Nowadays, businesses need to integrate modern technology into their operations. As such, we see more and more employees working from home.
This setup may look admirable. However, being an effective remote employee requires self-discipline. To do that, you will need a dedicated workspace where you can get things done in peace.
However, self-discipline while working from home is more than just setting up a work table and an office chair. It can help if you build a routine and set boundaries.
That said, here are eight things you need to keep in mind if you want to build self-discipline while working from home.
Designate a workspace
Designating a specific room or area in your place that you can use consistently as your workplace is essential.
Compared to working from your bed or couch, which is often related to leisure and relaxation, an office table and chair give you the right frame of mind.
Moreover, sitting for long periods on a couch or lying on the bed for hours is not great for your back. It makes you prone to unplanned naps even during working hours, either.
Dress up properly
What we’re wearing also affects how we behave. Let’s say that you’re in your loungewear or PJs. It makes one prone to laziness.
Now, if we dress in proper clothing types, it communicates in our mind to stop fooling around. Being dressed for work also expands one’s efficiency.
Avoid home distractions
Ideally, it can help if you choose an area that’s free from distractions. We’re talking about clutter, TV, or your family member seeking your unwarranted attention.
If your place permits it, pick a separate room with a door of its own so that you can set up a clear delineation between “work” and “home.”
However, this isn’t always possible in some cases because of space constraints. Pets and family members can also be some of the few distractions that you might encounter.
So make sure that you plan. If you have kids, plan their activities and child care. Also, have readily available snacks for consumption.
Create a daily routine
Another way to develop self-discipline while working from home is to build a work schedule and create a routine.
However, if you’re working from home, it’s not always black and white. This kind of work setup can blur the line between your personal and work-life. This is where having a schedule can come in handy.
At Maid Sailors, we recommend adding “cleaning the home office” to your routine. That way, you can always start and end your day with a clean work desk.
That’s why it’s crucial that you develop your work schedule, set achievable goals, and stick to them. Doing so lets you keep up with the work-life balance and makes you more disciplined at work.
Track your performance
Regularly monitor your work performance. If you think that there’s more room for improvement, you need to develop strategies to improve your work.
If specific tasks take a lot of your time, you might think of ways to boost your speed and efficiency. The more you can increase your speed, the more time you’ll be saving.
Take regular breaks
Give yourself regular breaks. If you’re working in an office setup, breaks usually happen naturally since your colleagues are close.
You’ll likely have meetings in conference rooms and eat lunch in the cafeteria. But if you’re working from home, you’re the one that needs to come up with your breaks.
Eat and drink well
Eating healthy helps boost your energy levels and makes it easier for you to focus.
Fill your diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and moderate amounts of protein. Your diet should also be filled with healthy fats and low in carbs and sugar, as it can cause energy crashes.
You should also ensure that you’re well-hydrated throughout the day.
Take a walk
Finally, it’s pretty difficult for someone to stay at home 24/7 all the time. Make sure that you constantly head outside for a run, meet up with friends, walk your dog, or take a quick walk in your neighborhood.
Make sure that you ensure that you’re always going out of the house from time to time.
Over to You
Due to technological advancements, we can now do our work within the comforts of our homes. However, it can be a struggle to stay productive when your bed is calling you.
That said, it would be best to follow the work-from-home tips listed above. Doing so allows you to develop self-discipline while working from home.
Jacky Xu is the Chief Operations Officer of Maid Sailors Cleaning Services Austin, an Airbnb cleaning service provider originally based in New York City. Maid Sailors offers its customers unrivaled vacation rental cleaning services that can address even the toughest cleaning needs matched with affordable prices.
