subject: Are You Finding Working From Home a Drag? Here are 5 Tips to Make the Most Out of It [print this page] Are You Finding Working From Home a Drag? Here are 5 Tips to Make the Most Out of It
Wake up when you want, set your own work hours, no boss to hang around you - these are some of the factors that make people opt for a "work at home" lifestyle and ditch their day job. However, things seem pretty distant from what they thought it would be when the initial few months pass off. Handling additional responsibilities, running errands, overcoming distractions, getting "burned out", all make them ponder whether they made the right decision.The fact is that working from home is just that...work. There is no greater feeling in the world than being able to work from home. You do get more time with your family and you have more time for yourself. But to remain productive and enjoy the many benefits of working from home, you need to begin defining the line between work and home. Here are 5 ways to make the most out of your "Work from Home" life.Define A Workspace For Your Home OfficeAlthough it is tempting to work on the couch or laying in bed, you really should set aside a space in your home specifically for your office. Having a work area that has all of your business needs helps you to stay organized and stay focused on the task of running your home business. When you work from any room in the house, you can easily become distracted by the television, refrigerator or even the dog. By having a specified space in your home, you put yourself in a mind set that work is about to begin.Yes, You Must Get Dressed...At Least a LittleOne of the ads going around for work at home opportunities talks about making money in your pajamas. While that does sound pleasant, it is not a good idea to work all day in your pajamas or the same sweats day after day. Take the time to enjoy your morning cup of coffee with your spouse or outside on the patio. Then take the time to put on a pair of jeans and a collared shirt or simple blouse. You will change your mindset just by doing this simple act, and increase your productivity.Set Up Your HoursWorking from home allows you to work when you want and how long you want to each day. Obviously, the more time you spend building your business, the more rewards you will reap. But keep in mind also that many of your clients or business contacts do keep regular business hours. Try to create a schedule that not only helps your clients to contact you but also gives you the freedom you wish from working from home. Many home workers rise early in the morning and work until noon. They take long lunches, go to the gym or do some other personal relaxation. They often will go back to working on their business later in the afternoon until they feel like stopping for the evening. Even though you may chose when to work, it is vital that you establish some sort of schedule.Learn The Word "No" QuicklyWhen family and friends know that you work from home, they believe you have all the time in the world. They ask you to do this or do that. they need rides and somebody to babysit. While it is nice to help friends and family out from time to time, you must also ensure that you are not being taken away from your business. You are going to have to learn to say "no" to helping out all the time or having friends visit every day at all hours of the day. People may get upset temporarily, but they must respect that you are running a home business and not just staying at home. Friends and family soon realize that it is still work and they will respect your decisions.Take BreaksYes I know the refrigerator is only a few steps away any time you want a refreshment. But those few steps four times an hour will keep you from getting into a "zone" and prevent you from being fully productive. By the same token, our mind and body needs a rest every couple of hours from our work. See to it that you take a small break after every hour or so. This gives you an opportunity to get away from your office, get a small stretch and be free for a while. Make it a point not to go near your office space during your breaks. Enjoy the time away from the desk. You will find that you have more energy and will accomplish more throughout the day.When you stay productive throughout your work day, you spend less time "catching up" on business. The more productive you become, the more time you get to spend on things that actually made you to work from home...spending time with family. Do these few things that will help separate your work life from home life, and create a mindset that encourages productivity. Your home business will prosper and you will prosper, without pulling your hair out in the meantime.
