And, it’s not surprising. At the end of the day you, me, and Elon Musk only have 24 hours to work with. No amount of money can buy more time. So, instead, we strive to do more with the limited time we have.

Remote workers are no exception. In fact, telecommuters often work extra hours to increase their productivity.

Unfortunately, working more doesn’t guarantee greater productivity. For many, working too much actually has an opposite effect (more on that in a minute).

That’s why it’s so important to establish productivity tips for working from home for good. These practices set the foundation for a thriving remote-focused career.

What is Productivity Anyway?

First, let’s talk about productivity. There’s a common misconception about what it actually means to be productive. The literal definition of productivity is: 

Unfortunately, this is a simplistic take on the term. Sure, you can easily measure the rate of output versus input when dealing with machines. For example, printers are assigned PPM (pages per minute) to inform consumers how quickly their inkjet can churn out documents. 

But, we’re not printers, machines, or robots. We’re human. And humans have variables that affect their productivity every single day. 

What Affects Our Productivity?

You know that feeling when you’re in a state of flow? In those moments, you hit your stride and effortlessly sail through tasks. Then you stop for lunch, eat something that doesn’t sit well with you, and spend the afternoon aimlessly floating from task to task seemingly busy but not getting much done. 

Other factors that affect your productivity include:

• Sleep
• Stress
• Health
• Relationships
• Work environment

These factors result in varying states of focus and flow! That’s why I always preach productivity tips for working from home for the long run. Remember, you’ll never achieve automated robot status on the daily. And that’s okay.

The ultimate goal is not to be robotic. Instead, focus on healthy time management habits to promote productivity for the long haul.

Long Term Productivity Tips for Working from Home 

Most remote workers want to continue telecommuting long term. In fact, 97% of surveyed remote workers want to remain remote for the rest of their career according to the State of Remote Work 2022.

This desire to create long-term remote careers is totally understandable. After all, remote work comes with tons of documented benefits like less stress, more time, and money saved without a daily commute. 

But just as many remote workers fear being called back into the office if they are not productive enough. Sadly, these fears are not unfounded. A Harvard Business Review (HBR) study found 38% of managers agree that remote workers perform worse than office workers.

In response, remote workers work longer hours. They believe longer hours = more productivity. However, working longer hours is not the solution. In fact, roughly 20% struggle with working more than they should.

Not only is this an unhealthy way to work, working too much leads to decreased productivity and increased mistakes according HubSpot.

So, if working more doesn’t work, what’s the solution? For remote workers, the secret to productivity is all about work quality over work quantity.

1. Prioritize Tasks

Have you ever heard of the Pareto Principle? Often called the 80/20 Rule, it suggests just 20% of activities account for 80% of results. 

80/20 Examples: 

• 80% of vegetables come from 20% of plants
• 80% of revenue comes from 20% of customers
• 80% of points earned come from 20% of players 

The Pareto Principle helps remote workers amplify productivity by using their time on tasks that produce results. In other words, you get rid of busy work to focus on high-impact items. 

How to Use Pareto for Work from Home Productivity

First, create a master to-do list for the day. Next, scan through your list. Your goal is to sort high-impact tasks from low-impact ones. High-impact tasks produce immediate results (quick wins) or are an important step in completing a larger project. Always prioritize high-impact tasks first. These go at the top of your to-do list.

Low-impact tasks are fill-in tasks (busy work) or thankless tasks, ones that take a lot of time to complete with little to show for in the end. Save low-impact tasks for the end of the work day when productivity and focus fizzle out. It’s not uncommon to discover some low-impact tasks are actually unnecessary! 

That’s it. Prioritizing tasks is one of the basic yet most effective productivity tips for working from home. Just ten minutes of pre-planning your work-from-home day helps you focus on tasks that matter! Remember, regularly putting the Pareto Principle into practice has the greatest impact on your overall productivity. 

Keep Learning: 

Check out The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More by Richard Koch. 

2. Set Work Boundaries

We already know that working less is better for our productivity. And the first of the working from home productivity tips showed how you really can work less yet do more. Our next productivity tip also focuses on time management to help boost productivity.

It’s no secret that remote workers complete the majority of work online and communicate with coworkers via text, messenger, Slack, or similar platforms.

This is great for remote collaboration but not so great when it’s time to disconnect at the end of the workday. In fact, a survey of remote workers showed working too much as one of their biggest struggles. 

Honestly, it’s not surprising. In our ever connected world we’re conditioned to constantly be doing. We wear busyness like a badge of honor. The more we do the more bragging rights we have.

In the end, we place ourselves in competition with, well, ourselves. This self-imposed competition is commonly called hustle culture.

As a lifestyle, hustle culture prioritizes work over all else (even family, friends, and hobbies). Unfortunately, hustle culture is toxic.

Examples of Hustle Culture:

• Emails are answered during family dinner time
• Client phone calls are taken on weekends 
• Personal plans are canceled to continue working 

Eventually, boundaries no longer exist and work spills over into every aspect of life. In the end, relationships become strained and work performance declines. Instead of increased productivity, working more has an opposite effect. 

Research tells us that individuals who work longer hours produce poor quality work, make more mistakes, and experience reduced happiness.

Who wants to work like that? 

To build a happy, healthy career from home it’s important to set clear and consistent boundaries. 

How to Set Boundaries for Work from Home Productivity

You work from home, but that doesn’t mean you have to work whenever you’re home. Instead, separate the two even though they happen in one place. 

A lot of productivity experts will tell you to shut down your computer and turn off your phone after work. I disagree. It’s impractical to completely disconnect. After all, your personal life happens on your phone and computer too. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to do a drastic disconnect to enjoy well deserved down time. Instead set boundaries that separate work and home just by communicating. That’s it.

Communicate Your Work Boundaries

Let coworkers know when you’re signing off for the day and when you’ll be back. This is especially helpful when you work with teammates or clients in different time zones.

Next, consider using an email autoresponder after hours, on weekends, during holidays, and for days off. A simple automated reply clearly communicates to senders that you’re not in but will respond when you’re back.  

Similarly, set yourself away on Slack so coworkers know you’re not “in office.” 

Coworkers, companies, and clients don’t expect you to answer 24/7. (If they do, it’s time to look for a different job). However, if you regularly answer emails, texts, and messages every day of the week at all hours, you condition others to expect . Stop it!

Get in the habit of clearly communicating to work connections when you’re in the office and when you’re out of the office. Let them know they can message you when you’re away, but they won’t receive replies until you return. 

Remember, boundaries are a good thing. They are simple, effective, and a healthy part of working remotely.

Get in the practice of setting them and actually following them. You’ll avoid burnout, feel happier, and routinely boost productivity.

Productivity Tips for Working from Home: Apps to Help

Finally, I want to include apps to help you improve time management to increase productivity. Technology is awesome. You should definitely put it to work for you.

1. RescueTime 

RescueTime is a good place to start if you’re looking to develop better productivity habits at home. Why? RescueTime runs in the background of your computer or mobile device and tracks all the time spent using individual apps and websites.

This gives you a really good idea of where exactly it is your time goes every day. At the end of each week, you get an email summarizing your activities — you also get a Productivity Score.

You might be surprised to learn how much time you actually spend answering emails, checking Facebook, or Googling various things.

I like that RescueTime lets you set daily goals and easily view your progress. For the longest time, I felt like I spent too many hours in front of my computer — and I was, but on the wrong things. RescueTime let me spot inefficiencies in my day and become better at time management. And remember, time management is actually the secret to increased productivity!

2. Pocket

You know when you’re on Twitter for a legitimate work reason, like sending a direct message to a contact, when you see a tweet with a link to a story you just have to read? Well, when you use Pocket, you can save that link and plug along with your workday knowing that your good-read is safely stored for later.

