I was talking with my friend Kristi the other day who just took a 4-day vacation from work to stay home and get TO DOs done that she had fallen behind on. I
asked her how productive she was.
Her reply was, "Not very. It's just so distracting for me to be home and get anything done. I admittedly sat on the sofa for a good part of my time off
watching programs I had recorded. I'm actually pretty angry with myself because my kids will be home from school for the summer during the day soon. If I can't get motivated to get stuff done now when they're in school, how will I ever do so when they're home?"
Being at home, and not on a regular work or
school schedule, can present its own set of unique challenges when it comes to productivity. Distractions can abound and it can be challenging to stay focused and motivated.
You may have a long list of TO DOs calling your name. The laundry is likely staring you down, begging for your attention. You may
have young kids living at home who are too young to fend for themselves or older kids who you're desperately trying to coax off of their phones and outside for some fresh air.
And then there are the "fun distractions," like Facebook and the TV.
Still, with some intentional planning and discipline, it's entirely possible to be productive when you're at home. Here are 6 tips to help you get on a more organized track:
1) Set crystal-clear goals and break them down. It's important to have a clear idea of what you need to accomplish each day, whether it's completing certain TO DOs, finishing a project, or researching and planning for something (like a trip or a home renovation project.)
Set specific goals for each day (not too many...be realistic) and break them down into small chunks. For example: rather then organizing the entire kitchen, one goal could be organizing one cabinet.
2) Establish a routine: One of the biggest challenges of being home is maintaining a consistent routine. It can be very easy to lose track of time and get distracted.
To combat this, create a daily routine that includes you doing your TO DOs on regularly designated days and at scheduled times on those days, like dusting on Monday morning, then working on a desk project, then doing your laundry, then checking email, etc. and so on for the other days of the week.
Be sure to include breaks and meal times when working out this schedule for yourself.
While you can certainly break free from your routine, now and then, for an
appointment (or a fun coffee date with a friend), having your routine worked out will help you stay on track and create a sense of structure.
3) Don't do your "desk work" on your couch or bed. When it comes to "desk work," such as paying bills, reading insurance forms, or keeping your
health care paperwork properly sorted, it can be tempting to work from your couch or bed. These areas, however, are associated with relaxation and can hinder your productivity.
Instead,
designate a specific area in your home for desk work, ideally a room or corner that you can set up with a desk, chair, and any necessary equipment. This will help you mentally separate "work" from leisure and create a more productive atmosphere.
4) Minimize distractions: Being at home
can come with a lot of distractions, whether it's social media, household chores, or tending to family members.
To minimize these, turn off your phone or set it to 'Do Not Disturb' mode
during task/work hours. Consider using noise-canceling headphones to block out background noise when appropriate.
Communicate with family members or roommates about the importance of
uninterrupted task time. Be sure younger kids have their own routines that include structured time for work, play, and relaxation.
5) Take breaks: It's important to take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout and maintain productivity. Take short breaks every 30 minutes or so
to stretch, move around, sip some water, or grab a snack. This will help you stay focused and avoid fatigue.
6) Stay connected: Being at home can be isolating, especially if you live alone, so it's important to stay connected with colleagues, friends, and family. Schedule video or phone
calls to stay in touch and to maintain a sense of community. This will help you be more motivated and engaged throughout the day.
In conclusion, being productive at home requires intentional planning and discipline. By setting clear goals, establishing a routine, designating "work" areas and "relax
areas," minimizing distractions, taking breaks, and staying connected, you can stay motivated and engaged throughout the day, while getting a whole lot accomplished.