Boost your Productivity as a Work-from-Home Freelancer.
As a work-from-home freelancer, on the one hand, you have the flexibility to create your schedule and work anywhere if you want to; on the other hand, it can be easy to get distracted and lose focus on tasks.
By developing the following habits, I’ve greatly enhanced my productivity as a work-from-home freelancer. Let’s take a look!
#1 Dress up and/or wear some makeup
Dressing up when working from home can help create a sense of professionalism and structure, increasing productivity and focus. Additionally, it separates work life from home life, making it easier to mentally “leave work” at the end of the day.
Dressing up and wearing simple makeup can also improve one’s self-confidence and overall mood, making engaging in video calls and virtual meetings easier.
#2 Wear shoes
Similar to dressing up, wearing shoes can create a mental distinction between “work mode” and “home mode”. It helps signal to your mind that it’s time to focus on work, which can increase productivity.
And, haha, it decreases the convenience of going back to bed during the day :)
#3 Start from 10 minutes, and start now
When I feel procrastination in my mind, I play this trick on my brain — I tell myself: “I’m going to sit myself down and do the work for 10 minutes; afterward, I’m free and do whatever I want.
Starting small can not only help to prevent feelings of overwhelm. But once you’ve got yourself started, you’re likely to get the momentum and keep achieving more.
#4 Change your working place occasionally
Changing your working place occasionally can have many benefits. It helps break up the monotony of working in the same location every day and helps to increase productivity and creativity.
Additionally, it can help to reduce stress and burnout and to improve overall well-being.
You can work from a different room in your home or move your workplace to your room. You can also use the local coffee shop, libraries, co-working space, and even outdoors on a sunny day.
#5 Get enough sunlight in the morning:
As a working-from-home freelancer, likely, we did not get out as much. Sunlight helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, the internal “clock” that controls the sleep-wake cycle. This can improve energy levels during the day and sleep quality during the night.
Enough sunlight can also improve human cognitive function, including memory and attention, and enhance vitamin D intake.
Use sunscreen when necessary :)
#6 Use Pomodoro study-with-me videos
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that uses a timer to break down work into intervals, typically 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. The idea is to use the time intervals, also called Pomodoro, to work on a specific task and take a short break after each one.
Pomodoro study-with-me videos are easy to find on YouTube. Using these videos can be a helpful way to stay motivated and on task while studying and take regular breaks to maintain a healthy work schedule.
Additionally, It can also be helpful to have someone to study with, which increases accountability and makes the process more enjoyable.
#7 Get workspace organized
Having an organized workspace can have many benefits for productivity and overall well-being. Some ways to organize your workspace include:
- Decluttering: Remove any unnecessary items from your workspace to eliminate distractions and free up space.
- Utilize storage: Use organizers, trays, and other storage solutions to keep your workspace neat and tidy.
- Prioritize your workspace: Keep the items that you use most often within easy reach, and put less frequently used items in more distant or harder-to-reach places.
- Personalize your workspace: Make your workspace comfortable and visually appealing; add personal touches like pictures, plants, or even a comfortable chair that makes you feel good and motivated.
#8 Jot down scattered thoughts
Jotting down scattered thoughts can be a helpful way to declutter your mind and stay focused on your tasks. Also, it can help you to keep track of your ideas, tasks, and appointments, making sure nothing important falls through the cracks.
You can keep a notebook or a digital document close by. Having a dedicated place to write down your thoughts will make it more likely that you’ll actually do it.
Furthermore, you can also make jotting down your thoughts a regular part of your routine. For example, you could do it first thing in the morning, during breaks, or before bed.
#9 Do some exercise
Regular exercise is essential for overall physical and mental well-being. Exercise can increase energy levels, making it easier to tackle tasks and stay focused throughout the day. At the same time, it stimulates the brain and improves creative thinking, which can be beneficial for problem-solving and idea generation.
It’s important to find an exercise routine that you enjoy, and that fits your lifestyle, whether it’s a low-impact activity like yoga, or walking or a high-intensity workout like running. The most important thing is to be consistent and to gradually increase the intensity and duration of the workout over time.
#10 Get hydrated
Adequate hydration is not only essential for maintaining physical performance, but improve cognitive function, including memory and attention, so staying hydrated can help to improve concentration, focus, and productivity.
I recommend starting the day off by drinking a glass of water, as your body is likely dehydrated after sleeping. Keeping water with you (such as using a bottle) will also help increase water intake. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon, lime, cucumber, or a splash of fruit juice to give it some flavor, but avoid sugary drinks that can dehydrate you.
#11 Candles
Candles can provide soft, ambient light that can help to create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere, making it easier to focus on work or study. Also, it helps to improve mood and create a sense of warmth and comfort.