This free productivity tool keeps you from clicking through time-sapping links, helping you stay focused on the task at hand. Once your workday is over, you can see all of the items you put in your Pocket (articles, videos, GIFs, memes) you name it, you can probably put it in your Pocket.

I love Pocket because it makes it easy to view things later on (when I actually have time to spare!) Plus, you can access your Pocket through your computer, phone or tablet — you don’t even need an internet connection.

3. Any.do 

Any.do is perfect for remote workers because it helps you draw lines between work and home! You can to-do lists that separate work and personal tasks. Plus, Any.do allows you to share your lists with others – a handy feature when you need your SO to grab groceries. create lists and tasks and share them with others.

Cal, the Any.do calendar feature, beautifully displays your daily agenda so you can see, at a glance, what’s going on and what needs to get done — whether you have to pay a bill or attend hop on Zoom, Cal has got you covered (and yes, you can see your Any.do lists directly in Cal!)

Any.do is also unique in that its Moment feature is a fun and easy way to develop healthy productivity habits by encouraging you to set aside time every morning to plan out your day.

Plus, you can break large and seemingly overwhelming tasks into manageable subtasks, set recurring tasks, and add custom notifications.

You can manage your tasks and to-dos just about anywhere — Any.do is a free productivity tool available on most devices.

4. Time Doctor

Time Doctor is an accurate productivity software on the market, and offers time management apps on all the most popular platforms. It lets you harvest time tracking data on your company’s work habits and then provides analytics to show key areas where improvements can be made.

With Time Doctor on your side, you can stay super productive by getting more done in less time — even when working from home. How so? Time Doctor has built-in features that helps get you back on track when distracted and monitors how your time is really spent so you can easily see where you can make improvements to your workday routine.

And with optional integrations and a screen monitoring feature, you can seamlessly demonstrate your day’s work to others — especially helpful features for the remote freelancer.  By using Time Doctor, you can conquer working from home and feel confident knowing you’re making the most of your time each and every day.

5. Strict Workflow

If you like the Pomodoro Technique of working, you’ll love the free productivity tool, Strict Workflow. This is a Google Chrome extension that follows the 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break (what the Pomodoro Technique is based on) approach to getting more done.

The idea is, when you give a task your all for 25 uninterrupted minutes followed by a short break, you avoid mental fatigue and are able to get more done. You follow this pattern over and over until your task is done.

I like Strict Workflow since it really does help me focus intensely on a task in manageable blocks of time. It’s amazing what I can get done in a three-hour period, even though I’m taking a five-minute breather every 25 minutes. If you’ve never tried this method of working — it’s a must! You’ll be surprised by just how much you can get done in just 25 distraction-free minutes.

Time Management: The Real Productivity Tips for Working from Home

Thankfully, remote work is here to stay. However, remote workers still worry about getting sent back to the office if their productivity is not on point. To compensate, they work too much which actually causes productivity and work quality to decline.

Remember, there are no secret productivity tips for working from home. At the end of the day, time management plays the biggest role in getting more done. Always remain mindful of the time you have and prioritize high-impact tasks first and foremost.

And don’t forget to work less! Although you work from home, you shouldn’t work any time you’re home. Too many hours logged in a given week is unproductive! Lack of separation (boundaries) between work life and home life leads to burnout and productivity loss.

Fortunately, you don’t need to rely on quick fixes or life hacks to be a productive remote worker. At the end of the (work)day, time management strategies are the best productivity tips for working from home. You’ve got this!

Happily,

Ashlee

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see the disclosure statement for more information.

The post Productivity Tips for Working from Home appeared first on Work from Home Happiness.

Okay. So you probably hear the term work-life balance get thrown around a lot these days. After all, a pandemic entered our lives in early 2020. Most of us began to work from home. Kids started remote schooling. And today, many of us still call our homes our office. Now we have to figure out how to build work life balance from home.

Fun, right? It is. (Cue sarcasm).

But seriously, this is exactly why work-life balance is important. Without it, you can log waayyy too many hours at work in any given week. And sometimes, you don’t even realize you’re working.

That’s because it’s too easy to step into your office and work on a project or pop in and answer a quick email. Before you know it, you have just spent an additional seven hours in your home office. It was supposed to be just a super fast check in, right? RIGHT?!?!

On the flip side, you might find yourself distracted and unmotivated at home. Netflix is calling your name or the endless scroll of social media monopolizes your time.

Both are unhealthy ways to work from home. And that’s why it’s seriously important to consciously think about how we work remotely so we can build better balance across the board.

What is Work-Life Balance?

So, the official definition of work-life balance, according to Cambridge Dictionary, is:

In the real world, it boils down to how much you work and when. The WHEN part is important and often overlooked. Outside of “business” hours or “off the clock” are inappropriate times to work just as running errands and taking personal calls are off limits during work hours.

To build better balance, let’s look at both sides of the scale. First up, working too much.

What it looks like when you work too much

Often, we glamorize busyness. We wear it like a badge of honor. But it’s not something to be proud of, especially if being overly busy at work spills over into our personal lives.

Does any of this sound familiar:

• Are you picking up your phone and answering your email during dinner with family?
• Is a night out with friends half spent taking business calls from clients?
• Do you obsessively check your phone for work notifications over the weekend?
• Have friends and family noticed just how much you’re working “off the clock?”

If so, you’re busy too the point of going bust. It’s a slippery slope to allow work-life balance fall in work’s favor. But it happens. A lot. In fact, a whopping 77% of Americans have reported burnout at one point or another at their jobs.

What is Burnout?

Burnout is a real concern. According to the Mayo Clinic, burnout at work looks like:

• Lack of energy or productivity
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability with coworkers/customers/clients
• Zero job satisfaction
• Being cynical or critical

One of the biggest causes of burnout is, of course, work-life imbalance. When work takes up too much time and effort, it leaves little left for friends and family. This quickly leads to feelings of resentment and turns to job burnout quickly.

Burnout for Remote Workers

And burnout is a real concern for remote workers. A study from Nature on Human Behavior learned remote workers punched out later and logged more hours. On average, about 10% more hours than traditional office workers. Yikes.

As remote workers, we’re always connected. Like 24/7. This is especially true if we work with clients or coworkers around the world. They might be in the middle of their day when it’s after midnight your time. So, you could find yourself sneaking in an email at weird hours and even on weekends. It happens from time to time, but this is the exception not the rule.

Does that mean work from home jobs are too good to be true? No, not at all.

It’s easy to highlight the Burnout factor of remote work. It’s the wicked remote coworker, after all. And, of course, there are ways to avoid Burnout (which I’ll cover later). But, before I do, it’s important to bring up the opposite side of the work-life balance spectrum. The side where life wins out and we put work on the back burner. I call this side “Living it Up.”

What it Looks Like When You Work Too Little

We know Burnout is working too much and at inappropriate times.

Living it Up is the opposite. You opt to slack on work duties in favor of personal pursuits (or no pursuits at all, ha!).

There aren’t a lot of statistics about Living it Up. After all, who’s going to admit that they aren’t really working when they’re supposed to be? However, you know deep down when you’re not meeting your work responsibilities as well as you should be.

