This article was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
With more and more business owners and solopreneurs working remotely from home, it’s natural to seek out the best ways to optimize our work experience. Without the structure of an office, there are so many more possibilities to work in a way that better suits us — and for getting distracted.
It’s up to each of us to design our day to enhance our productivity and wellbeing. Yet sometimes no matter what we do to be more productive it’s still possible to feel overwhelmed, and that’s okay. It’s important to seek support when we’re feeling overwhelmed or not getting the results we want in our life. Online therapy is one option, which some people prefer over traditional in-person therapy for its ease of use and convenience.
Just don’t be afraid to seek help. Take all the steps you need to learn more about being productive and mentally healthy, and don’t beat yourself up if you need to seek professional help. We hope these tips help fine-tune your home office workday to be more productive and improve your mental wellbeing.
Set Your Work Hours
Traditionally, jobs have a start time when you show up and you have to work a certain number of hours per week. But remote work can often offer some flexibility from the standard 9-to-5, which means it’s important to know what time you need to start work each day. Starting later in the day can sound fun, until you have to work until 1am to finish your tasks. Keeping a regular schedule helps you maintain your productivity and avoid late-night work sessions and burnout.
Have a Dedicated Workspace When Working Remotely
While it may seem like working at the dining room table is a clever way to avoid buying office furniture, it’s more difficult to feel focused in an area that’s used for multiple purposes. It’s also less productive. Whenever possible experts recommend setting up a dedicated workspace area.
Of course it’s not always possible, and sometimes the kitchen table will have to do. In this case, make sure to set up your pencil cup, or whatever office supplies you like to use, next to your computer every day. Having items that visually reinforce your workspace helps to remind you you’re in work mode — even at the dining room table.
Take Breaks to Refresh Throughout the Day
When you’re at work in the office, it’s normal to take a lunch break and an afternoon break. So why do we feel like we need to work straight through the day without breaks while working from home? It’s important to give yourself permission to take breaks when you work remotely. A quick walk in the park for your lunch break could give you the reset you need to get more accomplished later in the day.
Set Boundaries You Don’t Cross
It’s easier to get distracted at home, and start thinking about cleaning the garage or cooking dinner. There’s just so many more temptations when your day isn’t as structured, it seems like you should be able to sneak in a little social media or shopping during the day. Yet that lost time can catch up to you.
Be aware of things that can be productivity killers for you, and make those the activities you avoid during the work day. Find ways to put hard limits on activities that interrupt your work, like blocking Amazon and social media apps during work hours.
Add Plants to Your Home Office
According to research, the simple act of having a plant on your desk or seeing plants around your workspace can make people 15% more productive. Keeping plants around your home work area is an easy, inexpensive way to enjoy your environment more. Put a plant on your desk, and bring more plants into your work life with screensaver pics and artwork around your office.
Parting Thoughts
Remote work has become a way of life for many, but each of us has the responsibility of managing ourselves and our work day. When you take the opportunity to intentionally design your day and your work area, you’re giving yourself structure that can better support your mental health and productivity. Start thinking about what you can do to improve your remote working life today, and start planning a better tomorrow.
