How to Stay Motivated When You Work From Home

organized-home-officeTelecommuting is a growing phenomenon in the United States, with more companies seeing the benefits of allowing employees to work from home on occasion, or, in some cases, on a permanent basis. In addition, home-based small businesses are on the rise throughout the country and this means many more people are conducting business from the comforts of home. Although it may seem to be the perfect scenario, getting out of bed and starting work while still in your pajamas or sitting outside on the patio with a laptop conducting business, the fact is that working from home actually has more distractions than heading into an office. Here are some tips to help those who work at home stay motivated and focused when working from home.

Set Aside a Specific Work Area

Even if you do not have a spare room in your home in which to create a home office, you can create an area that you will use only for work. It could be the corner of a family room or a section of a spare room you don’t use often. Try not to set up your office on the kitchen or dining room table as these locations are rarely permanent, and you could find yourself being interrupted more often. If possible, choose a space with a door that allows you to close yourself off from outside distractions.

Create a Schedule

When working from home, it is easy to fall into bad habits, such as sleeping later in the mornings or ignoring that report that needs to be written while you watch the squirrels running in the yard. On the other hand, it is also harder to step away from work when your home is your office. Therefore, set a work schedule similar to what you would work if your job was outside the home. Be sure to schedule breaks throughout the day as well, just as you would if you worked outside the home. Get up at the same time each day and start work at the same time each day as well. If necessary, set an alarm at set intervals to remind yourself to get up, stretch, watch the squirrels, eat lunch or whatever you want to get your focus off of work for a few minutes and recharge. Quit working at the same time each day whenever possible, although when operating a small business, that may not always be possible.

Get Dressed

Although working in pajamas might be one of the perks of working from home, many people find psychological benefit in getting dressed when it is time to work. It does not mean business attire, but clothing you would not hesitate to wear to the grocery store or out to lunch with your sister. Change back into the sweats or pajamas after you are done working for the day.

Work Outside the Home Occasionally

If you find yourself too tempted to take that afternoon nap or seem to be getting distracted by things around your home, consider moving your office to a local library or coffee shop temporarily. Sometimes being around other people can fool your mind into thinking you are at an office, making you more productive. If moving your office is not an option, taking a walk can often bring your thoughts back to the work at hand as well.

Keep in Touch with Co-Workers

Working remotely, home-based employees miss typical office interaction, such as discussions on the latest episode of “The Bachelor” or what they did over the weekend. Use instant message programs to send quick “good morning” messages or link with them through social media to keep in touch with the social side of the office. Go to lunch with those in the office on occasion. Be sure to attend special events, such as holiday dinners or company picnics as well. Also, consider implementing services like VoIP, which can help you keep in touch with co-workers in the office and those who also work at home. Get-VoIP can help you to make the right decision on this type of service.

Avoid the Kitchen

When working at home it is easy to grab a handful of cookies or grab something out of the fridge every time you walk by. This can add pounds to your waistline and cause you to be even less productive. Instead, force yourself to only grab those snacks during your break times, which should be mid-morning, lunch and mid-afternoon.

Schedule Appointments Around Office Hours

Once you have determined your “work hours,” schedule personal appointments around those hours as if you were working outside the home. If you must schedule an appointment during hours you set aside for work, consider adding the time of the appointment to the beginning or end of the day. This way you will feel as if you are taking “sick leave” or “vacation time” in order to fit in the appointment just as if you were working in an office.

Working from home is not for everyone. It takes organization, time management and self-control skills that not everyone can master. By following these simple tips, however, almost anyone can become motivated to complete tasks at home just as they do in the office setting.

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About Dequiana Jackson

Dequiana Jackson, Founder of Inspired Marketing, Inc., helps overachieving women entrepreneurs conquer limiting beliefs and create marketing plans that grow their businesses. This includes one-on-one marketing plan development, digital product creation, web design and content marketing. Dequiana is the author of Know Your Business: How to Attract Ideal Clients & Sell More and runs the award-winning blog, Entrepreneur-Resources.net.

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One comment

  1. Great and very helpful tips. Sound interesting to follow. Thank you.

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