Signs You Aren’t Working Enough

Just as it’s easy to work too much, it can be just as easy to put work aside. For some, being home is a little too comfortable. This results in not enough work time and too much personal time. When this happens you:

• Miss important deadlines because your time management favors personal pursuits
• Spend the majority of your work day sitting at your desk but you’re scrolling through social media or watching Netflix
• Often “knock off early” to head out to dinner or grab drinks with your friends
• Have a serious cause of FOMO so say “yes” to everything even though you should say “no”
• Get complaints from coworkers about your lack of responsiveness
• Fail to respond to teammates or clients in a timely manner
• Forget to do routine tasks or put in minimum effort to get by

If any of this sounds familiar, well then, you are on the opposite side of the balance scale. You, my dear, are clearly Living it Up. You might get away with it for a bit. But, after awhile it catches up to you and causes a level of distrust with your coworkers.

Remote Workers and Trust

So, are remote workers just sitting a home watching Netflix all day? Is that really why workers don’t want to head back into the office? Plenty of remote workers report increased focus and productivity. But managers don’t always agree.

In a recent Harvard Business Review (HBR) study,

Clearly, the goal is for companies and managers to trust remote workers. Typically, companies look for specific traits in remote hires for this very reason. But trust in general is so important that, when a group of remote-friendly companies was asked “what traits do you look for in candidates for a remote job” dozens (and I do mean dozens) included several similar answers about trust and work ethic:

• “demonstrated responsibility”
• “strong work ethic”
• “self-motivated”
• “self-starters that are good at budgeting their time”
• “high degree of independence”
• “receptive to feedback”
• “doesn’t need a lot of hand holding”
• “initiative and discipline”
• “the ability to find answers and figure it out”

I could seriously keep going on and on and on. But the takeaway here is that companies want to hire remote workers who can manage their time and have a desire to do the job (and do it well) even when no one is looking.

It’s up to you and you alone to manage your time well while working at home. Clearly, some companies are skeptical of the work ethic of telecommuters. Do not tip the scale too much in favor of life. Otherwise, you’re gonna give remote workers a bad name.

And then we’re all gonna come after ya. Just kidding. Remote workers are typically introverted people who prefer to stay inside and dislike confrontation. So, you’re safe

How to Achieve Work-Life Balance as a Remote Worker

We’ve done a deep dive into what happens when you live in a state of work-life imbalance. When you work too much, your family life suffers. And if you work too little, your work performance suffers.

Of course, neither of these is optimal. That’s where work-life balance comes into play. It’s a simple enough concept but difficult to master. Fortunately, there are two fundamental concepts that will help you achieve the often elusive balance you seek:

1. Time Management
2. Boundaries

Time Management for Remote Workers

It’s true there are a lot of benefits to remote work. One of which is time saved with no commute. On average, a US worker’s commute is 27.6 minutes one way according to the Census Bureau. That comes to 55.2 minutes of work travel every day. Yes, almost an hour saved not sitting in traffic is good for your health. But in reality, an hour isn’t a ton of extra time. And for remote workers, it’s important not to replace that hour saved with MORE work.

Fun fact: In additional to being a Certified Professional Career Coach, I’m also a certificated Time Management Coach. Betcha didn’t even know that is a thing. But it is and it’s a credential I absolutely love. Why? Because teaching remote workers better time management (or anyone in general, really) results in a ton of positive changes.

That’s where time management comes into play.

What is Time Management?

For a basic definition of time management, Wikipedia offers the following:

For remote workers, proper time management leads to work-life balance. It provides a set structure to your work day so you don’t work too much or too little. In other words, don’t wing it. Go into your remote workday with a plan of action so you feel like you’re actually getting sh*t done and not just endlessly busy without much results.

Time Management Benefits

Think about it. No matter how much money you have or wisdom you possess, you are never given more than 24-hours in a day. It’s how you choose to spend those same 24 hours allotted to each of us that will make all the difference in how accomplished or unaccomplished you feel. And when you feel like you’re using your time to its fullest, you:

• Can do more without being frantic
• Make better (and easier) decisions
• Work toward goals and complete them faster
• Feel greater confidence
• Free up time to focus on what actually matters
• Reduce stress and boost happiness
• Avoid feelings of overwhelm and burnout

Reminder, time management is about prioritizing and using time effectively. It is not about cranking out tons of work as quickly as possible. You are human, not a robot. Doing too much leads to burnout. Instead, focus on planning and execution so you make the most of your time.

Types of Time Management Styles for Remote Workers

Psst: There is no secret to time management for remote workers. Every person will have a different method or manner of time management that provides them the best work-life balance.

It’s up to you to find which system or style or software works best for you. Try out different methods. See what sticks. Research them. Some might sound too whacky right out the gate for you, and that’s okay.

There is no right or wrong answer. However, and I can’t stress this enough, you absolutely have to have a time management system in place to achieve work-life balance from home. Period.

5 Popular Time Management Methods

1. Getting Things Done (GTD)

This method was created by David Allen, an authority in all things work-life management. His signature method, Getting Things Done or GTD for short, helps bring order to chaos in both work and life (kinda sounds like work-life balance, right?).

The GTD System is broken down into five fundamental steps: Capture, Clarify, Organize, Reflect, Engage. You can grab a copy of Allen’s book, Getting Things Done along with the Getting Things Done Workbook on Amazon for around $20 bucks.

I own both, and particularly love the workbook and the 10 moves it breaks down for you. It’s a must-read to help you gain control of your work-from-home time.

2. The Eisenhower Matrix

When you have decision-making fatigue, the Eisenhower Matrix can help. It’s a fairly simple method that helps you figure out which tasks actually need to be completed in your workday.

This method allows you to ignore unimportant tasks and helps you feel like you’re making progress and in charge of your day (instead of your day ruling you). Simply put, it allows you to keep work tasks in check so you don’t end up working too much, especially on things that are unnecessary. The smart folks over at MindTools created a handy infographic to illustrate how it works:

3. Pomodoro Method

The Pomodoro Method or Technique is pretty straightforward. It works wonders for procrastinators and those who struggle with focus — which is admittedly two BIG struggles for remote workers.

So how does it work? You break your workday into 25-minute chunks of time. Each chunk is referred to as a pomodoro. You literally set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on a single task during that sprint. After a single 25-minute pomodoro, you take a 5-minute break. Then you rinse and repeat. When you’ve finished four or five pomodoros (with breaks in between), you take a longer 20 minutes break.

The idea is the forced breaks prevent burnout (woohoo) which helps with work-life balance. And you also get a realistic idea of how much (or little) time you actually have in your workday. With the Pomodoro Technique timer ticking, you focus on work, avoid distractions, and work on tasks that actually need to get done and not filler items.

4. Time Blocking Method

The Time Blocking Method has you break your entire workday into smaller blocks of time. During these smaller blocks you focus on a single task or a group of like tasks. For example, you block off a chunk of time just for meetings or phone calls. Another chunk is devoted to answering emails. And so on and so forth until your workday is filled.

This method, like the others, forces you to think about important work tasks you need to complete and set aside time for them so they get done. It keeps you from getting distracted or working on too many things at once.

Remember, multi-tasking is actually a time management disaster. According to the Cleveland Clinic, multitasking makes us less efficient and more prone to errors. Cal Newport, author of Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, has said about planning workdays that

5. Rapid Planning Method (RPM)

Tony Robbins is the guru behind the Rapid Planning Method or RPM for short. His inspiration was to create a system that focuses on results rather than tasks. With this method, you get rid of your daily to-do lists and instead prioritize tasks.

This method combines both work and life goals, which of course plays well into our goal of work-life balance for remote workers. On top of prioritizing tasks, the method shifts your mindset, too. Every day (whether at work or home), we have tasks that have to get done but thankless (i.e., answering emails, laundry, etc.).

RPM helps you think of all tasks as meaningful in their own way and a small part of a much bigger picture.

Boundaries for Work-Life Balance from Home

The other secret to creating better balance when you work from home are boundaries. Because the lines of work and home are blurred remotely, boundaries keep you from combining the two. That way you don’t constantly feel like you’re at work, even though work and home are one and the same.

