How to Stay Productive in Your Home Office

It's hard to stay productive in your home office with a multitude of distractions and temptations at home.

Working from home can actually result in greater productivity. There are also benefits such as reduced travel time, saving on fuel and meals and the comfort of working in your pj's if that's what you decide to do. Also it can help achieve a work-life balance.

There are disadvantages however. The laundry needs doing, the floors need cleaning (all of which is right in front of you when you work from home). Your children, your partner and neighbours don't understand the term 'working from home!' You try and divide your time between actually getting work done and trying to cope with all of the distractions.

It is best, if possible, to have a physical space where you are not interrupted. A space where you can work that is separate from where you live. This is important for mindset.

Additionally, to maintain balance as well as improve productivity, it is important to have work breaks. Pause, do some deep breathing, get up from your chair and stretch. Walk out your front door in the fresh air and take in your surrounding.

When creating a designated space, fill it with only the things you love. Things that bring you joy and help you feel inspired.

Here are some tips on how to make the most of productivity in your home office:

Set Up Your Office for Productivity

You can design your home office with productivity in mind. Try and have your office in a quiet area of your home. Paint your space with a soothing colour. Green is especially great for productivity.

Make sure you space has a window. Place plants and a small fountain outside your window if possible. This will give you something non-distracting and peaceful to look at.

Make enough space so that you can have everything you need to get your work done with everything close at hand.

Distractions Can Sometimes be Good

Keep your book, game app or anything you love to do close by, but out of sight. Reward yourself with short breaks with these.

Get Comfortable

It is hard to be focused and productive when you are not comfortable. Invest in a good office chair. An anti-glare screen for your computer can allow you to focus more on getting your work done.

Exercise Equipment

If you have the room, invest in resistance bands, light weights or even a small treadmill. Taking short breaks for exercise can help you lift your energy, refocus and reenergize.

Declutter

You are likely to collect all kinds of things in your office. Make it a habit to declutter at least once a week.

Resist the urge to use your office as a storage space. Decluttering often will help you stay focused.

Give Your Eyes a Break

Giving your eyes a break will make a huge difference to productivity. Reduce strain every twenty minutes and stop looking at your screen.

Work Purposely

At the start of everyday, make a list of tasks you need to complete. Cross items off the list as you go.

Be Tough With Distracting People

Gently remind people that just don't get it. Working from home still means working!

Don't answer unrelated work phone calls or answer the door. Let people know your work hours when you will be busy working. If you don't set boundaries, no one will do it for you.

Dress Like You Are Going Into the Office

Staying in you pj's is obviously up to you, but when you dress as though you are really going into the office, this will help with your mindset and your productivity.

Force yourself to get up and get ready for a regular work day. Don’t get distracted and lose track of time. You will feel more professional and ready to tackle you work.