Hey there sea changers and welcome to my post where we will discuss my 6 productivity tips for working from home this year so you can stay focused and get more done.  As we know, working from home has many benefits, from flexibility to increased autonomy. However, it can also present a unique set of challenges, including managing distractions, staying motivated, and avoiding burnout.

I know from personal experience that whilst there is the obvious freedom to choose when and how you get your work done, there are also just as many hazards to get in the way of productivity as well.  So let’s have a look as I share some productivity hacks  to help you stay focused and get more done.

Creating a dedicated workspace is essential if you want to stay focused and productive. When you have a dedicated workspace, you have a physical and mental separation between work and home life. This helps you stay in work mode and avoid distractions that can hinder productivity.

Here are some tips for creating a dedicated workspace:

1. Choose the right location: The first step in creating a dedicated workspace is choosing the right location. Ideally, you want to choose a space that is quiet, free from distractions, and has good lighting. If possible, choose a space with a door that you can close to help minimize noise and distractions.
2. Invest in a comfortable chair and desk: Comfort is key when it comes to creating a productive workspace. Invest in a comfortable chair and desk that will support your body and help you stay focused for longer periods of time.
3. Get organized: A cluttered workspace can be distracting and hinder productivity. Take the time to declutter and organize your workspace. This can include getting rid of unnecessary items, filing paperwork, and organizing your supplies.
4. Personalize your space: Adding personal touches to your workspace can help make it feel more comfortable and inviting. This could include adding a plant, a family photo, or artwork that inspires you.
5. Minimize distractions: It’s important to minimize distractions in your workspace. This could include turning off your phone or putting it on silent, using noise-cancelling headphones to block out background noise, or using a website blocker to limit access to distracting websites.
6. Consider your equipment needs: Make sure your workspace has all the equipment you need to be productive. This could include a computer, printer, and other essential tools and supplies.

Remember, everyone’s ideal workspace will be different, so take the time to create a space that works for you. By creating a dedicated workspace that is comfortable, organized, and free from distractions, you’ll be better able to stay focused and productive while working from home.

Check out these: Ergonomic desks for the home office

Setting a schedule and sticking to it is a key productivity hack for remote workers. When you work from home, it’s easy to get distracted or lose track of time, which can lead to procrastination and a lack of productivity. Having a set schedule can help you stay on track and ensure that you’re making progress on your work.

Here are some tips for setting a schedule and sticking to it:

1. Define your work hours: The first step in setting a schedule is defining your work hours. Decide on the hours you’ll be working and stick to them as much as possible. This will help you establish a routine and stay focused during your designated work time.
2. Prioritize your tasks: When you’re setting your schedule, it’s important to prioritize your tasks. Decide which tasks are the most important and schedule them during your peak productivity hours. This will help ensure that you’re making progress on your most important work.
3. Take regular breaks: Taking regular breaks is important for staying productive and avoiding burnout. Schedule breaks into your workday, and make sure to take them. Use this time to stretch, take a walk, or do something else that helps you recharge.
4. Use a timer: Using a timer can be a helpful way to stay on track and ensure that you’re using your time effectively. Set a timer for each task or work session, and use it to stay focused and avoid distractions.
5. Communicate your schedule: If you’re working with others, it’s important to communicate your schedule. Let your colleagues or clients know when you’ll be available and when you won’t. This will help you avoid interruptions and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
6. Be flexible: Finally, it’s important to be flexible with your schedule. Things come up, and you may need to adjust your schedule from time to time. Don’t be too rigid with your schedule, but make sure that you’re still getting your work done and making progress towards your goals.

At the end of the day, by defining your work hours, prioritizing your tasks, taking regular breaks, using a timer, communicating your schedule, and being flexible, you can stay on track and ensure that you’re making progress on your work.

There are many apps and tools available that can help you stay productive while working from home. From time-tracking apps like Toggl to task management tools like Asana, there’s no shortage of options. Find the ones that work best for you and use them to stay organized and on track.

Here are some tools that can help:

Project Management Tools:

Project management tools can help you stay organized, manage tasks and track progress. Here are some popular project management tools:

• Asana: Asana is a web-based task management tool that allows you to create tasks, assign them to team members, and track progress.
• Trello: Trello is a visual project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to organize tasks and collaborate with team members.
• Basecamp: Basecamp is a project management tool that includes features like to-do lists, message boards, and file sharing.