What are Work Boundaries?

In a nutshell, work boundaries are the limits you set to protect yourself. They are put in place to allow for a distinction between personal life and professional time. Without them, you end up feeling like you’re being pulled into too many directions at once. And, as we already know, that leads to stress and burnout.

Who to Set Boundaries With When You Work from Home

Typically, you only have to set work boundaries with yourself and coworkers. But, when you work remotely, you have to set work boundaries with your coworkers and:

• Spouses or significant others
• Children
• Neighbors
• Family members outside the home

This can be tricky and downright delicate. Nonetheless, it needs to be done. I’ve worked remotely for a decade. To this day, I still have to remind everyone on the list above that Monday – Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (I’m an early bird), I’m working. This means I cannot just pick you up from the airport or have you drop in for a visit. Similarly, it means you can’t just burst into my office. Not only is it rude, but it ruins workflow.

According to Harvard Business Review, our brains have a hard time switching from one task to another (more reason not to multitask!). So, when we are interrupted, by roommates, spouses, kids, neighbors, and unexpected visitors, it takes much longer to complete the task at hand. This ultimately upsets whatever time management plans we have in place. The end result is often working outside of work hours to make up for it.

How to Set Healthy Boundaries for Work-Life Balance from Home

Remember, time management helps you work on what matters most. The boundaries you set allow you to seamlessly separate work and home when you work from home (no easy task!).

Say No

A lot of people have a hard time saying “no.” But it’s important to create your work-life balance from home. You need to say no to requests from friends and family members during work hours. Similarly, say “no” to coworkers or clients who put in requests on weekends or nights. Being able to say no without guilt is a learned skill.

Set a Schedule, and Stick to It

Whether you’re employed or self employed from home, know your work schedule ahead of time and stick to it. Again, this is why it’s important to have a time management method in place. That way you can easily “say no” to personal or professional requests that fall outside of your schedule. So, if you don’t work weekends — then don’t work weekends. Period. At the end of the work day or workweek, close your office door, shut down your laptop, and do not “return” to work until your next scheduled day or time.

Communicate Clear Expectations

Let your friends and family know your work from home schedule. And that means during those time you’re unreachable, unless it’s an emergency. It’s also helpful to define what is and isn’t an emergency.

Similarly, remind your coworkers or clients that you sign off daily at a specific time and don’t work on specific days. Let them know not to expect responses from you until you “return” to the office.

How to Build Better Work-Life Balance from Home

In a perfect world, you would work as much as you needed, get all the right tasks done, and have plenty of time left over for personal relationships and hobbies. But we are human, and perfectly imperfect. That means sometimes we work too much or not enough. And that’s okay. (Seriously, it’s okay).

As long as you recognize imbalances and correct them, you’ll be okay.

Through time management and firm boundaries it’s absolutely possible to build work-life balance from home.

Happily,

Ashlee

P.S. This post contains affiliate links. Check out my disclosure statement to learn more.

The post How to Build Better Work-Life Balance from Home to Avoid Burnout as a Remote Worker appeared first on Work from Home Happiness.

(It also never hurts to buy yourself a lil somethin’ somethin’ because retail therapy matters).

via GIPHY

I’ve worked remotely for 12 years. These are all items I have bought for myself or have gifted others. In many cases, I’ve bought them for myself AND gifted them. That’s how good they are.

And coming in at ten bucks or less, you can’t beat these work from home gifts.

Work from Home Gifts Under $10

1. Cord Organizer

This 3-pack cord organizer has a sticky back you can place on a desk. Trust me, cord management is a struggle for home office desks. Each organizer has space for 11 cords. Your work from home friend will thank you for the organization upgrade. Plus, your choice of three colors.

2. Adorable Cat Pen Set

Cat pens. Need I say more? I own this set and have gifted it to many others. It’s always a hit. The set has six cat pens with black ink. Heck, they’re so adorable I love just displaying them on my desk for the cuteness factor.

3. Desk Stand for Phone

You use ALL your devices when you work remotely. Yes, even personal ones. A desktop phone turns your device into a second (or third) screen. A nice bonus is the cord management to keep cord clutter at bay. Oh, and it’s adjustable which I love. You can angle your phone just right for you.

4. HBR Guide to Remote Work

I love books. There’s always something to learn from career books. So, I was excited to receive the HBR Guide to Remote Work as one of many work from home gifts last year. Even though I have a decade of remote work under my belt, I found tons of helpful tips in its pages. This is a must-read for all remote workers, noobs and pros alike. Plus, it’s from Harvard Business Review. It doesn’t get more reputable than that.

5. Kinetic Desk Ball

I am not a fan of desk toys. But, I truly love this kinetic ball. It’s incredibly mesmerizing. Almost hypnotic. Desk workers will appreciate its presence since it can increase focus and reduce stress. Win-win. Plus, it’s beautiful to look at. Like seriously, get it. It’s such a unique work from home gift.

6. Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Remote workers stare at screens all day. The blue light from devices causes eye strain. Plus, it can mess with biological clocks. Gifting blue light blocking glasses gives relief to tired remote worker eyes. Not to mention, there are super cute styles to choose from.

7. Desk Top Glasses Holder

Add on work from home gifts are the best. Complementary bundles add an extra touch of thoughtfulness. So, if you buy blue light glasses, go ahead and grab these adorable owl holders too. They fit most glasses and can even hold a phone.

8. Brain Dump Notepad

The remote worker in your life doesn’t even know they need this. But they do. Trust me. When work and life happen in the same spot, your brain jumps back and forth. I sit her writing a blog post then remember that I need paper towels. Then I look over at a dust bunny in the corner that needs immediate removal. To avoid the distraction, I have a brain dump pad. It lets you get all the shit out of your head so you can move on.

9. Self-Care Reminder Cards

Remote workers are bad at taking care of themselves. I’m guilty of it. And I know so many virtual buddies are too. But the benefits of self care cannot be understated. That’s why you can never go wrong with self-care based work from home gifts. I absolutely adore these self care cards. There are 47 in total. Each has a unique tip for health and wellness and why it matters. I also love the fact they’re printed on eco-friendly paper and decorative box.

10. Do Not Disturb Door Sign

Clearly, I love cats. I have two cat coworkers (shout out to Lenny and Mr. B). They are pretty good about not disturbing me during work. Everyone else? Not so much. This is one of those practical work from home gifts that is a sanity saver.

Remote workers can agree, our family members and friends believe we sit at home watching The Office reruns. We obviously don’t. (Okay, not all the time). So, our office space is frequently invaded. It’s annoying. Plus, it affects productivity. And honestly it’s rude. You don’t barge into someone’s office in the corporate world. Don’t do it to remote workers either. This kitty door hanger is a great reminder.

Work from Home Gifts Guide

No matter the occasion, I’ve got a gift suggestion for the beloved remote worker in your life. Or, if you need home office inspiration for your own office space, I’ve got you covered too!

Please visit my Work from Home Happiness Amazon Storefront. You’ll find tons of work from home gifts guides and idea lists for everyone, whether you’re shopping for yourself or others.

Please note, all the items in this list are from Amazon. You don’t have to be a Prime member to purchase them. However, you can try Prime free for 30 days and get unlimited two-day shipping with no minimum order size!

Happy shopping,

Ashlee

P.S. I am an Amazon Affiliate. If you purchase a product through my Amazon link, I receive a small commission. It doesn’t cost you anything extra. Affiliate earnings help me keep this site free of annoying ads and popups My disclosure statement has more info.

Want Work from Home Gifts But Aren’t a Remote Worker Yet?

