Lose focus when working from home? Follow these tips to become more productive.
So you’re thinking about starting up a business from home. It seems like the perfect idea; you can get up when you want, you don’t have to commute, you can work in your pyjamas… the possibilities are endless. But as a home worker will you be productive or a procrastinator?
Well the truth is there is nothing more distracting than your own house. You will always find something to move or clean. The telephone will ring, the washing needs doing, or dinner needs to be prepared. When you finally sit down to work it’s already 4 pm.
If this sounds like you, don’t fear. There is hope for you yet. Here are some tips to help you stay sane and focused whilst setting up a business and working from home:
Dress for work
Put on a work outfit – it pushes your brain into work mode. Wearing your pyjamas on the other hand will put you in relaxation mode. So what you wear really is important for your productivity. Obviously you can leave out wearing the suit; jeans and a smart top will do the trick.
Go for a coffee
If you find the house too distracting, then leave! Go to the public library or a coffee shop for a couple of hours. Public libraries are quiet, warm and full of knowledge. Coffee shops often have free Wi-Fi, and more importantly, good coffee! Whichever works for you, you’ll be on your way to producing some of your finest work if you leave home at least once a week to work.
Organise
Now I don’t mean your desk. I’m talking about organising your working day with, wait for it… a ‘to-do’ list! Perhaps one of the most effective ways to organise your work; it’s immensely satisfying when you cross those tasks off the list.
Internet shopping
It’s either going to take extreme willpower or some severe website blocks to stop you having a browse. Set aside breaks in your work every couple of hours to either relax and read the paper, or do a bit of internet shopping. Set a time frame of 15-20 minutes and after that start you work again. You may even find after one break you need no more.
Join the superfast connectivity highway
Slow broadband is the bane of anyone who works online. It’s mind numbing and makes working to tight deadlines difficult – plus it’s time-consuming and can be easily fixed. Make sure you invest in a decent fibre broadband package and make sure you get the deal to suit your small business. You can find our latest deals here.
Put these tips into practice and you’ll be the next Mark Zuckerberg!
