Who wouldn't want to work from home? You get to set your own hours, wear sweatpants, and avoid office small talk. Your commute? Less than 15 seconds. But it can be hard to stay productive when you're working from your couch, not an office. There are tons of distractions, less accountability and less communication. The good news is there are lots of ways to keep yourself productive from any location. If you're not yet an expert at working remotely, these tips can help you get the most out of working from home.
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#1 Plan your day
First things first: Get smart about planning your workday. If you're the kind of person who likes to plan ahead, take a moment on Monday morning to schedule your week. If you prefer to wake up and decide your workflow for the day, create your to-do list while you eat breakfast. Consider what your highest priority tasks are, when you want to take your breaks and what tasks need to be done by the end of the day.
#2 Find your peak productivity times
Are you a morning person or do you get more work done after you've had lunch? Figure out what your peak productivity times are and schedule your most important tasks for then. Focus in and limit distractions and breaks during this period to get the most done. Use the surrounding time to get small tasks done and take breaks throughout the day.
#3 Invest in a comfortable workspace
Sometimes, the couch just doesn't cut it. If you find yourself unmotivated while you work from home, don't be afraid to splash some cash on workspace that inspires you. You don't have to re-do the house, just invest in a few items that will help your productivity: A good office chair, a new desk, a bright lamp or even just a plant or two. Find what works for you.
#4 Play music
One of the greatest perks of working from home is not having to worry if your music is too loud for your desk neighbors. Go ahead and blast your 90s playlist, play your favorite podcast or put the radio on loud. Studies have actually shown that listening to instrumental music in the background while you work can actually boost productivity.
#5 Get out of the house
Sometimes you just need a change of scenery. If you're feeling particularly unmotivated at home, get out of the house. Head to your local coffee shop and work from your laptop while you sip on a chai latte or walk to your nearest library and get your tasks done in peace. If you live in a large city, you probably live near a coworking space, too.
