Working From Home
How many of you are working from home? What I have found best is to begin each workday early. This is easier said than done when your big, warm, soft bed calls you to sleep in. When you commuted to an office, you knew you had to allow time for traffic, parking, etc, yet you planned it. It was just part of doing your job. Working from home can be more challenging because of a lack of structure.
It is less challenging if you plan your tomorrow before the end of today. Now, your mind can relax and sleep, knowing your pre-planned structure will succeed.
Because while working from home, it is easy to pull the covers over your head and sleep in. Many experts say the best way to be successful is to have your workspace dedicated and separate from your play space. Have a d, structured, consistent time to wake up and avoid hitting the snooze button. Wake up, ready to begin your day. Some people hit the floor early and do stretches or exercise. Others start by dressing for work even though their workday is at home. A psychological reason exists for continuing your work habits even though the environment does not require it.
Even though working from home allows casual dress, staying in your pajamas is not as productive as getting dressed for work. When you get dressed mentally, you are ready to work. If you are making phone calls and your client expects you to wear business attire, your mental attitude will be better if you look the part even though the client does not see you. They call it “dressing the part,” your confidence level increases when you “dress the part” for your work. After you work from home for a while, you will discover you are more productive when you mentally prepare to work. Otherwise, you will find yourself going back to bed at some point.
Use the same schedule from your office when working from home. Everyone is different, and adjustments are necessary, but separate your business and social life.
Dedicate a space specifically for your work. This space needs to be conducive to what is important to you based on your work. It needs to be a place without interruptions or distractions.
Remove social media from the toolbar on your computer.
Work without the television on in the background.
Choose your work hours when you are the most productive.
Do not sit the whole day without getting up, walking, stretching, and staying hydrated. Give yourself a deadline for each project, then take a short break. Step away from your work and refresh yourself.
I do not have little ones at home anymore, but many of you do, which can be challenging. Keeping them busy and focused at the same time on your work is a magic act all its own. It will take some creative preparations to pull off working with children, caring for an elderly parent, etc.
Taking care of yourself with a good night’s sleep, eating well, staying hydrated, and some form of exercise is critical to your success, especially when working from home. My day begins at 5 am. It is my most creative and productive time slot. I have my coffee ready before bedtime, so all I need to do is push the button while I wash my face, shave, and get dressed. I grab a cup of coffee and get to work. I also have prepared my meals the day before.
My plan breaks throughout my day and includes an ending time to stop my work. If your day is not structured with a beginning and ending time, you will work 24/7 and burn out. Make sure you stay in contact with people and avoid hibernating. Becoming a hermit is easier than you think, and it is not healthy. Social interaction is significant, so you need planned time to work, play, socialize, and fellowship with others.
Your day will look different, and there is nothing wrong if you do it differently. You make your schedule work for you. Treat your workday, whether going into the office or working from home, with the same dedication, and you will get great results. You will want to discover what works for you. I tried having background sounds or programs on the television, but it was too distracting for me. If I put a program on, like the History Channel, I get sleepy, so silence is better for me. But if background noise works for you, go for it.
The challenge of working from home will take some adjustments, yet the benefits can be advantageous if you set yourself up for success. Everyone is different, which is one of the fundamental challenges of a home-based business, but with careful planning, this work method may become a huge blessing in your life.
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