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17 Tips On How To Stay Motivated When Working From Home

By Rob Orr / Last updated: Oct 14, 2023

How To Stay Motivated When Working From Home

Sometimes it’s hard to stir up the inspiration to get things done when you’re isolated, and working from home, especially if you’re alone.

Working from home is great because you get to work whenever you want, however, it can be difficult to stay motivated when you’re not interacting with anyone face-to-face.

I’ve worked from home for years, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that help me stay motivated when working from my home office or in a cafe on my laptop.

I’ve used these tips myself and seen great success and I think they may help you as well.

Real quick, before we get too far into it here, if you want to get more great ideas for your gaming room or home office and want to connect with other home office hackers to make your space the best join my free private Facebook group,Home Office Hacks here.

Create a schedule for your day

Create a schedule for your day

There’s no need to be a slave to the clock when you work from home.

However, that doesn’t mean you can just lounge around all day in your pajamas (although, admittedly, that does sound pretty tempting). If you want to be productive, you need to create a schedule for your day.

That doesn’t mean you have to stick to it rigidly – after all, flexibility is one of the benefits of working from home. But it’s helpful to have an idea of how you’re going to spend your time.

If you work from home, it can be easy to let work consume your entire day.

Before you know it, you’ve work work work work worked all day and haven’t taken a break for lunch, or to walk the dog, or even to stretch your legs. There’s no one there to knock on your office door and see if you want to go grab lunch together.

That’s why it’s important to have a schedule for your day, whether you’re working from home or in an office.

By setting specific times for work, breaks, and even leisure activities, you can ensure that you’re getting the most out of your day and avoid burning out. Plus, if you stick to a schedule, you’ll probably find that you’re more productive overall. So switch off Netflix and get to work!

Of course, there’s no need to stick to this schedule religiously – if you feel like taking a longer break in the middle of the day, or working later into the evening, go for it. The important thing is to find a rhythm that works for you.

But also don’t discount the value of having a disciplined routine either. Self-discipline gets a bad rap these days, but it can really be a source of great strength and be incredibly helpful when you’re struggling with motivation when you’re working from home.

Create a morning routine

Create a morning routine

If you work from home, you know the importance of having a solid morning routine. After all, there’s no office to force you out of bed in the morning or colleagues to hold you accountable for being productive.

That means it’s up to you to create a morning routine that works for you. And that can be tricky. Do you want to work out first thing in the morning or enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee? Should you start your work day with email or dive right into your project? The options are endless.

But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Below are five tips that you can use as a jumping off point if you don’t already have a morning routine to create a morning routine that will help you start your work day off on the right foot.

1. Wake up at the same time each day

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to stick to a regular wake-up time if you want to create a successful morning routine. Waking up at different times each day can make it harder to get out of bed in the morning and can make it difficult to stick to a set schedule. So pick a time that works for you and set your alarm clock accordingly.

2. Get moving

Once you’re out of bed, it’s important to get your body moving. A morning workout can help you wake up and get energized for the day ahead.

Even if you don’t have time for a full-blown workout, a quick walk or some simple stretching can do the trick.

3. Eat breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for a reason. It helps to jumpstart your metabolism and gives you the energy you need to power through your morning.

It doesn’t really matter whether it’s a smoothie, avocado toast, or bacon and eggs, as long as it’s something that you can use as fuel for your day.

So make sure to eat something healthy and filling before you start your work day.

4. Make a list of things to do

This may seem like a simple tip, but it can be incredibly helpful in keeping you on track during your work day.

Having a list of things to do will help you focus and make sure you’re getting everything done that you need to. We’ll talk more about this below.

Plus, checking stuff off your list is incredibly satisfying when it’s done, and can be a great source of motivation.

5. Take some time for yourself

Last but not least, it’s important to take some time for yourself in the morning. Whether it’s reading your favorite book, spending time in prayer or meditation, or spending time writing in a journal, make sure to do something that you enjoy and that helps you relax.

This can help you start your day with a positive attitude and set the tone for the rest of your day.

