How to Thrive in Your Home Workspace: Strategies for Sustaining Motivation and Productivity

Working from home sounds appealing to most. There you are in your own space, with the comfort of familiarity. Not having to get up early to get ready for work, no mad rush to brush your teeth, shower and head out the door. No getting stuck in traffic or standing side by side with strangers on public transport.

But the real question is, how to stay motivated when there are so many distractions around you at home? That is sometimes the hardest challenge, keeping that productivity going. When we have a flexible schedule it can be really tempting to put work aside until another day. Your bed is asking you to come take a nap. Friends and family are easily accessible.

.

Arguably going to the office makes us motivated to work because it’s really the only thing we can do. Well apart from talking to Janet at the water cooler for the tenth time that day…

.

So, how do we stay motivated while working from home? This article explores practicable tips and motivational hacks to keep your work fire going. The world of remote work has its challenges so let’s not let motivation be one of those!

Limit distractions.

Identify and minimise any potential distractions in your workspace. This could involve locking yourself away from family or roommates. If you can, leave your phone out of your workspace. One of the biggest distractions is social media. We have all been trapped in the doom scrolling! If you have to have your phone, turn off social media. You can also try turning off notifications to apps not related to work. If you don’t see any notifications, you’re not tempted to look.

Set clear goals for yourself.

Set achievable goals for the day. When you have a clear roadmap, you have a sense of purpose and understanding of where you are going for the day. This enhances motivation. There is nothing more motivating than a deadline, even a mini one.

Create routine.

Create a routine that mirrors a normal working day. This will foster a structured mindset if you know when to start work and when to finish.

Designate a workspace.

This space is for work/study only. Set up a home office workspace for success. Make sure it is organised and clutter free. This will enhance your focus and motivation.

Dress the part.

I know, it is so tempting to just stay in your pajamas all day, or hey no pants at all! But getting dressed for work switches on something in your brain that says, yes I am ready to get into it. Getting dressed up has a positive impact on your mindset and motivation.

Don’t forget strategic breaks.

Short walks, stretching exercises, or a quick mindfulness practice can rejuvenate your energy.

Stay connected.

Regularly contact work colleagues. Social interactions, even online can boost energy and provide a sense of comradery. And also your work colleagues may need a little boost themselves so it’s nice to check in with them also.

Celebrate achievements.

Even the small ones. Recognize your accomplishments and be proud of yourself. Have a mini celebration.

Switch tasks when needed.

If you feel your motivation slipping it may just be the task. Switch it up and go to something else for a little while. When you go back to your original task you may find that you have rekindled your energy.

Invest in professional development.

Invest in a growth mindset. Learning new skills and taking on challenges can reignite your passion for your work. When you challenge yourself, you are growing. Don’t get caught in a trap of being comfortable.

Gratitude practice.

Trust me, bringing some mindfulness into your daily routine will be what really helps you. Every morning right before you start work, sit there with your coffee/tea/juice and reflect on what you are grateful for. In your life, in your work and in yourself. This practice can shift your perspective and increase your motivation by focusing on the positives.

..

Remember, motivation comes and goes. Be kind to yourself, we are all doing our best. This is your journey and you need to find what works for you. Embrace your own energy, explore different strategies to discover what resonates with you. At the end of the day it is your commitment to stay motivated that is your powerful tool for success. Embrace the challenges and enjoy your working from home experience.