll just end up falling even more behind.
Plan a schedule
One of the best ways to stay productive throughout your day is to set yourself a daily schedule so you know exactly what needs to be completed on a day-to-day basis. Aside from writing down your daily tasks, you should also be setting time aside for breaks. If you don’t manage to complete tasks on the day you had hoped, simply move them on down the list so you’re aware of what needs to be done. Making sure your schedule is both realistic and organised should prevent you from feeling too overwhelmed.
Dress for the job
Although you’ll probably not be seeing anyone throughout your working day, dressing up in smart-casual attire may help you feel more productive, rather than staying in your pyjamas all day every day. You don’t have to go overboard but doing your hair and make-up and wearing a smart blouse and trousers could work wonders for your productivity levels. Research has stated that If you feel confident about how you look, you’re more likely to stay focused.
Laura Bill writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in finding candidates their perfect internship. To browse our graduate jobs London listings, visit our website.
