If you start to run out of enthusiasm and inspiration for your work or find that you are easily distracted and not able to stay on task, do something different. Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you have to be stuck in your office all the time. In fact, you should make a point of including a variety of activities in your day.
A change of scene gives you the chance to reboot, refresh, revitalize, and recharge. When you return to work, you’ll see things with new eyes and feel more innovative and productive. Here’s a variety of ideas to keep you energized and motivated.
Exercise
Exercise offers numerous benefits for everyone. Not only is it good for your health, it’s good for your brain. Activity improves circulation, increasing the oxygen supply that helps generate fresh ideas. If your day involves mostly “brain work,” it’s good to give your mind a break now and then and shift the focus to your body. Especially if you’re at your computer most of the time, it’s important to get up and move at least once an hour or so. It’s easy to become so immersed in work that you entirely lose track of time. If that tends to happen to you, set a timer to remind yourself to take a break.
Stand up, stretch, go up and down a couple of flights of stairs, take the dog for a walk, water the plants, or do a few crunches on the balance ball. A little exercise will help keep the muscles you don’t use (back and legs) from getting so stiff and the muscles you do use (eyes, neck, arms and fingers) from being overworked. At some point in your day, try to exercise for a longer period of time. A brisk walk, a trip to the gym or time on the treadmill will do a lot to help keep your energy up and your weight in check.
Pace yourself.
Alternate between work that requires intense mental effort and less demanding tasks that don’t call for the same level of concentration. Read those articles waiting for you, de-clutter your desk, or update your contact database.
Change the view.
Work in a different location for a while—a different room in the house, the back yard, a coffee shop, at the library, or in the park. When you take a break for lunch, leave your office and eat in another part of your home. Sometimes you’ll get new ideas by looking at things from a different perspective, literally.
Get out of the house.
Take a scheduled break and leave your workplace, as you would if you were working in a traditional office environment. If you have a dog, this is a win-win since you’ll both get a break. Otherwise run an errand or two, work in the garden for a bit, or walk around the block. Just be sure to get back to work when your scheduled break is over!
Forget about business.
Don’t let yourself become one-dimensional, living and breathing work all the time. Remember that one of the reasons to be in business for yourself is to set your own schedule. Clear your mind completely. Take an afternoon off to indulge in a hobby or other personal interest. Read a book, go to a museum, see a movie, visit a friend, volunteer for a cause that touches your heart.
Be sociable.
An important business-social activity to fit into your schedule is some kind of networking activity. Attend a meeting of one of the business organizations you belong to, or try out a new one. Meeting new business-minded people is fun with a purpose. It’s easy to make small talk because everyone wants to chat about his or her business, and it’s understood that that’s why you’re there. No one is offended if you ask what they do! Even if you don’t encounter a prospective client, it’s highly likely you will hear some idea you can use.
At least once a week, meet someone for lunch. This is a great way to add a personal component to your relationship with a client, business associate or someone you’ve met at a networking event. You’ll broaden your range of contacts, learn about someone else’s business, and exchange ideas. You may even discover common interests or new ways to work together, though that shouldn’t be the primary goal. The primary goal is to give yourself a mental, physical and social break, so just relax and enjoy the downtime.
Teach a class.
Consider passing on what you know by teaching classes at a junior college, at a continuing education center, or in a series you arrange and schedule yourself. Regular, challenging interaction with a room full of adults who regard you as an expert will keep you on your toes! You’ll definitely sharpen your skills as you prepare course material and the questions and comments from your students will give you new ways of looking at your work.
Working from home comes with many perks and benefits, but staying in your office by yourself all day will eventually suffocate you and your business. Adding variety to your day will help keep you motivated and productive.
