Working from home? Try these strategies to get the most out of your day

Working from home is a trend that continues to grow more and more. According to Inc.com, two-thirds of companies rely on remote workers to get the job done.

Remote workers aren’t the only ones who work from home. If you’re a freelancer or solopreneur, then you probably also know what it’s like to work from home on a regular basis. You’re also likely tied to your business, and to a large degree responsible for nearly every aspect of it.

With all that added pressure, it’s crucial to be able to work from home both efficiently and effectively. Whether it’s a side hustle or your full-time job, you need to know the best tips and tricks to complete your work while at home.

Here are a few tips for how you can succeed in working from home as a freelancer.

Create a schedule

When you have an in-office job, it’s easy to slip into a schedule. But if you work from home, it might not come quite as naturally. It’s important to establish a routine and stick to it. That will allow you to get organized and give you an idea of what the day’s expectations are.

Wake up at the same time, maintain a consistent morning routine, and try to finish at the same time if possible. Having a schedule and maintaining as much as possible will ensure that you can do your work without feeling frazzled.

Remember to take breaks

If you’re a self-confessed workaholic, you may feel tempted to work straight for several hours on end. You don’t have anyone else encouraging you to have lunch or just take a brief 15-minute break.

Working from home means creating your own schedule, which can be a good thing and a bad thing. Without taking time for short breaks, you could burn yourself out.

When it comes to taking breaks, do what works best for you. For some, that’s a 15-minute break every two hours. If you’d prefer an hour long lunch break instead of a half hour, then go for it. Go on social media for a bit, go for a walk, or take a reading break. Do whatever fits your schedule and lifestyle. Taking a break every now and again will rest your brain and allow you to perform better at your job afterwards.

The entrepreneur in her natural habitat.

Make it feel like you’re going to work

When most people think of someone working from home, the first thing they think of is someone sitting at home in their pyjamas, typing away from their bed. People with an office job might think that this scenario is a dream job. While it sounds nice in theory, the reality is that it can make you feel like you’re not at work after all, and it might be difficult to get motivated.

Putting a little extra effort into your appearance will remind yourself that you’re still working. Wear nicer clothes, put on a little makeup, and work from a desk or home office if possible. It will put you in a workplace frame of mind, and encourage you to work hard. It will feel less like chilling out, and more like working hard.

If you’re just starting out as a freelancer or solopreneur, the idea of working from home may have you a little worried. All you want is to do a good job despite your office being your own home. But if you put these tips into practice, you’ll be able to work efficiently and effectively. Your business will benefit from your strong ability to work well from home.