According to a 2018 FlexJobs survey, 80% of people said that having a more flexible schedule was the top benefit of working from home. While this is great news for those who want to create their own schedule, it can also lead to loneliness and a lack of motivation. Working remotely can be isolating – you don’t have colleagues around you or a supervisor to keep you on track.
In this article, we will discuss ways to stay motivated and overcome loneliness when working from home. We will also provide tips on how to create an inspiring workspace and set attainable goals. Additionally, we will touch on the importance of taking breaks and engaging in activities outside of work.
How to Stay Motivated
Having a clear motivation is essential for success. Set achievable goals that are measurable and have deadlines, break them up into smaller tasks, and track your progress regularly. Create a plan of action to stay on top of tasks and stick to them.
Many people find that writing down their goals helps keep them focused and motivated. Identify what motivates you – is it grabbing something sweet from a coffee shop after finishing a task, or celebrating milestones with friends? Whatever it is, writing down your motivation will help you stay on track and work through any challenges.
Creating an Inspiring Workspace
Your workspace is important in helping to stay motivated and productive. Invest in the things that will make your workspace more comfortable and inspiring, such as plants and artwork.
Since we are spending more time looking at screens, position your monitor so that it’s not directly in front of you and make sure your workspace is well-lit. Use headphones or noise-canceling earbuds to block out distractions from family members or roommates while you work.
When creating your workspace, think about the things that make you feel comfortable. That may mean having coffee handy at all times, or a cozy blanket draped over your chair.
Taking Breaks and Social Connection
Taking breaks is important for productivity and mental health. Set a timer throughout the day to remind yourself to take a break every hour. This could be to grab a snack or simply step away from your desk and move.
Additionally, try to build meaningful connections with peers. Schedule regular video calls with colleagues, participate in industry events (if possible), or join online groups that are relevant to your line of work. Having social interaction can help stave off loneliness and motivate you to dedicate more time to your work.
Utilizing Time-Management Strategies
Time-management strategies are also important for staying productive and motivated. Make sure you have a good balance between work, rest, and leisure time. Schedule your days in advance to ensure you don’t waste valuable time deciding what to do next.
Create an end-of-day routine that will help transition from work mode to home mode. This may be something simple, like taking a few moments to meditate or writing down your thoughts before heading out for the day.
You can also download productivity apps to keep track of your tasks, such as ToDoist or Toggl. These tools can help you stay organized and motivated throughout the day.
Prioritizing Self-Care for Overall Wellbeing
Finally, don’t forget to prioritize self-care. This means taking time to rest and recharge, engaging in activities outside of work, and allowing yourself to take breaks throughout the day. Self-care can help reduce stress levels which often leads to increased productivity and motivation.
The experience of working from home has its challenges, but with a few tips and tricks, you can stay motivated and overcome loneliness. Set achievable goals, create an inspiring workspace, take breaks, engage in activities outside of work, and prioritize self-care for overall well-being.
With these strategies in mind, you’ll be able to make the most out of your work-from-home experience.
Do you want to add any other tips that help you stay motivated and productive while working from home? Share them with us in the comments!
