5 Practical Hacks to Work from Home Smarter

For many, working from home is like a dream come true. You can sleep in, drink your coffee in peace, and work in your pyjamas! However, if you’re not able to organise your time well, it can be a complete nightmare.

Without a proper plan and dedication, working from the comfort of your home can be a bit daunting. That's why you need to implement these 5 hacks into your routine while working from home.

1. Plan your day ahead

Let’s face it, this is a pretty basic tip, but many freelancers or remote workers often neglect it. To flawlessly perform your daily assignments, you need to plan your day in advance and stick to it. Keep in mind that your to-do list shouldn't only contain tasks, but breaks as well.

Be realistic! Cramming your plan with various tasks leads nowhere. You’ll only panic about not having enough time to finish everything. Having fewer assignments on your to-do list is better than having more and not being able to complete them all. At the end of the workday, you'll feel accomplished and still have enough energy for your private life.

2. Try the Pomodoro technique

Besides working in a cosy, stress-free environment, one of the biggest perks about working from home is being able to set your own pace. This means that you can work in peace and quiet, and when you feel like it. Did you know that the human mind is seldomly able to keep the focus for more than 45 minutes? You can thank the technology and various distractions for that.

That's why the Pomodoro technique is magnificent. You can break your workday in 25 to 45-minute time windows, with 5 to 15-minute breaks between. Ideal for a quick trip to the loo or refill your coffee cup. This method is perfect for those who have troubles staying focused.

3. Clean the house or do a workout during the breaks

At first glance, this tip doesn’t have anything to do with efficient and smart working, but here’s the catch. What many people do during the breaks is to grab the phone and surf the internet. However, your brain and your eyes need some time away from the screen. They get tired from continuous working.

To restart your mind and focus, try cleaning the house or doing a mini workout in your home office. These 15-minute breaks are ideal for a 5-minute workout you can do anywhere or quick dusting and vacuuming the house. You’ll rest your brain and do something productive.

4. Keep your workspace clean and neat

Working on the couch in front of the telly is every remote worker's guilty pleasure. However, to be efficient, you must have a designated workspace. In case you do, you probably know that nothing sparks up productivity and creativity like a neat workspace.

Remove the clutter from your desk and take those cups to the kitchen sink. You also should be careful about the floors under your chair. If you keep gliding on the hardwood floor or a carpet, soon it will wear off, and look unappealing. Even though there is no “medicine” for that, you can prevent scratches from happening by getting a durable chair mat. These high-quality plastic mats make the gliding easy and save your floors, keeping your office space neat and tidy.

5. Know when and where you’re the most productive

Did you know that depending on whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert (or ambivert) different surroundings and time of work suit you? That's also one giant pro of working remotely. If you don't have strict working hours, you can set your own.

Introverts, extroverts and productivity is a subject that's been going on for quite a while. What scientists have discovered so far is that different types of personalities thrive in different surroundings and different times. So, that may be the reason why you effortlessly focus in the afternoon rather than in the morning. Your nervous system is born that way!

Conclusion

Whether you’re a work-from-home expert or this is your first time trying remote work, these hacks can come in handy and help you organise your day. To be and feel accomplished, you simply need to put yourself into the “work” mindset. Use the perks remote work offers and enjoy being your own boss and setting your own rules at home.