I love working from home. The ability to do so was one of the main reasons I started my own business. However, I’d be lying if I said having the couch in the next room isn’t tempting. I’d be lying even more if I said I don’t get tempted to stay in my pajamas all day and lounge around the house. And I’d be lying the most if I said I never did that exact thing! The truth is working from home is amazing, but some days it can be hard to get and stay motivated. If you feel the same way, follow these tried and true work from home tips.
Work from Home Tips to Try Today
There’s a good chance you’re reading this right now because you are having a hard time finding the motivation to make this work from home day a productive one. No worries! Here are 5 tips you can use to boost your motivation and have an awesome workday.
Work from Home Tip #1: Get Dressed… Like Right Now
And I don’t mean that half-dressed mullet trend. You know… business on the top, nap time on the bottom. While you don’t have to go full-on business attire (although, go for it if it makes you feel good), it is important to take off the PJs and change into daytime clothes. Respondents in one study reported they felt most “authoritative, trustworthy, and competent when wearing formal business attire but friendliest when wearing casual… attire.” My suggestion? Go with business casual, so you feel like a boss… but a nice boss.
If you are reading this while working from home and are currently still in your pajamas, stop what you’re doing right now. Go pick out an outfit that makes you feel awesome, and then come back for more work from home tips.
Work from Home Tip #2: Create a Designated Work Space
When I first started working from home, I lived in a studio apartment, and the only space with a door that closed–other than the bathroom–was the closet. Because I knew the importance of having a designated workspace, I made it work. And it will forever be known as the “cloffice,” my work-from-home space with no windows, no ventilation, and clothing as my Zoom background.
The thing is, it doesn’t have to be esthetically pleasing or a traditional “office,” but it is important to have a space that is designated for work. The couch is for napping. The office space is for crushing your business goals and having super productive work from home days.
Work from Home Tip #3: Make a Manageable Plan
Whether you make an old-fashioned pen and paper to-do list or opt for a digital task tracker like ClickUp (that’s what I use and I love it), it is important to set tasks to accomplish each day. There is something truly motivating about being able to cross a task off your to-do list. That’s why I manage my to-dos both in a physical planner and on a digital platform. (If crossing it off once is motivating, then doing it twice is 2x as motivating, right?) Just make sure you don’t overwhelm yourself with too many things. Doing so could actually have the opposite effect and decrease your motivation. Instead, break up your day into manageable tasks that you are likely to accomplish. Then, enjoy crossing them off one by one.
Work from Home Tip #4: Take Your 10
When I worked a traditional office job, my 10-minute breaks couldn’t come soon enough. They were planned. I took them at the same time each day. I knew what I was going to do (go outside and walk around the campus!). I never missed one. Now that I work from home, I think I might break some labor laws. That was the case in the beginning, at least.
Taking breaks is so important. I know this, but I wasn’t doing it. So, I purchased a gym membership. I go at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes. It’s a manageable amount of time that forces me to step away from work (without feeling like I’m gone too long) and look at something other than my computer screen for a moment. Plus, I’m exercising, which creates endorphins and helps me be more motivated and focused when I get back home to finish my workday.
Work from Home Tip #5: Give Yourself Some Grace
Whether you work from home while working for someone else or are your own boss, it is important to be gracious with yourself. If you’re new to the WFH life, it can be overwhelming. If you’re used to working in an office, you might miss the social interactions. If your motivation came from your co-workers, you might find it hard to motivate yourself. All of this is understandable, and it’s ok. Give yourself grace to not get it right every day.
There are some days I stay in my sleeping clothes all day. There are some days I work from the couch even though I know I’m not as productive. There are some days I leave my house and head to a coffee shop for a change of scenery. If it is extremely nice outside, don’t force yourself to stay inside and work all day. Take an extra-long break and go to the park while the sun is still up. The beauty of working from home is you can come back and finish your tasks later in the evening if needed. These work from home tips help boost your productivity and motivation, but enjoying your life can do that, too. So, give yourself some grace. Not every day has to be your hardest-worked day.
You Work from Home? Me too. Let’s be Friends
This blog post is more casual than usual. So, in the spirit of doing things a little differently, I don’t want to end with a typical conclusion. (You know, sum up the article and include a strong call to action). While I am going to include a CTA, it’s not to contact me to learn about my services or read other blog posts about content marketing. Instead, it’s to reach out to me if you work from home and get lonely sometimes. I am always excited to connect, support, and encourage other business-people. In fact, if that’s you, send me an email right now. I can’t wait to connect with you!
