How To Stay Motivated When Working At Home

Let’s be completely honest when we say that working from home comes with its own set of challenges. It could be that you’re juggling domestic distractions, fighting the allure of the comfy couch, or simply missing the office buzz that kept your energy flowing when you worked amongst other employees. But that all changed the moment you decided to work from home (or it could be that someone from an HR department who has never met you, made that decision for you). So let’s find out how to tackle these hurdles head-on.

As a priority choosing a dedicated workspace matters. It’s not just about deciding to work out of a corner of your home; it’s about creating a zone where your brain clicks into work mode. Choose somewhere that puts your whole being into that frame of mind where you can focus. In other words, somewhere that takes you away from the normal flow of home life.

Once that decision has been made, consider investing in ergonomic furniture and high-quality equipment. Yes, your kitchen chair might do at a pinch, but the right chair, desk, and monitor setup are pivotal for your posture and long-term health. Don’t worry too much about cost; there are options for every budget if you search.

You and I both know that you are no longer “going into the office” in the sense that commuting is a thing of the past. But you must get into the habit of starting each day with a professional mindset and daily routines. Wake up at your regular working hours, dress the part (at least from the waist up!), and structure your day as if you were in the office. This helps signal to your brain that it’s business time, even if your commute was just crossing the hallway. Please don’t skip this vital step. Your subconscious mind will fight you and consistently give you messages that “it doesn’t matter” if, on the odd occasion, you decide to spend an extra hour in bed. Well, guess what? It does matter because, within a very short time, your mind will have “won” and you will be at the start of a very slippery slope. It’s not just the early morning routine that needs discipline, but it’s a very good place to start.

You can always adjust your approach down the road, but setting clear boundaries from the start is invaluable. Set your work hours and protect them. Let your household know that when you’re in work mode, you need to minimize interruptions. It sets the stage for deep work and concentration but just as importantly lets others know that you are serious.

Staying Engaged and Productive in Your Home Environment

So, you’ve set the stage for a disciplined and efficient home office setup. But what’s next? It’s not just the physical space that counts; it’s also about how you manage your activities within that space to stay on top of your game. You must maintain momentum otherwise your mind will once again drift to all sorts of other subjects and convince you that your work should take a back seat.

Without a doubt, the best way to avoid being enticed into the wrong mindset is to set yourself some goals. Start by laying out what you want to achieve – daily, weekly, monthly – and make these targets visible. By tracking your progress, you get that satisfying sense of achievement and direction. If you have difficulty in setting goals and keeping to them, several websites can help. I know from personal experience that it isn’t easy to set goals and stick to them. Something always seems to get in the way and you suddenly find yourself behaving like a player in the children’s board game Snakes And Ladders. Just as you think you’re nearly at the top of the ladder, you suddenly find yourself siding down a snake to the bottom, and it’s time to start all over again. If that sounds familiar Goals On Track is well worth looking at for a unique way to set goals and achieve your aims. We all need a helping hand from time to time and their methods worked for me,

You will also know from experience that time can slip away easily when you’re comfortable in your home. That’s why time management techniques, like the Pomodoro Technique or time-blocking, can be lifesavers for remote workers. They help you focus and provide structure to your workday. For those who aren’t familiar with this, a simple explanation is as follows: The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method based on 25-minute stretches of focused work broken by 5-minute breaks. Longer breaks, typically 15 to 30 minutes, are taken after four consecutive work intervals.

Again, this may sound simple, but another helping hand that I have found and recommend is to take a look at Countdown Kings which is a tool to help you set your working times similar to the Pomodoro Technique. You may argue that you already have a timer on your cell phone and you can safely use that. But having something more visual will keep you focused and consequently your productivity will soar and your stress levels will fall.

Talking of stress, staying in isolation can take a toll on anyone. That’s why keeping in touch with your colleagues isn’t just good for business, it’s good for your morale. It’s important to schedule regular check-ins or virtual coffee breaks as these help to keep you connected.

Don’t underestimate the power of taking strategic breaks. They’re not a sign of slacking off; they’re a part of staying sane and maintaining productivity. Whether it’s a quick walk, some stretches, or just stepping away from your desk, regular breaks prevent burnout. After all, when you worked in a traditional office, you didn’t stay shackled to your desk for every minute of your working day. So don’t feel guilty but just make sure you return to your work just as you would have done in a traditional workplace.

Remember, working from home is a skill that improves over time. Your first day won’t be like your hundredth. Keep refining your routine, stay flexible, and always look for ways to boost your motivation. Working from home isn’t for everyone, but with the right mindset and tools, it can be immensely rewarding.