subject: How to stay focused and productive working from a home office [print this page] How to stay focused and productive working from a home office
3 Top Tips To Increase Your Productivity When Working From Home (So That You Can Make More Money!)
I have been running various home-based businesses, for the last 7 years. At first I found it really difficult to keep myself focused and to actually be productive. There always seemed to be more important things to do (yes, even housework!).
Over the years I have worked out strategies which help me keep focused, and in this article I will be sharing what I feel are the most important initially and probably the easiest for you to put in to place.
Thanks to the amazingly rapid development in internet technology, many millions of people around the world are now working from home. Maybe you are working as a remote employee or contractor (also called tele-commuting or tele-work). Or maybe you are now running your own business in one of the many work from home opportunities that are available. Whichever you are, you still need to keep focused.
Working from home has many benefits (of course, or else we wouldnt do it!), but it can have many pitfalls too.
In this article I will share with you the first 3 of my top tips on how to stay focused and keep productive, despite all the distractions that are thrown at you.
Work From Home Top Tip 1:
You will have heard this one before Im sure but it really is vitally important. Set up a separate area to work in away from your general living area.
The best option, if you can, is to have a separate room with a door that you can close when you are at work.
If that isnt available to you, then at least have a designated table or desk. Preferably have this in a corner or facing a wall, so that you are facing away from the temptations which might be lurking in your living area! Have a white-board or pin-board on this wall so you can have important business reminders around to help keep you focused.
Work From Home Top Tip 2:
Take regular 15 minute breaks at least every hour, and take time out for a lunch break.
Its very easy when you are working alone at home to get into the zone and suddenly 2 or 3 hours have gone by and youve been sitting at the computer without a break.
This can lead to bad neck / shoulder problems and then headaches which will affect your productivity a lot more than taking frequent short breaks!
I recommend downloading an online timer and setting it for at least 60 minute intervals, I now do 30 minutes then stop for 5 to 10 minutes. I find
http://www.online-stopwatch.com is simple and effective.
When the timer goes off make a note of any ideas you were in the middle of then get up and walk around, circling your shoulders to release the tension. Try to get some fresh air and daylight (even sunshine) too!
Work From Home Top Tip 3:
Let your family and friends know your schedule, and politely remind them that you are actually working.
They need to understand that you are not available to pop out for coffee or lunch at a moments notice, anymore than if you were at a proper job.
This can be difficult for both you and your friends to get used to when you first start, but once youve become unavailable a few times they will soon get the message.
Ive also found that telling my friends I will schedule a time next week to meet with them - and then setting a time in my diary -lets them know that I really am working and not just hanging about at home!
Well thats the first 3 of my tips. Implement them as soon as possible so that you can stay focused and be more productive when you are working from home.
This way youll have more time and make more money to do what is important to you. (Thats why you are doing this, right?)
Read my next article for some more simple ways to keep you focused and productive at home.
To find out more about running an online business, which makes real money.not pocket money.
Visit my website:
http://www.meethilarypoeton.com
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