We’re strong supporters of freelancers, work-from-home parents, and office staff who are lucky enough to work from home a few days of the week. It can be an incredible benefit to work from the comfort of your apartment, but if you want to get the most out of your workday, you’ll have to follow a few simple rules.
1. Take Breaks
You might think that working from your modern apartment home means taking a break whenever you want, but deadlines loom whether you’re working from a cubicle or the kitchen table. As a freelancer, when you’re not working, you’re not getting paid.
With that in mind, your first instinct is to kick it into high gear and work as long as possible, but that can kill productivity. Make sure to take a 10-minute break each hour to keep your head in the game.
2. Check Out of Social Media
Our phones are constantly sending us a subconscious message that we’re missing out on something if we’re not tuned in. Hurry up and check your Facebook or text messages, something might need your attention! On the contrary, your work is the only thing that needs your attention, and keeping your phone in sight will only pull time and concentration.
3. Environment is Key
Even if you have a studio apartment, you can make enough room for an office space. That can mean a desk up against the wall or an entire office room as long as it’s a dedicated spot for working. Before each work day, clear the clutter out of that area to clear your mind. Keep electronics like TVs out of sight as they can be a distraction. If you’re developing a mental block during a project, changing your environment and working from a coffee shop for a day or two can do the trick.
4. Get Dressed Up
Working in comfortable clothes can be a great perk, but it’s not always what it’s cracked up to be. If you haven’t changed out of your PJs, chances are you’re going to feel as sluggish as you did when you first woke up. At least put on a clean t-shirt and pants to get you through the day feeling polished and professional.
5. Keep Work and Home Life Separate
When you work from your home, it can be tempting to go into the office and get work done after dinner, but if you’ve already met your deadlines for the day, spend your spare time with your family or friends. A work-life balance is even more critical when working from your apartment.
