Since my schedule has changed this year – I am now finished teaching at 1 pm – I have been adjusting to working on my blog and writing in the afternoons at home. It used to be that I’d squeeze in this work during in-between times, and I was never able to dedicate as much time to these pursuits as I wanted. But now that I have long afternoons, I am finding a new challenge – working, uninterrupted, without getting distracted by house tasks or text messages.
And so, I asked for your best tips, and you answered! The question: How do you stay productive while working from home?
@femmefataledc: I work at it every day. In the morning, I knock out 5 small to-dos. After those are complete, I focus on 3 bigger projects. I allow 30 minutes for emails, twice a day.
@freshwaterpeaches: I have to lock myself away from any distractions! I’ve learned that working from home is not as easy as it sounds. I try to leave my phone away so I can get “in the zone.” And realistic to-do lists help too!
@healthymealsbycamille: I’m obsessed with time blocking using a time cube! Learned this method from @theskinnyconfidential. Highly recommend the productivity podcast she did recently. And she has several blog posts with amazing productivity tips! Also love making a to-do list every day with 5-6 things that have to get done that day. Then using the time cube to execute your list.
@love.amy.blog: I’ve found that at the beginning of the week, if I set myself a schedule for each day and keep myself accountable, I am productive. Accountability can be the hardest part, especially when the couch is calling your name! Also, taking walks helps to refresh and get you back on track.
@thenashvillemom: It is hard to focus sometimes, but I try to have certain writing times planned.
@thecampinglibrarian: Hide your phone, laptop, and remote control!
@briticorn: You must take breaks! I have to go to Starbucks to get out, or I will keep working until 9. Especially if your work is virtual. Block scheduling also helps… so does staying off Instagram, but we are human!
@hollybmurphy: I like to plan out my day hour-by-hour! It helps me stay focused on the task at hand until I move to the next thing.
@naturalaw: Create a visual schedule the night before and block out chunks of time. I got the tip from reading Deep Work, and it has been a miracle!
@thebelovedbride: Keep a strict schedule.
@makiahrea: When I worked from home, a big thing for me was having WORK time separate from HOME time. Creating a space that’s separate from where you eat and watch TV helps your brain treat that area like an “office.”
Thank you all for sharing your advice!
There’s still one thing I’ve been pondering. If your work happens on your phone or computer (as some of mine does), it’s not so easy to ignore those devices or have them out of the room. I plan on creating a schedule for myself as well as designating a work area at home, and seeing how that works. If you work from home, too (at least sometimes), let me know what works best for you in the comments!
P.S. I like these prioritization tips from theSkimm.