Hey. Don’t panic. I know these work from home gifts are super cute and practical and you probably want them for your home office. But what if you don’t work from home (yet)??

Sign up for my guide below to find out where all the real remote jobs are. Before you know it, you too will get all the awesome work from home gifts!

The post 10 Work from Home Gifts Under $10 for the Remote Workers in Your Life appeared first on Work from Home Happiness.

I often get asked how to work remote jobs as a busy parent. This is a fair question, and one I once struggled with too. 

When I was an expectant mother, I knew two things for sure: 

1. I needed to work 
2. I wanted to be there for my child and save on childcare costs at the same time  

What’s a busy parent to do? 

The short answer? Work remote! 

The Staggering Cost Of Childcare 

In the fifth annual Cost of Care Study, it was found that one in three families spend 20% or more of their total yearly income on childcare. For many, this amounted to more than $200 a week. When you’re making between $10-$20 an hour, this is a substantial chunk of change. 

As a mom to be, I knew how expensive childcare was in my area. Instead of sacrificing nearly half of my paycheck (and 40+ hours away from my little one a week), I opted to work remote jobs to spend more time with him and keep more of my hard-earned money in my pocket. 

Unfortunately, deciding to work remotely and actually finding remote work are two very different things. The good news is, in the ten years since I’ve started my work-from-home journey, I’ve learned a lot about telecommuting as a parent. So much so that I found there are 4 things you have to know to work remote jobs as a parent. 

1. Not All Work From Home Jobs Are Created Equal 

You can search for work from home jobs all day long. In fact, you can find hundreds and hundreds of remote job leads every single day. But, they won’t do you any good if you’re not looking for the right types of jobs. 

You see, there are two main types of remote work jobs: 

1. Employee
2. Freelance

One of which is better suited for busy parents than the other. First up, let’s look at employee positions. 

Work Remote Employee Jobs 

Companies like Amazon, American Express, and Apple all hire remote employees. These workers are employees of these companies and are expected to work a set schedule with set hours. Basically, remote employee jobs are just like office jobs but instead of sitting in a cubicle, you get to work from your home office. 

As an employee working remotely, you will be required to: 

• Work your shift 
• Have a quiet home office 
• Be available during business hours
• Provide a distraction-free environment to get your work done 

As a busy parent with little ones in your care, employee positions often don’t work out. It’s impossible to keep a baby quiet during an eight-hour shift just as much as it is to keep toddlers entertained while you’re trying to get your work done. You just can’t be a parent who’s also on the clock at the same time. It just doesn’t work out. 

Consider Part-Time Options 

Now, if you’re the parent of older, school-aged kids, you might be able to work remote part-time jobs as an employee. During those 6 or 7 hours your little one is at school, you could devote several of them to work remote jobs.

Of course, this only works out if you can afford to work part-time and actually have part-time availability while your kids are at school. But, keep in mind, this isn’t always practical. After all, kids have various days off from school throughout the year for holidays and teacher planning. Plus, many schools let out for the summer. During these times,  you’ll have to plan and pay for childcare, which can make it difficult to work from home, even part time.

But, if you do have a desire to work part time and don’t mind planning childcare throughout the year when school is out, I highly recommend you check out FlexJobs for information on part-time jobs you can do from home. With a paid membership, you get access to real job leads that are 100% guaranteed to be spam free.  

Work Remote Freelance Jobs 

The other main type of remote work you can find as a parent falls under the freelance umbrella. As a freelancer, you sell your skills or services to clients. You get to set your hours, pick the projects you work on, and negotiate your own pay rate. Essentially, you are your own boss.

The flexible nature of freelance work makes it highly attractive as a parent. In fact, that’s exactly how I got my start. After my son was born, I started a freelance writing career from scratch. This allowed me to stay at home with him and earn money around his schedule. 

Without freelance work, I would have ended up putting him in daycare while I worked a 40-hour office job. Freelancing was, in a word, lifesaving. 

Get Started As A Freelancer

To be successful as a freelancer, it’s best to focus on one skill or service to start and build from there. For me, I chose writing because it was something I always wanted to do and genuinely enjoyed. I suggest you too go after a skill you already have and can develop into a profitable service-based business. 

If you’re not sure what skill you would sell, here are some ideas to get you going: 

• Proofreader 
• Virtual assistant 
• Real estate assistant 
• Pinterest assistant 
• Writer 
• Bookkeeper 
• Transcriptionist 

Remember, it can take time to get established as a freelancer. But, once you do, your income potential is limitless and you can work whenever and wherever you can. This is often the most important factor for busy parents who want to work remote jobs — flexibility! 

2. Be Realistic About How Much You Need To Earn 

I was shocked to learn that most workers have no clue what they need to earn to make ends meet each month. But then it hit me, I had no idea either. 

As a busy parent who wants to work remote jobs, it is important for you to understand how much you actually need to make. After all, you’ve got mouths to feed beside your own and remote work won’t do that unless you’re actually earning enough to survive. 

Too often we get caught up in finding remote work, that we don’t actually think about what we need out of a remote job. Sure, you might want the flexibility to be both a parent and breadwinner, but how much cheddar do you need to earn? 

Thankfully, you can figure it out pretty easily. 

Determine Your Living Wage 

The folks over at MIT developed a living wage calculator. It’s based on location (down to the county you reside in) and helps you figure out an hourly wage that puts you in one of three categories based on your household size: 

1. Living Wage 
2. Minimum Wage 
3. Poverty Wage 

The figures they provide are based on annual expenses a family would have. This includes things like food, housing, medical costs, etc. 

There are even recommended earnings for those who only want to work part time. Use this calculator to guide you in your pursuit of remote work. There’s no sense in pursuing work from home jobs that don’t even come close to paying you what you need to survive!

3. Be Mindful Of Time And How Much Of It You Actually Have 

We tend to think we have more time than we actually do. That’s why we end up overworked, double-booked, and feeling like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. 

Often, the solution isn’t more time but better clarity. Many of us lack time awareness and set false expectations of what can get accomplished in a day. 

A Word Of Caution For Parents

I offer career coaching services for those who want to work from home but have no idea where to start. A recent client of mine, a mother of two, knew she wanted to work remote jobs. She also knew that she needed to earn about $1,400 a month to contribute to her household. As part of our initial interview I asked her how much time a week she could spend on her job. She very knowingly declared she could commit 20 hours to her remote work every week. 

I crunched the numbers and determined she had to earn about $18-$20 an hour to hit her target monthly income. We put together a great resume. Set up a service site for her as a freelancer. And lo and behold, she landed her first client who needed someone part-time, 20 hours a week, and would pay $20 an hour. How’s that for a win? 

But, as she began working for her client, she quickly became overwhelmed with the demands of her work coupled with raising a family. When I checked in with her after a month, she told me she couldn’t do it. She said there were just not enough hours in the day to get everything done and that both her work and family life were suffering as a result. This of course was not the outcome we worked toward. The whole point of working remotely as a parent is to earn money and spend time with your kids. So, what went wrong? 

The short answer, she had false expectations. 

Be Mindful Of Time Limitations

You see, we all tend to assume that we should be able to do everything we want to do. But this is simply unrealistic. There are only 24 hours in a day. No matter how hard you try, you will never be able to get it all done if you’re unrealistic with your time expectations. 

As a parent who wants to work remote jobs, get serious about time expectations. Figure out what your time limits are and embrace them. Then you can work to eliminate the things that are holding you back from reaching your personal and professional goals. Part of doing this is to gain clarity.

Remember, you don’t actually need more time in a day. You need laser-focused clarity on what tasks and activities matter the most and the conviction to say “no” to everything else. When you do, it’s amazing how much more time magically frees itself up.

