Thursday, February 15, 2018

How To Stay Organized and Focused When Working From Home


As many of you now know, I began my own business venture at the turn of the year and am now working from home. It's been quite a learning process along the way, but there have been a plethora of products, programs and tips that have helped me stay on top of things. 

It's easy to fall into a rhythm of wearing your pajamas all day, not taking a lunch break and never leaving the desk. Doesn't sound too different than an office setting (minus the pajamas of course) does it? If you're thinking of transitioning into a home office situation or are already doing so, I'm sharing some helpful info to make you love your new position. 




Productivity Apps

There are a bunch of apps that I can recommend to people depending on what their line of business is. In my case, I'm working with marketing and social media - so I'm on my computer or social apps all day long. But, when I'm not using those, I'm constantly checking my to-do lists to stay on top of things. Some of the best apps I've used for this are:
  • To-Do Lists: Wunderlist or Reminders, Any.Do
  • Client/Employee Communication: Slack 
  • Logging Time: Hours
  • Social Media Management: Buffer, Hootsuite, Planoly, Iconosquare
  • Posting and Planning: IFTT, Google Drive, Dropbox
  • Task and Team Management: Droptask, Basecamp
  • Note-taking: Evernote
  • Passwords: LastPass

Time Block

If you're working with multiple clients at one time like me, sometimes it can be difficult to assign time to each of them without crossing paths. I can't tell you the number of times that I've started a project, paused and started another, and then toggle back and forth. Rather than fumbling between them all, allow me to introduce you to this handy little block. Simply set the time, and focus on ONE thing/client for the time span. Then, reset and repeat! It's been a complete game-changer for managing time efficiently.

Take A Break

I used to get SO burnt out sitting in my office all day long without taking a true lunch break or walking around a bit outside. Don't ever look at this as time that's being wasted - this is something you NEED to remain mentally and physically healthy. If this isn't something that you're making happen each day, block off time on your calendar to dedicate to this. You may have to force yourself at first, but you will quickly realize it's something that you shouldn't go a day without.

Use A Written Planner

This day in age, we're so used to everything being electronic and mobile. While I do have an updated calendar on my phone, I ALWAYS carry a written planner and notepad with me. I buy the paper monthly planners in the Target dollar section and it's perfect! They're thin and easy to travel with. Lets face it - what gets written down, gets done! I get serious satisfaction out of crossing something off of a to-do list. Plus, if you have all of your responsibilities and reminders in one place, you can add/change things with ease when needed.

The Right Setup

Make sure that you desk area is near a good source of light to help prevent headaches and preserve eyesight! If it helps, add a cozy throw over your seat to make it comfortable. I'm guilty of working on the couch or in bed some days where I'm really dragging, but making a larger effort to work at my desk in my office space as much as possible. I keep my desk area open with the exception of my laptop, planner, notepad and a few decor items. Keep that clutter away!

Hopefully these tips will help you all have some of your most productive days working from home! I'm linking those favorite office and workplace items that I have to get me through the day:




x, B
SHARE:

2 comments

  1. I love this post! I'm a social media coordinator and sometimes work from home. I'm huge on planning because of this. Your tips on different apps to use is genius. I plan on using a few of them asap.

    xo Logan
    https://peculiarporter.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So glad you found this useful! I swear by some of those apps to make it through the day! x, B

      Delete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Blogger Template by pipdig