Tips for Working from Home from a Full-Time Freelancer

Tips for Working from Home from a Freelancer

I’ve been freelancing for five years now. I run more than one business from my apartment and wherever else I happen to be traveling. It’s not easy to stay focused, comfortable or productive. I’ve learned a few tips for working from home with ease, productivity, and sanity. There are definitely more. Start by reading the tips below. Add yours in the comments!

Start with a Plan

The best plan is to have a plan. Even without a pandemic keeping you indoors, your days working from home can seem to lack a lot of structure. You have to build it. On top of that, no one is holding you accountable near by. You have to put the pressure on yourself. Start the day by mapping out your tasks by priority and by category. Maybe you’re working from a list, maybe it’s an app like Asana or Slack. After each task or group of tasks is complete, you can reward yourself with a break (ideas below!). I love my Brilliant Planner. For task-based work, I love it that much! I do have a collection of beautiful journals and notebooks that make list making and note taking more luxurious. Pick up some for yourself or send some to a pal working from home right now:

Designate a Work Area

You may work from home some days already. If you find yourself working from home more than usual or maybe permanently, you need to invest in creating a physical space. This is helpful for many reasons. The first is that it helps you separate work life from home life, even though it may be physically in your home. Having a separate work area also logically helps you organize your tools, paperwork, and more. Finally, it allows you to create a sense of ease, comfort, and even enjoyment. Nurture the space. Invest in plants, decor, and candles. Choose colors that make you happy. You spend a lot of time here. It should make life easier, not harder.

Put on Fresh Clothes

Honestly, I don’t care if you’re in pajamas, but make sure you smell good, feel good, and maybe even consider yourself presentable. You’ll sit up taller. You’ll focus better. You’ll take your time in front of the computer more seriously. Trust me. Even if you just put on fresh socks and undies, I’d be proud of you. Adorable sweaters and leggings are my go-to. You may be surprised how a simple outfit impacts your mood and energy.

Schedule in your Workouts or Outdoor Time

If you read this article, then you know I actually put my workouts and free time on my Google Calendar. Whether it’s a studio-based class, a walk, or a 30-minute at-home workout, you have to schedule that time with yourself. Make an appointment so it feels like you can’t break it. This not only helps you stay healthy, but keeps your mind sharp and helps you have a sense of deadline. You can work forever or scroll and scroll without concern. I promise this matters big time. I sit at home for 10 hours sometimes. If I don’t pause and reset my brain, I produce crap. Invest in a few affordable at home workout tools and make time.

Snack

While I love my coffee, the true way to keep energized and to focused is to snack. Energy comes from food, my people. When I say “snack,” I mean the healthy way: nuts, smoothies, dark chocolate, guacamole, salsa, apple slices, and small servings of leftovers are my favorites. I don’t always hit gold and eat the perfect thing. However, the bits of refueling prevent me from over indulging at home and keep me focused. If I need it, I NAP after I eat. Twenty minutes does the trick. Don’t feel bad. Your brain and your boss will thank you.

Hydrate

When you’re inside, you’re loosing more hydration than you think. When you become dehydrated, your body stops performing optimally. It becomes hard for it to control its temperature, for you heart to pump, and to think clearly. That impacts your work and how quickly you can get it done. Keep track of your water intake. Make a goal to drink a certain number of glasses, bottles, or canteens a day. I add lemon or my favorite energy mix to make my water tastier. I drink more!

Stand Up When You Can

You never know hip pain until you’ve been sitting at home in front of your computer all day working from home. Also, sitting too long leads to issues including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. No, thank you! I have a SUPER cheap way to make my desk a standing desk: I bought a 1-foot-tall square wall shelf I can move and put my computer one when I need it. You can often find other shoe shelves or boxes than can do the trick. Just grab a can of spray paint and make it pretty for your office. I also move my computer to my kitchen counter when needed. I get an extra boost of energy every time.