Essential Tips for Working Remotely at Home

Remote working at home offers flexibility and freedom to create a work-life balance that gives you more time to do what you love.

It can be challenging when you start, so here are essential tips for working remotely at home to help you transition.

Morning Routine is Essential

When working at home, it can be easy to sleep in and not have a morning routine, but it’s essential to get up at a reasonable time and start your day.

Before starting work in the morning, think about exercising. Yes, before you start working. Why? The exercise sets you up for the day and doesn’t have to be rigorous. Personally, a 30-minute power walk to clear my head and plan the day works for me.

Having a routine does not come naturally to many of us. It takes time to find a routine that suits your lifestyle. Remember, you no longer have to wait for the train and commute to work, so you have time to start the day properly.

Work in a Coffee Shop

Spending days working at home without fresh air will make you feel lethargic, affecting your energy levels. Take your office to a coffee shop, and while working, select a task to focus on; otherwise, procrastination sets in.

Not only will it be a change of scenery, but it’s a great way to socialize and meet new people. Since remote working can be isolating, you must take time out to meet others so your mental health is not affected.

Plan your Work the Day Before

This technique has drastically increased my productivity and helped me avoid procrastinating. Before you finish work for the day, spend 15-30 minutes planning what tasks need to be completed the next day.

It’s important not to give yourself a huge to-do list but instead choose 2-3 tasks to move your business forward.

This works because you do not procrastinate at your desk the next day, thinking about what work you need to complete. Instead, you know exactly what the focus is for the day and jump straight into completing those tasks.

Seriously, this small change will drastically improve your productivity.

Drink Plenty of Water

When working from home, you can easily forget about keeping hydrated, especially when focused on a piece of work. It’s essential to drink plenty, especially when living in a humid climate. Dehydration will affect your performance and productivity levels.

Keep a jug of water on your desk and add ice cubes and lime/lemon to keep it cold and refreshing.

Avoid Distractions

The internet has changed how we work, but it has added more distractions that can stop your flow when you’re in a productive mindset. The increased usage of app and browser notifications has caused a real issue for remote workers.

The solution is simple: switch off your mobile device, disable notifications on your desktop, and ensure your email is closed.

Having a designated space in your home to work from can help with being distracted, especially if it’s away from the TV, your computer console, and family members.

Keep your desk clear, and store your phone, tablet, and other distracting gadgets in another room.

Apps like Freedom blocks websites and social networks, which can cause you to procrastinate. Another helpful tool is RescueTime which helps you understand where your time goes daily.

Spend Time on Hobbies and Interests

Spend more time doing the things you love by having a work routine. When you work 9-to-5, your free time is in the evening, and as the nights draw in, you forget to do anything after work. Split up your working time so you have a few hours to participate in hobbies and interests during the day.

If you’re into photography, take a two-hour break and go for a photo walk. Or, find a place to relax and read your book, basically do anything that makes you happy.

When working from home, it’s easy to forget to take breaks; honestly, you’re not always productive. Work a few hours in the morning, take a 3-4 hour break, and then get back to work in the late afternoon or early evening.