15 Ways To Stay Productive While Working From Home

There are many reasons why entrepreneurs choose franchising; some pick it for extra freedom, while some want large profits and some choose it because they want to start a business with the knowledge that a group of people have already navigated the path they are about to go down.

Another reason people choose franchising is because of the many businesses involved in it that offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to work from home.

Of course, if you are working from home, there are things you have to do to ensure that you stay productive.

Here are 15 ways to stay productive while working from home.

1. Have a good breakfast

When working from home, it can be tempting to graze on junk food from one end of the day until the next.

That tactic will leave you with a sugar crash so bad that it will hamper your productivity levels.

A better option is to have a healthy breakfast which will encourage you to be at your best from the very start of the day.

2. Have a dedicated area

It may be tempting to make your business calls from the living room, or edit that spreadsheet from the comfort of your bed.

It will be a much more productive day if you manage to move away from the areas you usually associate with relaxation and have a dedicated area for your work.

3. Dress to impress

What feelings do you normally associate with your pajamas? The answer is, of course, ‘sleep and relaxation.

Thus, if you stay in these clothes when you are working from home, you will be far more likely to spend the day zipping in and out focus.

Dress for a work day, even if that work day is being spent in your home.

4. Have a timetable

A clear layout of how you plan to tackle your day will help you stick to each task efficiently.

Otherwise, you may be tempted to take advantage of all the different distractions that are available within your own home.

Put down that Xbox controller!

5. Take advantage of your peak times

While working from home, you’ll have to tolerate distractions that don’t exist in the workplace.

For instance, there may be a delivery person, or a pet that might need to be brought for a walk.

Thus, you should work hard to be as efficient as possible during the quiet periods.

6. Ensure tech is right

Picture this: you have an important meeting with a possible client and it’s going well and then, suddenly, your wifi signal drops.

Obviously, that isn’t an ideal situation.

In fact, it’s something that you need to avoid.

Thus, having the technology in place to conduct your business is one of the most essential things on your checklist!

7. Talk to other people

One key problem that many people run into while working from home is a feeling of isolation.

While all your friends are going for after work drinks with their colleagues, you are moving from the couch to the bedroom to the kitchen.

Avoid this problem by taking little breaks and interacting with others outside of the workplace.

8. Keep a balance

Most of the tips we have shared so far have been for people who forget they are in work when they are at home, but you must be aware of the opposite problem too.

If you are at home, you shouldn’t end up working every hour that is available.

If you do this, your home will no longer feel like a place where you can be comfortable.

Have a time where the work tasks are put to one side and permit yourself to recharge.

9. Don’t be harsh

Some days will be more productive than others and that is as true if you work at home as it is when you work in an office.

However, when you are working from home, those less productive days can have a severe affect on your morale.

Try not to be too harsh on yourself in this situation.

10. Plan for meetings

You will probably have to attend meetings in places that you haven’t been before, as it is unlikely you will hold them within your own home.

Thus, it is important that you know the location as you don’t want to get lost on your way them! Also, relying on online maps is stressful at the best of times!

11. Take tips from others

Working from home is a skill and everyone approaches it differently.

If all you are used to is working for others within traditional structures, then it is something that will take getting used to.

Therefore, it obviously makes sense to take tips from friends and colleagues who are successfully managing to do this already.

12. Move around

If you’re working from home, it’s important that you get up from your work space every now and again.

Otherwise, the cabin fever may set in quite quickly.

Also, it’s good to get moving, as exercise will help with your thought process and moving to a new area might even give you that inspiration you were lacking beforehand.

13. Avoid productivity drains

If you are working from home, you need to ensure that you avoid going onto the sites that drain your productivity and thrashy news websites (unless your area of work is based on these areas).

They will drain you of your motivation and before you know it, the day will be done.

14. Enjoy the perks

Take advantage of the benefits associated with working from home, such as putting food in the oven to have your dinner ready just when you finish your tasks and listening to the music you really want to listen to while working.

After all, you might as well enjoy your new position!

15. Office furniture

Your office furniture should be functional and comfortable… but not too comfortable… no lying on the bed!

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