Time-Tracking Tools:

Time-tracking tools can help you monitor how much time you spend on different tasks and improve your time management skills. Here are some popular time-tracking tools:

• Toggl: Toggl is a time-tracking tool that allows you to track how much time you spend on different tasks and generate reports.
• RescueTime: RescueTime is a time-tracking tool that automatically tracks the time you spend on different websites and applications and provides detailed reports.

Communication Tools:

Communication tools can help you stay connected with colleagues and clients, even when you’re working remotely. Here are some popular communication tools:

• Slack: Slack is a messaging app that allows you to communicate with colleagues in real-time, share files, and integrate with other productivity tools.
• Zoom: Zoom is a video conferencing tool that allows you to have face-to-face conversations with colleagues or clients, no matter where you are.
• Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams is a communication and collaboration platform that includes chat, video conferencing, and file sharing features.

Check out these: Webinar and Meeting Software Platforms

File-Sharing Tools:

File-sharing tools can help you collaborate on documents and share files with colleagues or clients. Here are some popular file-sharing tools:

• Google Drive: Google Drive is a cloud-based file-sharing tool that allows you to create and share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with others.
• Dropbox: Dropbox is a cloud-based file-sharing tool that allows you to store and share files with others.
• OneDrive: OneDrive is a file-sharing tool that is integrated with Microsoft Office and allows you to store and share files in the cloud.

The trick here is to choose the tools that can best assist in getting your work done quickly and effectively – oh, and most of these are free as well!

We discussed above the importance of setting a clear schedule when working from home. The next part of this is understanding that regardless of that schedule it’s easy to get distracted by the general goings on at home. To avoid this, you will need to manage distractions.

This can be achieved by such behaviors as the following:

• Turn off notifications: Turn off notifications on your phone and computer to avoid getting distracted by social media or other non-work-related apps.
• Set boundaries with family or housemates: Let your family or housemates know when you’ll be working and ask them to respect your work time.
• Use noise-cancelling headphones: Use noise-cancelling headphones to block out background noise and help you stay focused.
• Limit your time on social media: Set a specific time limit for checking social media or other websites that may be distracting, and stick to it.
• Chores aren’t on your schedule: One of the biggest distractions I have found is getting side tracked on such chores and the laundry or dishes etc. Try and block these out as best you can, or do them in your break time.

Taking breaks and moving your body is crucial for maintaining productivity and avoiding burnout. Take regular breaks to stretch, go for a walk, do some light exercise – or even those chores we just talked about. This will help you clear your mind and come back to your work refreshed.

This can include:

• Stretching: Take regular breaks to stretch your muscles and improve circulation. Try some simple stretches like neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and wrist and ankle rotations.
• Walking: Take a walk outside to get some fresh air and clear your mind. You can take a short walk around your neighborhood, or a longer walk in a nearby park.
• Exercise: Incorporate some exercise into your daily routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes. You can do some simple exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups, or follow along with a fitness video on YouTube.
• Yoga or Pilates: Practice some yoga or Pilates to improve your flexibility, balance, and core strength. There are many online classes and videos available that you can follow along with.
• Meditation: Take a few minutes to meditate and focus on your breath. Meditation can help you reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your focus and productivity.
• Dancing: Take a break and dance to your favorite music. Dancing is a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your mood.
• Desk Exercises: Do some simple exercises at your desk to improve your posture and relieve tension. You can do some shoulder rolls, wrist stretches, and leg extensions.

Alternatively, you can try the Pomodoro technique. This is a time-management method that involves working for 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. This can help you stay focused and avoid burnout while also giving you a sense of progress and accomplishment.

And finally, working from home can be isolating, which can impact productivity and motivation. To combat this, stay connected with colleagues through regular video calls, messaging apps, or virtual coffee breaks. This can help you stay motivated and engaged in your work.

In conclusion, working from home presents unique challenges, but with the right productivity hacks and strategies, you can stay focused and get more done. Whether it’s creating a dedicated workspace, using productivity apps, or taking regular breaks, these tips can help you stay productive and avoid burnout while working from home.

Do you want further assistance with any of the above or need help to build your own online business so that you can work from home?

Are you looking for a comprehensive training platform that can give you step by step training, 24/7 support, tools to develop and host your very own website, ongoing assistance with SEO and social media and access to some of the best affiliate marketing minds on the planet, then click on the following link to read more about Wealthy Affiliate.

Until next time

Have fun

Paul

Note: If you make a purchase from this page, there is a very good chance that I make a commission from it – these commissions do not increase your sale price. This may include sales made via Wealthy Affiliate.