How to be productive while working From Home (or anywhere)
I’ve been working for myself as a Luxury Travel Advisor for over 3 years now which means I do a lot of “working from home” and setting up a work space from pretty much anywhere in the world.
For years I worked in a traditional office with multiple co-workers working in the same space with in person meetings on a daily basis. At first I was nervous with this new normal and wasn’t sure if I would be as productive. Was I going to be distracted by the TV or not want to sit at my computer and take naps all day? I implemented these below guidelines for myself over the years and want to share them with you incase it’s your new normal. I’ve been very successful and productive working from pretty much anywhere and to be honest with you, I get so much done at a faster speed and prefer it. I don’t think I could go back to an office.
Find a space out of your bedroom
This means your living room, side room, guest room or just a quiet little corner. I never allow myself to work in bed (unless I’m sick and have no choice). You don’t want to get in the habit of this because it will get you out of your work routine and slow your productivity later in the day. If possible try to find a space with a door to avoid distractions from family members, roommates and the TV. I also recommend making a space not in the kitchen, this way you don’t have easy access to snack all day long.
Change out of your pajama’s
This will signal that it’s a work day, when you leave your pajama’s on you will want to do “Lazy” things.. leave that day for a Sunday! I would be lying if I told you I haven’t stayed in my Pj’s all day during a work day, but it’s very rare and I can tell the difference in my productivity. Get up, get dressed (mine 5 out of 5 days is workout attire) maybe put some makeup on and get your work day started. I promise you, how you dress will change the way you work.
Set a work schedule
Set an alarm for the same time every work day and get up just like you would be leaving the house to head to an office. I always schedule my day the night before which goes hand in hand with my to-do list. Keep a work calendar with your calls, meetings, tasks, meal times & plan your day around this. If you need to do laundry or cook do it around your work schedule. Set a time for when you will be finished for the day also take breaks which brings us to my next tip.
Make sure you take breaks
This is very important. If you’re trapped in your house ALL DAY LONG you will go crazy. Schedule breaks and make sure to obey that break (as if it was a meeting). Talk to a friend on the phone while taking a walk, take a work out class, go to lunch with a friend. I personally leave the house for a workout class (same time everyday) but now I’m doing an online workout which is the new normal for now considering the world events.
Try these out and see if it works for you! I also take these working guidelines on the road with me when I am traveling around the world and in hotel rooms, airplanes since my job happens when i’m home and when i’m away from home!
