When you finally have the freedom to work from wherever you want, whenever you want, it can be easy to get quite distracted. With freedom and flexibility comes the chance to become easily sidetracked from your work. We are definitely guilty of that. It can be hard to stay on task when you’re travelling the world and going on daily adventures!
We’ve picked some of our favourite tips to help you stay on track… most of the time.
Go to a co-working space
Coworking spaces provide a social environment for those who don’t like working alone, yet they’re often essential spaces for remote workers and freelancers. A coworking space gives you all the benefits of working from an office, minus the constraints. For those who are non-productive when alone, a coworking space can strike the perfect balance.
Manage your internet usage
The internet is an imperative tool as a remote worker, but with so many different sites to browse your work can fall behind so quickly. Whether social media, web surfing, or non-work related emails grab your attention, you’re going to want to find a way to avoid it during your work hours.
One way of doing this is by installing an internet blocking tool, such as Freedom or StayFocused, which allows you to block certain websites for a period of time. Website blocking software is ideal for curating what sites you can have access to, and what sites are off limits.
Create a schedule
Did you forget to order that present? Realise that the dog is being extra cute and you need a picture? Decide to make lunch at 10am? Maybe you find it hard to concentrate. While remote work often allows you the freedom and flexibility to work whenever you want, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t create a personal schedule for yourself. Discipline is a good thing, and you can build up your own by setting work hours that you devote solely to work. Ordering the present can happen later.
Remember to take breaks
Feeling bored or burnt out at work can happen so frequently, particularly if you’re overworking yourself. Knowing when to turn off the screen for the day can be a major player in being able to then do your best work again during the next day.
Giving yourself breaks throughout the day can be beneficial in helping to alleviate both boredom and burnout. Take your lunch away from your desk. Go for a ten minute walk every few hours. Learn to step away so that when you return, you’ll be ready to work.
