Working from a home office requires a lot more self-discipline compared to working in a traditional office space. If you’re one of the thousands of people who work or run a business from home, then you too probably deal with distractions on a daily basis. Here are some tips to help you minimize distractions in your home office:
1. Choose a proper location.
When choosing a location for your home office, try to find a place with a door. The literal act of closing a door can help keep the distractions out. If you need a portable office, then choose the library, a coffee shop, or a similar quiet environment.
If you do not have the extra room in your house or cannot afford to leave home, consider working during hours when the house is usually quiet. Many people choose to work early in the morning or late in the evening while others in the household are sleeping.
2. Dress up.
You may be working from home, but that doesn’t mean you should wear sweatpants all day. Of course, you don’t need to dress in business attire either. Keeping yourself properly groomed will help you stay in an appropriate, productive frame of mind.
3. Create a to-do list on a daily basis.
Create a manageable list of tasks to complete each day. A to-do list will not only give you a sense of accountability, but will give you a sense of accomplishment each time a task is crossed off your list. It helps to work on high priority tasks first and work on easier things later.
4. Set office hours and stick to them.
It can be difficult to get work done when your kids keep asking you to play with them or when a friend drops by for an unexpected visit. Set office hours for yourself, and make sure your family and friends know about these hours.
5. Set aside time for breaks.
Allot a few minutes every now and then for a quick break. Use the time to go for a walk, check your personal emails and social networking sites, chat with friends, spend time with the kids, or play a quick computer game. You’ll be less tempted to do these things if you know you have specific times in the day allotted for a little fun.
Try these five tips on minimizing distractions and you may just find yourself more focused and more productive in your home office than ever before.
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