As Steve Jobs once said, “Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.” 

4. Get (And Stay) Productive

Even after you have a handle on your time and realistic expectations in place, it’s up to you to put in the work to get everything done. When you work from home, there is no one else there to oversee your day. You and you alone are responsible to stay on task and put in a full day’s work, even when no one else is looking. As a telecommuting parent, this isn’t always easy. 

Fortunately, there are some tricks you can use to help you stay on task. 

Don’t Multitask 

As parents, we tend to be multitaskers by nature. We’re feeding our kids while doing a load of a laundry and answering texts from friends. And while we’ve been conditioned to think multitasking is a good thing, it actually derails productivity. 

Study after study shows that smart people don’t multitask. Instead, they focus on one activity at a time. When we focus on one task at a time we become more productive and more effective at what we’re doing. Multitasking, on the other hand, slows down our brain and derails progress. 

While it’s tempting to try to do multiple things at once, don’t! Focus on one thing at a time and your productivity will soar. 

Create To-Do Lists 

A simple pen and paper can easily help you keep track of your day. Either the night before or morning of, make it a point to right down everything that needs to be done by the day’s end.

Be sure to prioritize your list — place the most urgent at the top. That way, if you don’t make it through your entire list (and you probably won’t), you can move the unfinished tasks onto the next day’s list. 

Before writing your to-do list, always keep your time expectations in check. Don’t jot down everything you want to do that day. Instead, focus on those tasks that must be done. And don’t forget to cross off items as they’re completed! This simple act is gratifying and propels us forward to complete the next item on the list and so on and so forth.

If a pen and paper aren’t your style, that’s okay too. There are a number of time management apps that fuel productivity and help you manage your day. 

Work Remote Jobs As A Busy Parent 

I’m not going to lie, it is tough to balance a career as a parent, especially if you want to work remote jobs. Remember, working from home is not a substitute for childcare. You will still need to find distraction-free time to work. For you, that may mean freelancing around your kids schedule. Or perhaps you can swing part time work while the little ones are off to school. 

Whatever path you decide to go down, keep at it! A work from home job won’t just fall into your lap. It requires a plan to get from Point A to Point B. 

And, as always, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask. Leave your inquiries in the comments below or consider signing up for career coaching. You’ve got this! 

Happily, 

Ashlee 

P.S. This post contains affiliate links. Learn more about them in my disclosure statement.

The post How To Work Remote Jobs As A Busy Parent (4 Things You Have to Know) appeared first on Work from Home Happiness.

But just because you want to work remotely, doesn’t mean you should. 

Before you throw yourself in a work-from-home job search, sit down and ask yourself: “Are you really ready for the work-from-home lifestyle?”

Here’s how to tell if remote work is really a good fit for you. 

You Have The Right Traits 

Did you know remote employers look for a specific set of traits in their telecommuters? That’s because it takes certain soft skills to be successful in the remote world. 

As a reminder, soft skills are those that cannot be measured. They’re our unique personal attributes that define who we are professionally. 

Some broad examples of soft skills include traits like leadership, time management, and communication. And these just happen to be the soft skills remote employers seek in their new hires. 

Leadership

Think about it — to successfully work from home, you’re definitely going to need to be a leader. Why? Since you won’t have cubicle-mates next door to bounce ideas off of or quickly refer to for advice, you’re going to need to take the bull by the horns on a lot of issues. Remote workers must take initiative, get down to business, and figure out a way to get things done without someone telling them how.

Communication

Communication too is key to being a successful remote worker. In an office environment, you take for granted how easy it is to update others on your progress. You can walk down to a coworker’s desk and give them a quick rundown of events. Remotely, it’s not so easy. Instead, you’re going to have to be able to effectively communicate — often in writing — what it is you’re working on and what you need from others to keep things moving forward. 

Time Management

Can you be trusted to put in an honest day’s work when nobody is looking? That’s why time management skills are highly valued by remote-friendly companies. They want to know (and trust) that their telecommuters are managing their time effectively even though they’re not in a traditional office environment. If you worry that you won’t have the discipline to work while Netflix and your cozy bed are a stone’s throw away, remote work just isn’t for you. Period.

You’ve Got The Space To Work 

The type of home office you’ll need will vary greatly depending on the type of remote work you’re after. If you’re an aspiring freelancer, a desk, laptop, internet connection, and comfy chair will suit you just fine. 

If you’re in the market for a full-time work from home job with benefits, you’re going to need a more substantial home office setup. Some well-known companies that hire remote workers, like American Express, Amazon, and Apple, will absolutely require a separate room dedicated entirely to work. This means a room with a door that locks, is super quiet, and has all the basic office supplies like a computer, keyboard, mouse, chair, and internet connection. 

Others jobs are a bit more flexible and may only require an area you carve out to dedicate to work like a nook in your living room or some spare space in the den. 

Whatever type of work you settle on, realize that your couch or bed is not a proper home office workstation. Take a look around and make sure you have the space needed to work efficiently and effectively. Without it, you’ll quickly realize that getting even the most basic of tasks done is next to impossible.

You Won’t Miss The Office Environment 

I like to talk a lot about the benefits of remote work. There’s greater autonomy, i.e., nobody breathing down your neck or micromanaging your every move. And let’s not forget about the average 50 minutes every day you’ll save without a daily commute. 

But, this type of work environment is not for everyone. Some people are just naturally social and need daily human interaction to feel connected to work. 

Are you one of them? Do yourself a favor and think long and hard about that before you jump into remote work. 

Some days, as a telecommuter, the only words you’ll say out loud are to your  cat. (Thankfully, mine’s a good listener). You won’t have lunch dates with your favorite coworkers. There won’t be impromptu water cooler sessions to pass around the latest office gossip. And there certainly aren’t invites to happy hour on Fridays. 

Instead, the majority of your communication and interaction with coworkers will be virtual. Think of platforms like Slack, instant messenger, and email. 

Typically, introverts make great remote workers. That’s because they don’t gain their energy from interacting with others. Instead, they thrive in solitude and can easily go long stretches without craving human interaction. Extroverts, on the hand, recharge their batteries socially, often making remote work challenging for them. 

If you’re an introvert, remote work is probably a good fit. Extroverts, however, should seriously reconsider embracing a work-from-home lifestyle.

You’re Virtually Skilled Already 

Working in an office environment gets us used to a certain set of in-office comforts — copy machines, paper, fax machines, complimentary coffee, readily available coworkers, supply closet, etc. 

When you go remote, you lose these office perks and must rely solely on virtual ways of doing things. For a first-time remote worker, this can be a lot to get used to. Even simple tasks, like collaborating with coworkers and meetings are all done in a virtual environment. 

You’ll be using a lot of apps and online platforms to get your work done. If you’re already familiar with programs like Skype or Slack, congrats, you’ll find it a lot easier to transition from in-person collaboration to virtual co-working.

If, however, you can’t imagine a Monday morning meeting via video or can’t fathom project management while working with someone 2,000 miles away, stop right there! Remote work requires a lot of virtual work via different programs. Being able to embrace (and use) new technology to get work done is what remote work is literally built upon.

Remote Work + You = Good Fit 

Feeling more confident than ever that you and remote work are a match made in heaven? I’m happy to hear it! 

Now it’s time to actually get that remote job search off the ground. Be sure to revamp your resume, spruce of LinkedIn, and give yourself a goal. 

With the confidence of knowing you’re ready to work remotely and a little help along the way, you’ll be working from home before you know it. You’ve got this.

Happily, 

Ashlee 

P.S. This post may contain affiliate links. What are they? Check out my disclosure statement for more info

The post Is Remote Work A Good Fit For You? Here’s How To Tell. appeared first on Work from Home Happiness.

