If working from home is new to you, here are 13 practical tips to create an environment for maximum focus and creativity to help you navigate with ease during the COVID19 quarantine.
See, as a freelancer working from home for the last 6 years, I’ve learned that taking the following actions help me get focused and creative, even when my family is around.
So, are you ready to get inspired? Then take some of these suggestions and make your day as productive and pleasant as possible.
After all, you’re at home and that’s a gift!
How to Create an Environment to Work at Home For Maximum Focus and Creativity
1. Tackle your family’s needs first
Prepare activities and snacks for your kids to keep them happily entertained while you work. Also, kindly ask them to stay calm and get busy with their own activities you’ve organized for them. You’ll be surprised of how understanding they can be no matter their age!
2. Designate a calm place to work
Choose a calm, well illuminated and ventilated place where you can comfortably work and keep an eye on your children.
3. Clean your work area
Take 10-15 minutes to clean and organize your work space. Discard items you don’t need or use anymore and don’t stop to examine them for too long, do this quickly.
4. Decorate with things that inspire you
If you have a place at home where you can permanently work at, decorate it with inspiring objects like plants, photos and souvenirs. Do this only once of course. So remember that you’re at home and you’re free to personalize your space!
5. Ventilate your working area
If possible, open the window (s) for a few minutes to let in some fresh air.
6. Anticipate possible interruptions and disconnect
Attend phone calls, answer emails, turn off the notifications on your phone and pause your social media apps.
7. Stay hydrated
Get yourself a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
8. Play calm sounds
Put yourself calm sounds for your ears like nature sound effects, instrumental or classical music. After all, you’re at home!
9. Dress comfortably
Wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Avoid to wear your PJs all day long.
10. Stretch your hands
Close your hands and hold for 10 seconds. Then open them and stretch your fingers the most you can holding them like that for 10 seconds. Repeat this step 3 times.
11. Get comfortable
Take a deep breath, get yourself a comfortable chair to sit on and start working!
12. Check your posture
Remember to check your posture, take breaks every 20 minutes to walk around, do sit ups or chat with your temporary colleagues (a.k.a. your kids or spouse :)).
13. Be kind and patient
Like you, your family is away from her regular daily schedule. So take deep breaths and smile every time your family comes around (or to “float around you” like we say at home) to tell you something.
I know it’s easier said than done, but remember that you’re all in the same boat. You can get through this!
You’re getting stronger
It goes without saying that these unprecedented times are throwing at us unprecedented challenges. But at the end of it, we’re learning invaluable lessons that are making us stronger every day.
I hope these tips help you to have a pleasant day working from home!
Let me know if you’re planning on doing something from this list or share in the comment area below a tip that works for you!
Take care!
P.S. Want to go deeper into learning how to effectively work from home?
Read 10 success habits I’ve learned from entrepreneurs to build their online businesses.
Estela Perez
Freelance Digital MarketerHelping entrepreneurs create and grow their online presence through Web Design, Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Management.
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