One of the best things about working from home is that you can create your own morning routine. There’s no need to set an alarm and rush through your morning; you can take your time and start the day off right.

For the longest time, I’ve spent my morning with a good cup of black coffee and reading. I then spend some time in prayer and meditation before working in my journal which brings up all kinds of thoughts and ideas and helps me fill up my to-do list which helps me focus in on what the most important tasks are for the upcoming day.

My morning routine, that I’ve refined over time, is a big part of my life that’s really helped me get the day started right.

Create systems

Create systems

Systems are important, whether you work from home or in an office.

By having systems in place, you can work more efficiently and get more done.

With a little creativity and organization, it is possible to create systems that will allow you to work from home without losing your mind.

For example, if you work from home, you might have a system for dealing with distractions.

Another example would be to establish set working hours that can also help to create a sense of structure.

Another way to set yourself up for success is to have dedicated times of the day where you do different tasks.

For instance, when you understand what time of day you’re at your very best and can do your best work, you can save your most critical creative work for those times.

Using that same approach, you can save lower intensity tasks for times when you don’t need all that mental horse-power.

And you can build all this all into your schedule.

And finally, make sure to take breaks – getting up and moving around every few hours will help you stay focused and avoid burnout.

By taking these steps, you can turn the dream of working from home into a reality.

Whatever your system is, it’s important to find what works for you and stick to it. Otherwise, you’ll just be spinning your wheels and getting nowhere.

Break up work into small chunks of time

Break up work into small chunks of time

If you work from home, you know that it can be easy to get lost in work and forget to take breaks.

One way to stay focused and avoid burnout is to work in small blocks of time.

Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on one task until the timer goes off. Then take a 5-10 minute break before getting back to work, or starting the next task.

This is called the Pomodoro Technique and it’s something that’s become incredibly popular to help people stay motivated during the work day.

By breaking up your work into smaller pieces, you can stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed. And if you happen to finish a task early, you can always use the extra time for a much-needed break.

So next time you’re feeling bogged down by work, try working in small blocks of time. You might be surprised at how much more productive you can be.

Establish a dedicated workspace

Home Office Shed

When you work from home, it’s important to establish a dedicated workspace.

This will help you stay focused and avoid distractions.

It can be something simple to get started or you can pull out all the stops and build yourself an amazing home office.

The main requirement is that it should be in a quiet, secluded spot where you can work uninterrupted.

Once you have your workspace set up, make sure you use it. That means no working in bed or on the couch.

And no working while you’re supposed to be taking a break. By following these simple tips, you can create an efficient and effective work-from-home setup that will help you get the most out of your day.

Declutter your home office

Home Office Gifts For Him

Let’s face it: most of us are not as organized as we would like to be.

If you are one of those hyper-organized people then you can skip this section 🙂

Our work from home spaces are often cluttered with papers, books, and knick-knacks that we accumulating over time.

This can make it difficult to focus on work, and it can also be a source of stress.

You’d be surprised at the slight increase in anxious energy seemingly harmless and small amounts of clutter can create that can rob you of your motivation.

If you’re looking to declutter your home office, there are a few simple tips that can help.

First, take a look at your workspace and see if there is anything that you can get rid of. This may include old books, magazines, or even furniture that you no longer need.

Second, try to keep only the essentials within reach. This will help you to avoid distractions and stay focused on work.

Finally, make a commitment to decluttering on a regular basis. This will ensure that your work from home space remains tidy and organized.

If you’re a parent, a great way to get this done is to pay your kid – or kids – to clean your space. That’s what I do, and I don’t ever have to worry about it.

Limit distractions and interruptions

Limit distractions and interruptions

If you work from home, you know how difficult it can be to stay focused with so many potential distractions.

Whether it’s the piles of laundry that need to be folded or the dishes that need to be washed, there always seems to be something that needs your attention.

And then there are the never-ending interruptions from family members, pets, and even those pesky telemarketers.

It can be hard to get any work done when your surroundings are constantly demanding your attention.

One way to limit distractions and increase your productivity is to work from your dedicated workspace. If you can, set up a room in your house that can be used solely for work. That way, when you’re in your workspace, you’ll be less likely to be distracted by other things that need to be done around the house.