What’s appealing about most work from home opportunities (setting your hours, lack of office politics, working in PJs) can also be total motivation zappers. The lure of the couch, binge-watching TV series on Netflix or an afternoon trip to Barnes & Noble can sometimes seem infinitely more appealing than just about anything having to do with work.

No matter your work ethic, you’re bound to feel unmotivated while working from home. It happens to the best of us.

But don’t worry, there are some practical methods to help get (and keep) yourself motivated. Below you’ll find five work from home motivation tips to give you a little get-up-and-go.

1. Get Showered & Dressed

Thanks to the popularity of The Odd Couple which introduced us to the disheveled, slovenly, sportswriter, Oscar Madison, work from home pros sometimes get a bad rap where hygiene and cleanliness are concerned.  This might be true, for some, but certainly not all (or at least not all the time!).

Full disclosure, there are definitely some days I wake up, roll out of bed, grab a coffee and answer emails, make phone calls and write well into the afternoon without much consideration into the fact that I’m wearing day-old clothes and greasy hair. I mean, who is there to impress in that regard, my cat, Lenny? He’s seen me at my best and worst. And frankly, he doesn’t much care what I look like as long as I keep his food dish topped off and offer a lap to sit on.

And when  you’re working from home, there will be those days when you feel pretty good about the fact that you even managed to get a pair of clean-ish yoga pants on. And if you’re getting work done and staying ahead of deadlines, more power to you!

But then there’s those days when you’re feeling less than ready to tackle the simplest of to-do list items. And that’s when your sweats and tangled hair can really be working against you.

Thankfully, a shower and clean change of clothes can make a world of difference. There’s something about the process of rinsing away the previous day and a fresh set of clothes that can really refresh your entire perspective and put a little spring in your step. As a bonus, you might find that a shower provides you with a little inspiration as well as motivation.

Work From Home Motivation Quote to live by:

2. Leverage Your To-Do List

Getting things done can, well, motivate you to get more done. If you’re a freelancer, you probably already use a weekly or monthly calendar to help you keep track of looming deadlines. This is a great practice that you should use to help you keep motivated throughout any given workday.

Invest in a small dry-erase board, you can pick one up at Amazon for around five bucks, and each morning (or if you’re a night owl, afternoon) write out each of the things you need to do that day, no matter how small. As you complete even seemingly insignificant tasks, cross them off your list. Why?

The idea is that accomplishments, even the smallest ones, are motivators. That’s right. If you get something done, you’re likely to get more done. Something about checking an item off of your to-do list really gives you a sense of satisfaction and achievement. And you’ll want to replicate that same sense of satisfaction by getting more done.

By the end of the day you’ll have a whiteboard with a long list of completed tasks and a sense of accomplishment that you can parlay into tackling the next workday.

Work From Home Motivation Quote to live by:

3. Change The Way You Think

Easier said than done, right? Not exactly. Science tells us that motivation is really a psychological thing. Changing the way you think about the things you need to get done can make them easier to do.

When you’re feeling unmotivated, you’re likely looking at a task or a list of tasks and saying, ugh, I have to do this. By telling yourself you have to do something, you’re psyching yourself out. Instead, opt for the more motivational-friendly “I choose to.” As in, I choose to write this 1500-word article about the intricacies of the catalytic converter. When you feel like you’re in charge, you’ll be more compelled to complete a task.

Remember, when it comes to work, there’s not a whole lot you really have to do. You choose to do these things because you like to earn an income, have a roof over your head, food in the kitchen, and an Amazon Prime membership. The next time you feel like you don’t want to do something, remember you choose to do it.

Work From Home Motivation Quote to live by:

4. Reflect Don’t Deflect

Scientists have found that your motivation really flourishes when you stay true to your values and beliefs. So, if you find yourself constantly demotivated when it comes to completing your work, perhaps it’s time to reflect on why you started doing the work to begin with.

As far as work from home motivation tips goes, this one often resonates. A work from home life is not always easy, but if you can think back to why you opted to get into whatever work from home field you chose (writing, virtual assisting, customer service, etc.) then perhaps it can reinvigorate you, too.

Did you start freelancing as a graphic designer to spend more time with your family or opted to become a virtual assistant to achieve a better work-life balance? Whatever spurred you to work from home to begin with, can also motivate you to get work done.

Work From Home Motivation Quote to live by:

5. Let Music Move You

When thinking of work from home motivation tips, this is one of my gold-star standards. Even as I write this article, I’ve got my headphones plugged in and have been listening to a random playlist for the last hour or so. I can’t tell you song for song what’s been played, but I do know that it has put a little pep in my writing step.

There’s a reason you see people at the gym and marathon runners plugged into music as they push themselves to the limit. But, why?

Music utilizes our body’s sympathetic nervous system to get a rise out of us. Auditory signals, like those we get from listening to music, can increase heart rate, get blood flowing, and open airways. With such responses, are body is at a state of readiness that allows us to get things done, whether it’s running a 5k or finishing an assignment.

Some studies even suggest that music increases our coordination and is responsible for sending signals to our brain which helps us with perceptual and cognitive reasoning. Perhaps this increased ability to understand allows us to more clearly see an assignment for what it is. With this clarity, we’re able to more easily and readily take on and complete a task.

Thankfully with streaming services, like Amazon Music Unlimited, you’ll never be without your musical motivation.

Work From Home Motivation Quote to live by:

What do you think? What are some of your tried and true work from home motivation tips? Share them in the comment below.

The post Work From Home Productivity Tips To Help You Get (And Stay) Motivated appeared first on Work from Home Happiness.

I’m an introvert. I’m at my best and most productive when alone in my home office, save for a cat coworker. Alone time provides me an opportunity to recharge my batteries so I can get more done in a day without feeling burned out.

But, that’s not to say I don’t enjoy interacting with others. On the contrary. Time with friends is something I look forward to. That sentiment holds true for many of the introverted among us.

In fact, a lot of introverts can pass for extroverts. And there are those who don’t even realize they are technically introverts.

Too often we look at introverts and extroverts as being two totally different types of people. One is a social butterfly. The other is an antisocial loner. But the truth is, introversion and extroversion go far beyond being classified as ‘shy’ or ‘the life of the party.’

Are you an introvert and don’t even know it? Here are 23 signs you’re secretly an introvert.

Why Working From Home Works for Introverts

Introverts often get a bad rep as being antisocial or disinterested in others. But as I mentioned before, there’s more to introversion than liking or disliking the company of others.

Think of introverts as being “inward thinking.” That is, they are focused on their internal thoughts and feelings. Introverts don’t gain energy from being around others. Extroverts do. An introvert may very much enjoy being around a group of people, but will need ‘alone time’ afterward to reset.

That’s why many introverts may benefit from a work from home career. They don’t have to continually interact with their coworkers or attend daily meetings as a remote worker. This means more time for working and less time recharging after a draining day on the job filled with meetings and general small talk that goes with being around others.

Plus, while not universal, introverts tend to have a set of traits that make for outstanding remote workers.

Remote-Friendly Traits of Introverts

According to Very Well, one of the classic signs of an introvert include a preference to work independently. It goes without saying that working from your home office offers greater independence than, say, being surrounded by a sea of cubicle-dwelling coworkers.

But that’s not all.  Although introverts might find water cooler small talk to be tedious and agendas filled with meetings mentally exhausting, they can find remote work rewarding. Not only do they spend less time draining their batteries with external stimuli, they often possess inherent traits that set them up for remote work success.

Introverts Are Self-Motivated

Introverts don’t rely on others to get things done. Remote-friendly companies appreciate this go-getter attitude, and can count on their introverted employees to put in a full days work, even when no one is looking.

