Based on my experience, I've put together 15 tips for working from home to help you stay productive. I've divided these tips into 5 categories, which you'll find just below.
Keep in mind that these tips are based on my personal experience. Everyone is different, and some of them may not fit your needs and goals.
One of the most important categories you need to take care of is work-life balance.
Yes, you read about it in all the articles about remote work, but what does that mean?
When you're working remotely, it's easy to cut yourself out of your life. Work can start to overwhelm you because it feels like you're only doing that.
Even if you're passionate about what you're passionate about, it's important to know how to step back from it in order to relax and stay productive in the long run.
Here are some tips for achieving work-life balance.
1. Take breaks and go outside
That seems simple, right? Remote work doesn't mean staying home all day. I highly recommend taking breaks and going outside to refresh your mind and leave the workplace.
How about lunch outside or even a walk after lunch?
2. Take up a sport or activity that will distract you from business
In order not to feel burned out from work, take a step back and engage in a relaxing and mind-changing activity.
Many people like to play sports, others prefer to just find time for other activities or hobbies that are different from what they do at work.
3. Partition your computer
One of the most challenging parts of working from home is distinguishing between work and non-working time.
If you use the same computer for work and for side projects/leisure, this tip is for you.
3.1 Splitting the browser configuration
Nowadays, most browsers allow you to create profiles. I recommend that you create two profiles: one for work and one for non-working hours.
This will make it easier for you to disconnect when you're out of work. At the same time, it will help to organize bookmarks and sessions (for example, if you use the same tools at work and in third-party projects).
3.2 Create another session on your computer
It's not something I do personally. But I've read a lot about people using two different sessions.
It's like the "final" solution if you want to keep these two spaces independent.
4. Don't set up work notifications on your phone
This advice can be controversial depending on what you do as a remote worker. But still, I think it's very important if you want to maintain a work-life balance.
I don't like it when work apps or notifications appear on my phone for many reasons. Remote work means an asynchronous life. Your colleagues may work different hours than you. If you don't want to wake up to work notifications or receive messages while you're walking with friends on the street, this should be avoided.
Note: If your job requires you to set up some apps, there are plenty of ways to remove notifications after a specific hour. That might be an alternative.
5. Work in coworking
Another piece of advice I've often heard is to work remotely from the comfort of your home. Well, it's a bit of a controversial article title, but it's an ingenious way to maintain a work-life balance if you can afford it and feel comfortable working in a public place.
If you do not feel productive at home, even after reading and trying many ways, work in a coworking center can help you. If you have the opportunity, try using one of them to see if it's right for you.
Now that we've talked about the importance of maintaining a work-life balance, let's take a closer look at your workspace and how to improve it.
1. Choose or create a workspace that stimulates you
By working remotely, you have the opportunity to create a workspace where you feel good. Show your imagination and place around your workplace what stimulates you. It can be plants, books or anything else you like.If you are a digital nomad or travel frequently, you can choose a coffee shop, workspace or apartment that inspires you.
2. Separate the workplace from the sleeping place
I know that not everyone can do this, but try to separate your workplace from the bedroom as much as possible.
If you wake up and work in the same place where you sleep, you will certainly have the feeling that you are constantly doing the same thing. Staying in the same room all day is not motivating. When you get to your bed, you'll still be in your "work" room.
3. Clean up your desktop
This tip can be found in many articles and productivity guides, but getting your desktop clean, keeping your desk clean, and keeping your desk low, and keeping your desk low can help free up your mind and help you focus better. which is important.
Social aspects are very important for a remote worker. They help you stay motivated and avoid the inner feeling that you're working alone (even if you're not).
1. Schedule online meetings with colleagues
Remote work doesn't mean staying away from your co-workers. Even if it may seem socially detached at times, it's important to keep communicating.
Do not hesitate – invite colleagues to a 15-30 minute meeting over a cup of coffee to get to know them better.
Unless you're working as a freelancer alone on your project, there are plenty of online activities and communities that will allow you to connect with like-minded people and share a cup of coffee with them.
2. Try to schedule meetings in your company every week
If you run or work for a remote company, this item is for you. Feel free to plan or ask for a meeting. For example, it could be the hour when everyone meets online and plays an online game together. The possibilities are endless.
One of the most embarrassing parts of working remotely is feeling lonely.
To increase productivity as a remote worker, time also matters. Make sure you use it wisely.
1. Try to have a set work schedule
I'm not saying you shouldn't work hard or count hours. I work hard and don't always follow this rule.
I want to share that it's better to have at least a vague idea of when you start your day and end it. This can be helpful for work-life balance, staying focused, and getting work done on time.
But like all the advice I share in this article, it's a matter of personal opinion. I often change my work schedule depending on the meeting or whether I want to work more in one day, and so on. Remote work gives you more flexibility and freedom. So it would be sad not to take advantage of it! Just do what's best for you.
2. Plan your tasks
This tip applies to many topics, but you'll probably work more efficiently and achieve your goals more easily if you make your day's schedule.
As a remote worker, this can be a good motivating factor. An organized day with purposeful work gives you more time for yourself, allows you to start working on something new in your work, or on anything that you like.
Practicing deep concentration sessions is your ally if you want to dramatically boost your productivity. Let me give you three tips that can help with this.
1. Listen to songs to focus
Using focused music can help you stay productive and enter a state of deep focus. It's often a great way to hack your productivity.
Here are some examples of sites where you can listen to such music for free:
2. Use the "Do Not Disturb" option on your phone
Nowadays, we constantly receive notifications on our phones. Most modern devices have a "Do Not Disturb" feature that allows you to turn off notifications when you go into "Work" mode.
3. Limit distractions
Limiting distractions helps you stay distracted. Analyze your surroundings and try to remove or push away all the items that annoy you while working.
Here are a few examples: put away the phone, close the YouTube video while working, turn off the TV, and so on.
Thank you for reading this article.