*This is not a sponsored post. All opinions belong to jenny at dapperhouse.
Are you a person who accomplishes more with the music on and too many tabs open on your computer? Or do you need peace and quiet and a detailed list to get your work done? The best way to be productive anywhere is to find your own balance of things that help you work most efficiently. Working from home can be a huge success because you have the opportunity to control more variables. Here are some strategies and ideas that will help you work more productively from your home office.
1. Create a comfortable environment. You don’t want to work from your couch wrapped up in a cozy blanket or you might not get much done. If you are sitting in an uncomfortable chair with the sun in your eyes, you are not going to be productive either. Create a comfort level that provides optimum focus throughout your work time and adjust as needed. Consider these factors:
- Invest in a comfortable office furniture like a comfortable chair and adjust it to the right height for your legs and desk.
- Control the temperature in the room so that you are not too hot or too cold. Buy a fan and space heater to help with this.
- Up your oxygen and fresh air by opening windows when it is nice out and by growing potted plants in your office. Get an air purifier if your home office has a concentration of allergens or pollution.
- Sound has a huge influence on mood and productivity. You can use white noise to drown out distracting sounds. Put calming background music or nature sounds on low to relieve tension. Use upbeat music to get you motivated and moving out of a slump.
Keep food and drinks on hand. Make certain that you have a stash of healthy choices in your home office. While we all need a bit of chocolate now and then, unhealthy options drain our bodies of strength and focus. Time can really get away from you when you work from home. Don’t look up at the clock and realize you haven’t eaten for many hours because you couldn’t break away. Plan ahead a bit for success and your health. Here are some supplies to have near your desk:
- bottled water
- carbonated water
- fresh fruits and vegetables
- nuts and seeds
- protein bars
- peanut butter (with celery, carrots, whole grain crackers)
- mint flavored chewing gum
- caffeinated beverages (if you need them) like soda or coffee
Don’t sabotage yourself when you work at home! Take responsibility for your own work space and health. Invest in the things that you need each day to be more productive and focused.
Here are some of the things that I have in my home office:
1. comfortable, adjustable chair
2. white noise & nature sounds machine
3. shelf stocked with flavored waters and protein bars
4. space heater and fan to adjust the room temperature
5. plants to purify and oxygenate the air
What are your tips for being more productive?
Jennifer Sikora
That clutter free background is definitely something I need to work on. I don’t even have desk space to work at. My hubby has taken over it with his papers.
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
Turn the tv off! I love the background noise, but end up getting sucked into what ever is on.
Jennifer
These are great tips. I generally stay on task, but anything I can do to be more productive is always a plus!
Melissa Pezza
I recently started keeping healthy snacks on hand when I work, and I’ve noticed a real difference in my energy level and my mental acuity.
Ninja Mommers
These are all fabulous tips! I totally need to ensure I follow the healthy snack one. 🙂
Amanda
I love the idea of having drinks and healthy snacks on hand. This would probably help me cut out a lot of the junk food and less snacking.
Autumn @Mamachallenge
These are really great tips! Although, I think my dog would be busy trying to eat my snacks than just keeping me company.
Shauna
Ha, I wish I had some advice… Ha! We do have a mini fridge up here which makes life easy for me when working.
Shelley Zurek
I am more productive if no one is around EATING and talking. I am also much more productive if there is nothing good to eat in the house. Otherwise my mind just keeps going “Hey, lets get some chips!”
Amber Edwards
I am so much more productive if I have a comfortable working chair. Right now mine is so not comfortable!
Brittany C. at Mom. Wife. Busy Life.
Great tips! I work from home so I am always looking for new ideas!
Lisa Bristol
It can be easy to get distracted when you work from home. I find if i take short breaks throughout the day i can stay more focused.
Liz Mays
I’m the same way. I’ll catch my self watching and ten minutes will have gone by.
Tess
What a great setup. I would not of thought of clutter free background-thanks!
Mistee Dawn
These are such great tips. Comfort is definitely a must and I always need my fan, especially in the summertime.
Emilie
I really need to work on this! I currently work from my dining room table because it gives me a view of most of my house. I still have a toddler at home so it is important, but it is not all that comfortable. I wish I had my own space. Maybe when my little guy goes to school!
Sandra @ A Dash of Sanity
Finding a comfortable chair can definitely be tricky but it makes such a huge difference!
Amy Desrosiers
A comfy chair is a must! Your home office is ahhmazing lady!
Tiffany (A Mom's Take)
Those are great tips and ideas. I find I’m more productive if I stick to a schedule.
Debi
I try to keep everything right by me when I am working so that I have everything I need.