More and more of us are working from home and using a space somewhere in our house as our work space.
However, when you work from home, managing your time can be tricky. From work deadlines to daily household chores to taking care of the kids, there never seems to be enough time in a day. Time management is a skill that can be learned, so I’ve put together a few tips to help you do just that.
Begin Each Day With A To-Do List
Whether you work from home or in an office, beginning each workday with a to-do list helps you prioritize tasks and be productive. Sticky notes come in handy for this tip because they can be posted anywhere you’re likely to see them as you go about your day. When you wake up, physically create a list of tasks you’d like to complete that day and assign a timeline to each as this helps you stay focused and on schedule.
Leave The TV Off
Just as you can’t watch TV at the office, you shouldn’t have it on when working from home either. If you just can’t start your day without the daily news and weather report, that’s fine. Watch it and then turn the TV off. If you use your TV as background noise, opt instead for some soft instrumental music instead to reduce the temptation to watch the TV screen.
Routines Are Good But Be Flexible, Too
Adults and children alike benefit from regular routines. Whether it’s a bedtime routine for kids or a “time to make phone calls” routine for you, try to stick to routines that make your job easier. On the other hand, working from home can be unpredictable, especially if you have kids. It’s important to be flexible in your routines to compensate for things that can and will arise unexpectedly.
Allow For Exercise In Your Work Schedule
Working from home usually means a sedentary lifestyle. Stress and inactivity can lead to serious health issues over time, so it’s important you take time each week to get moving. Whether it’s taking a walk outside or hitting the gym a few times a week, be sure you’re staying active to alleviate stress, lower your blood pressure, and keep fit.
Dedicate Space To Your Work-At-Home Office
One of the best ways to motivate you to stay productive is to have a dedicated space from which to work. It could be a separate room or just a section of a room but be sure it’s only purpose is as your workspace. Decorate the area in a way that makes you happy, and only use it when it’s time to work. Ideally, you’ll work specific hours that allow you to walk away from your workspace, so you get a break from the “office” as you would if you worked outside the home.
The tips above are just a few to help you manage your time wisely when you work from home. When you take care of yourself and have a specific direction for each day, managing your time from your home office is much easier.
- Justin
