How to be productive working at home is something everyone who works at home struggles with. These three words — “work from home” — can bring up a lot of different emotions in people. For some, it’s a dream come true: No commute. Pajamas all day. Make your own hours. But for others, it can feel like a nightmare: Not enough structure, too many distractions. and working all the time with no time off.
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If you’re someone who struggles to be productive when working at home, don’t worry — you’re not alone. In fact, there are a lot of people out there who have difficulty focusing and getting things done when they’re not in an office setting. But the good news is that there are a few things you can do to make working at home more productive for you.
Declutter Your Workspace to be Productive Working at Home
You’re going to find it hard to stay productive if your workspace is cluttered and messy. Make it a priority to declutter your desk or table — get rid of any old papers, knickknacks, or anything else that might be taking up space and causing distractions. A clean workspace will help you focus and be more productive.
Decluttering your workspace can also help you feel less stressed and more in control. When your workspace is cluttered, it can feel like your whole life is a mess. But when you take the time to declutter, it can help you feel like you’re taking back control of your life and your work.
Invest in Some Office Supplies to be Productive Working at Home
Working at home doesn’t mean you have to work in your pajamas — although you can if you want to! Investing in some office supplies can help you feel more professional and put you in the right mindset for getting work done.
A few things you might want to consider buying for your home office include:
- A comfortable chair: You’re going to be spending a lot of time sitting in your chair, so you might as well make sure it’s comfortable.
- An adjustable desk: If you can’t find a comfortable chair, an adjustable desk might be a good investment. You can raise and lower the desk to find the perfect height for you.
- A printer: A printer can be a lifesaver when you need to print something out in a hurry. An all-in-one printer (which also has a scanner and photocopier) can be a good investment if you need to do a lot of printing. Don’t forget to stock up on paper! You’ll need it for printing, as well as taking notes or jotting down ideas.
Take Breaks to Get out in the Yard to be Productive Working at Home
You’d be extremely lucky to have a home office with a view of anything other than another boring block of flats, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a break to get some fresh air. Go for a walk around the block, or even just open the window to let some fresh air into your home office.
If you have a yard, consider spending a few minutes outside every couple of hours to get some vitamin D and stretch your legs. Taking breaks to get out of the house will help you feel refreshed and more productive when you sit back down to work.
Utilize the Power of Nature When Working at Home
Talking about getting out, did you know that plants and flowers can help you to feel more motivated and productive? It’s true! Studies have shown that being around plants can help to boost your mood and improve your focus.
If you’re struggling to focus while working at home, try adding a few plants to your workspace. You might find that you feel more alert and motivated when you’re surrounded by greenery.
If you live close to the “real” nature — parks, forests, rivers, lakes — try taking your work outside and enjoying the fresh air while you get things done. You’ll be surprised at how much more productive you can be when you’re surrounded by trees and flowers.
You can also utilize the power of scent, too. In some countries, workplaces spray citrus scents to boost employee productivity. Try experimenting with different scents to see which ones make your work more efficient.
scent, fake greenery, wall of live plants
Always Prepare for the Day Ahead
When you go out to work, you know there are things you need to do to get ready for the day. You have a routine that gets you ready for the day ahead.
When you work at home, it’s easy to just roll out of bed and start working — but that’s not necessarily the best way to be productive. You might find that you work better if you have a routine that gets you mentally and physically prepared for the day ahead.
One of the best productivity hacks is to prepare your to-do list the night before. This way, you know exactly what you need to do the next day, and you can hit the ground running as soon as you sit down at your desk.
You should also take some time in the morning to get yourself ready for the day, even if you’re not leaving the house. Have a shower, get dressed, and eat a healthy breakfast. It might seem like a waste of time, but you’ll be surprised at how much better you feel — and how much more productive you are — when you start the day with a fresh mind and body.
The Bottom Line
Staying productive when working at home isn’t easy, but it is doable. The above are a few tips to consider when trying to be productive in your home office.
Creating a comfortable and inviting space, scheduling breaks, taking advantage of nature, and preparing for the day ahead can all help you to be more productive while working from home. Experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you.