Another way to eliminate distractions is to silence your phone and place it face down where you can’t feel it vibrate, like on top of a towel or by stashing it away in a drawer.

Only pick up your phone when you need it to do your work.

You should also try to limit the number of times you allow yourself to be interrupted during work hours.

If you have family that’s in the house with you when you’re working – be it aging parents, or your kids, it’s important that they know that you’re not available during certain hours outside of emergencies.

By minimizing distractions and interruptions, you can make the most of your work time and get more done.

Reward yourself

Reward yourself

Let’s face it, working from home has its perks.

There’s no need for expensive business clothes, no commute and best of all, no nosy co-workers constantly asking if you’re “almost done” with that project.

But let’s not forget the downside of WFH life: the always present temptation to procrastinate.

It’s way too easy to find yourself procrastinating in meaningless busywork instead of tackling that work report.

So what’s the solution? rewarding yourself!

Every time you complete a task, take a break to do something you enjoy.

Whether it’s taking the dog for a walk, indulging in a piece of chocolate or spending 20 minutes chatting with a friend, allowing yourself some small pleasures will help to keep you motivated.

And who knows, you might just find yourself looking forward to work after all!

Challenge yourself

work from home benefits

One of the great things about working from home is that you can always find a way to challenge yourself.

Whether it’s coming up with a more efficient work process or finding a new way to stay motivated, there’s always room for improvement.

That’s why it’s important to create a workspace that encourages growth and creativity.

The goal is to engage your mind and push yourself. Setting up milestones with rewards and put yourself into a position where you have to grow is a great way to keep you head in the game.

Take care of yourself

Take care of yourself

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was to take care of myself.

It sounds simple enough, but it’s amazing how often we forget to do just that.

We work long hours, sit in front of screens all day, and then come home to Netflix and chill (literally).

We forget to move our bodies, to focus our minds on things that bring us joy, or to even get a good night’s sleep.

But when we take the time to invest in our own wellbeing, the benefits are clear. We have more energy, we’re more productive, and we just feel better overall.

So if you’re feeling unmotivated, overwhelmed, stressed, or just plain tired, take a step back and ask yourself what you can do to take better care of yourself. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.

Get dressed for work

Get dressed for work

If you’re struggling with being motivated to get stuff done a good way to start is by getting dressed for work as if you were going to the office.

It might seem like a small thing, but many people report that getting out of your PJs and into some real clothes can make a big difference in how you feel about your work day.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to get all dressed up, but putting on a pair of jeans and a nice shirt or sweater will help you get into the right mindset for work.

Once you’re dressed and ready to go, it’ll be easier to get started on your work tasks.

Now that work from home has become the new normal, it’s important to remember to get dressed for work – even if you’re just walking from your bedroom to your home office.

Not only will getting dressed help you to feel more focused and professional, But it will also keep you from unintentionally starting a video call in your pajamas.

Of course, there’s no need to go overboard with formalwear; a simple button-down shirt or blazer will do the trick when it’s necessary for a client call.

Get outside

Get outside

We’ve all been there – it’s been a long week of work from home, and you’re starting to feel a little stir-crazy.

You’re sick of your work clothes, but the thought of getting dressed up just to sit at your kitchen table is too much effort.

So what’s the solution? Get outside! It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing work clothes or not, as long as you get out of the house.

Since virtually of us who are working remotely these days are equipped with a high-quality laptop, it’s easy to move the office outside or to a park.

Not only will you get some fresh air, but you might also find that you’re more productive when you’re not cooped up indoors all day.

Exercise regularly

Do desk bikes work?

We all know that exercise is good for our health. But with the current work-from-home landscape, it can be hard to find the motivation to stay active.

For those of us who are used to working out in the gym or going for a run outdoors, being cooped up at home can be a real challenge.

However, there are plenty of ways to get moving even when you’re stuck indoors. From online fitness classes to at-home workout routines, there are plenty of options to choose from.

And with so many health benefits, there’s no excuse not to get moving.

