5 Proven Tips for Self-Discipline when Working from Home.

Do not work in your jammies, ever: The temptation to get into comfy clothes when working from home will always be there. And it’s a trap. The fact that you’re wearing your home clothes or nightwear will put you into a chill zone, and that is not the zone you want to be in. Get up, take a shower and dress up like you’re actually going to work. You don’t have to suit up or something but get over those track pants.

Have a dedicated work station: Convert one of the rooms into your office with a proper desk and a chair. If you do not have a spare room as such, at the least set up a table in some corner of the house and make it a habit to always work from there. Long hours of sitting wrong on the couch come with a few backaches and lots of episodes of unplanned and absolutely unnecessary naps.

Set fixed working hours: You’re working from home, there is no one to track your working hours, you’ve got no one to report to, no card swipes to verify if you worked for 7 hours. All of this seems super cool only if you can work well on your own. Working from home needs setting rules for self and following them. A little delay or a few extra breaks are okay, there have got to be some perks of being your own boss, but do not take things too lightly. Have a rough calculation of how much time you will dedicate to your work and stick to it.

Let people around you know your working schedule: It is very easy to start playing around with your child or have a long chat with your friend or a family member while you’re on your own. Inform your friends and family about the times you will be busy (even if you’re at home working from the dining table). Tell your kid that you will play with them in the evening and that you need to finish your work for some time.*

(*P.S.- if the kid is very young or the reason you’ve quit your full-time job is to spend time with them, keep your working hours to the minimum, and do spend quality time with them, these days ain’t coming back!!) 

Leave the house for some time, every single day: Keeping the best for the last, it is impossible for anyone to be at home 24/7 and still be sane. Go out for a run, meet up a few friends, walk your dog, or simply take a quick walk in the neighborhood. But, make it a point to go out of the house for some time. You need it!!