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Working from home is a beautiful thing.
There’s no need to spend an hour getting dressed in the morning. You don’t have to deal with traffic or other commuters.
It doesn’t even matter if it’s raining, snowing, or blistering hot aside. When you don’t have to leave the house, your morning routine is a cinch!
But for those of you that are new to the concept of working from home, it takes some getting used to.And it all starts with having a home office that makes it easy to get work done.
Ready to create a home office that inspires you to want to work every day? Here are seven tips to be happier and more productive in your home office.
Not everyone has the luxury of having a spare bedroom that they can turn into an office. But the best way to be happy and productive working from home means having a space that’s designated just for work.
If converting a spare bedroom or a guest room into an office isn’t an option, you’ll need to get creative.
We’ve seen people turn basements, garages, and even closets into office spaces.
So identify some area of your home that’s quiet and conducive to getting work done. It can be tricky if you live in a tiny studio apartment, but all you really need is a corner that’s big enough to fit a chair and a small desk.
Find a place that’s quiet and free from distractions. You'll get a lot more done that way than if you work on your laptop from your couch in front of the TV.
For most people, it’s easier to be more productive in a clean, neat space, so take the time to declutter and streamline your workspace.
Take a look around your home office. Throw out (or donate) anything that’s not necessary, so you have a clean slate. Most people that work from home only need the essentials: a laptop, a pen, a notepad, and a phone.
Keep what you need and get rid of anything you don’t. The less clutter you have, the easier it will be to find the things you need, and the more productive you will be.
You’ll work for more extended periods (and thereby be more productive) if you’re comfortable while you’re working. So, try to find the right furniture for your office space.
Get an ergonomic office chair, a bean bag chair, a floor cushion – what makes you comfortable.
Just make sure you don’t sit all the time. If possible, get a height-adjustable desk that offers flexibility. That way, you can stand and work for a few hours rather than sitting in the same position all day.
Your home office must inspire you to want to work. And one way to get inspired is to surround yourself with things that motivate you and make you happy.
Decorate your home office with plants. Display your vintage toy collection on shelves on the wall. Frame motivational quotes or inspiring artwork on the wall above your desk.
The trick is to make your home office a place you want to spend time in. And the more time you spend there, the more work you’re likely to get done.
Do you have a window in your office? If so, open up the blinds, pull back the curtains, and let the sunshine in! Consider upgrading to automatic blind to effortlessly adjust the amount of natural light entering your workspace throughout the day.
Sunlight helps the brain release serotonin, which boosts your mood and helps you feel more focused. Sunlight is also a source of Vitamin D, which we all know is good for overall health.
The healthier and more concentrated you are, the happier and the more productive you will be.
Organisation is the key to being productive.
Why? Because when things are in their place, you don’t have to waste time looking for something you need.
Your printer, printer paper, reference manuals, contact lists … whatever you use regularly, keep it within easy reach.
From your pens to your phone charger, your most often-used items should be within arm’s reach. The closer things are to you, the less time you’ll waste having to get up and walk across the room to get what you need.
In the mood for a little DIY?
Build yourself a wooden organiser with multiple trays to hold memos, calendars, invoices, and other paperwork. You can label it, paint it, and customise it any way you like.
An organiser with individual slots is perfect for separating things you need to do from something you’ve already done.
When you work from home, having strong, fast, and reliable Wi-Fi is a must.
It’s also vital that your home office has enough outlets so you can plug in and charge your devices when you need to.
Without a fast internet connection like Hughesnet internet and charging capabilities, working from home will be a challenge. If need be, upgrade your Wi-Fi with your internet service provider. Hire an electrician to install more outlets. If you're not sure about your internet speeds then do a quick search for "internet available in my area" and you'll be able to see what speeds and providers are available to you in your local area.
If you rely on technology to do your job, as so many people that work from home do, you’ll need it to work at peak performance levels. (Just like you!)
Whether you’ve always worked from home or you’re doing it now to social distance, it’s crucial to stay on task.
Remember, working from home does not mean sitting in front of the TV all day. That can be tempting, especially in the beginning, but you have to learn how to discipline yourself.
If you want to be happier and more productive in your home office, here’s what you need to do:
Working from home is a fantastic experience, and once you learn how to be productive at it, you’ll never want to step foot in an office building again!
Author bio:
Carron oversees all aspects of operations at Midtown Commons at Crestview Station. Carron brings years of experience to the community to effectively and efficiently handle the concerns and needs of the customer.
Photo by Ken Tomita from Pexels