I’ve often said that getting out of the house and just spending 30 minutes walking has been so incredibly helpful to my inspiration and clarity of mind, it’s made a huge difference in my work and my life.

Exercise has the obvious benefits of boosting your immunity, and helping with weight loss but it even does wonders for one’s mental health too.

So if you’re looking for some inspiration to get up and move, remember that your health is worth it. Taking just a few minutes out of your day to stay active can make a world of difference.

Make sure you love your job

Make sure you love your job

Working from home has become the new normal for many of us, and it doesn’t look like things are going back to the way they were any time soon. That’s why it’s more important than ever to make sure you love your job.

After all, if you’re going to be spending most of your time at home, you might as well do something you’re passionate about. It’s also important to find a work-life balance that works for you.

If you’re struggling with motivation working from home, and you don’t love the company you work for, or the work you do, then it’s easy to see how that can be a recipe for disaster.

But if you’re happy with your job, and you’re able to find a good work-life balance, working from home can be a great experience.

So if you’re struggling to stay motivated while working from home, remember to ask yourself if you truly love your job. If the answer is no, then it might be time to make a change.

Make sure to immerse yourself in your work that you find interesting and don’t be afraid to get creative. After all, the best work comes from those who are truly passionate about what they do.

If you don’t love your work then it may become pretty apparent quickly, and it may be time to make a change. Life is too short to be stuck in a job you hate.

Make time to communicate with colleagues and friends

Make time to communicate with colleagues and friends

When you’re struggling with motivation, connecting with others is essential.

When you’re connecting with other people, it’s a great opportunity get fresh ideas, collaborate, and just generally feel more connected.

Even if it’s just a quick chat, it can make all the difference in the world.

With everyone’s work and social lives increasingly intertwined, it’s easy to let friendships fall by the wayside.

However, research has shown that strong social relationships are essential for good mental health. People who have fulfilling social relationships are happier and live longer than those who don’t.

So, whether you’re scheduling a virtual happy hour or just sending a quick text message, make sure to stay connected with the people who matter most.

Establish boundaries between work time and the rest of your life

Establish boundaries between work time and the rest of your life

One of the challenges of working from home is establishing boundaries between work time and the rest of your life.

It can be all too easy to work longer hours when you’re at home, and this can lead to burnout.

There are a few things you can do to help establish boundaries between work and the rest of your life.

Set regular work hours and stick to them. This will help you to keep work from encroaching on the rest of your day.

Make sure that you avoid the temptation to work when you’re not supposed to be working.

Make sure you set up time to recharge.

Put away all your work materials and and shut off your computer and make sure that you’re off when you’re actually off.

Get a change of scenery

Best Home Office Setup for Productivity

If you’re working from home, there’s a good chance you’re starting to get a little stir-crazy.

Whether you’re tired of staring at the same four walls or you’re finding it hard to focus with all the distractions of home, it might be time to consider coworking.

Coworking spaces provide a change of scenery and the opportunity to work alongside other like-minded professionals.

And with so many different coworking spaces to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs and budget.

So if you’re looking for a way to boost your productivity and creativity, consider coworking. It just might be the answer you’ve been searching for.

Next Steps

Want to connect with other remote workers, contractors, freelancers, gamers and people who work from home who are creating the most amazing  home offices  and get more tips, tricks and hacks on how to make your home office or gaming room setup the best it can be?

Join my brand new free private Facebook group, Home Office Hacks to connect with other home office hackers to make your space the best!

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Rob Orr

Rob is a graduate of Florida State University and the founder and Senior Editor of HomeOfficeHacks.com, a website dedicated to helping people navigate the unique challenges of working from home. As a remote working veteran with over 10 years of experience, Rob has developed a deep understanding of the strategies and solutions that can help people thrive in this environment. He is a respected expert in the field, renowned for his clear, engaging, and informative content. An award-winning web designer, developer, and digital marketer, Rob is also the owner of a digital media company that publishes a variety of web properties. His dedication, resourcefulness, and creativity have earned him a reputation as a respected leader in the remote work and digital media communities, inspiring others through his work and passion for lifelong learning.

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