Introverts are Goal-Oriented

Give an introvert a work goal and chances are they’ll do what it takes to achieve it. This ambition lends itself well to remote work, whether it’s as an employee or a self-starting freelancer.

Introverts Are Trustworthy

Remote workers aren’t micromanaged. They are given a job to do and are expected to get it done without someone hovering over their shoulder. The inherent trustworthiness of introverts often means they can be counted on to get work done, no matter what.

Introverts Crave Knowledge

The world of remote work is constantly evolving. And this means remote workers, whether freelancers or employees, need to be lifelong learners to succeed. Introverts crave knowledge and willingly study in order to become experts in their fields.

Introverts Have Laser Focus

Working from home comes with a unique set of distractions you won’t find in a traditional office job. Netflix. Pets. Neighbors. Your bed. These are all things that can make it difficult for even the most disciplined to stick to the daily work routine. But introverts often have an ability to concentrate so well that they can ‘tune’ everything else out. For an environment laced with distractions, this often means plenty of work from home productivity even when they’d rather be binge watching Season 7 of their favorite show.

These are just some of the common characteristics many introverts possess that make them standout remote workers. You can check out 10 quality traits all introverts have to learn more about the awesomeness that comes with this personality type.

Work From Home Jobs For Introverts

Although pretty much all remote work can appeal to an introvert’s introspective ways, there are some remote-friendly career paths that offer greater solitude than others.

As an introvert myself, I gravitated toward writing not only because it fueled my creativity but offered the chance to work independently the majority of the time. I was given an assignment and a due date, and the rest was up to me. This was my ideal working situation and a stark contrast from the micromanaged, meeting-filled days I grew accustom to in the corporate world.

If you too identify as an introvert but wonder what remote career path makes the most sense, check out these ideas for extra inspiration.

Writer

As a self-motivated pro, introvert writers can meet deadlines no matter how tight. Writing also helps introverts express themselves better than they may be able to do orally. And with their intense desire to learn, conducting research will be no problem as they tackle new assignments.

Not feeling confident in your ability to launch a freelance writing career from scratch? Start small. Aim to earn your first thousand dollars as a writer with this awesome ecourse.

Proofreader

You know how I said introverts have laser focus? Well, that can certainly come in handy as a proofreader. Reading and re-reading text requires plenty of quiet time, an introvert’s preferred working environment. And their attention detail means even hard-to-spot mistakes are no match for the unparalleled concentration of an introvert!

Think you have what it takes to be a pro proofreader? Take this free 45-minute workshop to find out!

Transcription

Did I mention introverts are good listeners? It’s true. And in the world of transcription, being able to listen is one of the keys needed to be successful. After all, transcription requires simultaneously listening to audio while typing what’s being said — no easy feat.

There are a lot of transcription options out there. Two of the biggest niches are legal and general transcription. To learn more about your options, sign up for one (or both) free mini courses for legal transcription or general transcription over at TranscribeAnywhere.

Developer

Web developers write code that helps bring websites and apps to life. For introverts, their attention to detail and self-motivation can help them create a successful cubicle-free career as a coder.

And you can learn everything you need to be an entry-level coder for free, and open up a virtual world of remote work opportunities! 

Blogger

Blogging exposes you to hundreds if not thousands of people each day. You’d think this wouldn’t be appealing to the aspiring remote working introvert. But remember, introverts aren’t anti-social or ‘shy,’ they simply thrive with self reflection and inner dialogue — the hallmarks of a pro blogger!

Learn what else it takes to be a pro blogger in no time by reading my step-by-step, no-fail beginner’s guide to blogging.

Medical Billing & Coding Pro

Medical billing and coding pros have to go through training to be considered a competitive entry-level candidate. And since introverts have a natural thirst for knowledge, they can master this remote-friendly skill with ease.

Recommended Read: How To Become a Medical Billing & Coding Pro, Even If You’re Starting from Scratch

Social Media Manager

Who would think an introvert would be the perfect person to manage anything social? But social media managers aren’t actually the ones doing the socializing. Instead, they focus on the business side of being social, which can appeal to an introvert’s methodical nature.

A great place to start if you’re interested in social media management is over at HootSuite Academy. Brought to you by the popular automation tool, Hootsuite, the free courses can give you an insider’s glimpse into whether or not this is the right career path for you.

Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers handle sensitive information, like financial records, regularly. The trustworthy introvert can keep this information confidential all while maintaining an accurate account of money going in and out thanks to their amazing attention to detail.

Getting started as a bookkeeper doesn’t require a degree. But a little training can go a long way in helping an introvert get their own business off the ground. A good place to start is with this free three-part video series for aspiring bookkeepers.

Graphic Designer/Artist

Thanks to sites like Zazzle or RedBubble, even the most introverted artists and designers can make a full-time income without having to actively ‘sell’ their work. These marketplace sites allow creatives to earn a passive income, which gives introverts the income and financial means to continue to create.

You can teach yourself graphic design using Photoshop and a couple of how-to guides for less than the cost of a fewStarbucks lattes. Or use a free 30-day trial of Skillshare to jump into the elements of creating as a profession. 

Chat Agent/Email Support

Introverts may find it difficult to pick up the phone, whether it’s to make a call or answer an incoming one! But that doesn’t mean they’re not great at providing support. In fact, introverts are often great listeners, which means they can be an asset to any customer service team. And because many companies offer email agent and chat support jobs, introverts can put their listening skills to work, without having to pick up a phone.

Work From Home Jobs For Introverts

Of course the 10 career paths listed here are just a small sample of options for introverts. The truth is, any remote-friendly job can appeal to an introvert for the autonomy it offers.

If you’re an introvert wanting to join the work-from-home ranks, you need to read my quick-start guide to finding a remote job. You can grab your free copy by signing up for the work from home resource library below.

Happily,

Ashlee  

The post Top 10 Work From Home Jobs for Introverts appeared first on Work from Home Happiness.

Since I work from home and my job requires me to stay seated for eight hours or more each day during the work week, I try to sneak in extra steps anywhere I can. I park farther away in parking lots, take the stairs, and wear a fitness tracker to keep tabs on my activity level.

And on my off days, I regularly exercise and try to stay pretty active.

Surely, this helps counteract the sedentary nature of my office life, right?

Not necessarily.

Sitting Too Much Can Be Dangerous

A recent study shows that even those of us who regularly exercise are at an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and even cancer just from sitting too much each day.

What is too much? Prolonged sitting is generally considered any length of time between 8 and 12 hours a day.

If you find yourself in this range, you may be at a heightened risk for a number of health issues, including those mentioned above.

But when your job requires you to sit at a desk and stare down a computer screen for 8+ hours a day, what do you do?

Good question! Fortunately, there’s one simple solution to help you get out of your seat most of the day while still getting work done. What is it? The FlexiSpot sit-stand desk.

And, in the spirit of good health, I’ve partnered with FlexiSpot for a giveaway. That’s right — one lucky reader will receive a free sit-stand desk from FlexiSpot.

But before we get to the giveaway, let’s take a look and why it’s important to get up more during your day. At the end of the post, enter for a chance to win your choice of FlexiSpot sit-stand desk and transform the way you work.

If You Have to Sit, Do it Right

Let’s be honest, you’ll spend some amount of time sitting during the day. But how you sit can make all the difference in how you feel and the effect it has on your body.

When it comes to sitting at a desk and staring a computer screen, most experts recommended posture best practices like:

• Keeping your monitor at eye level
• Positioning your arms in an L-shape from shoulder to fingertips
• Sitting up with your back straight and shoulders back
• Planting your feet firmly on the floor

I’ll admit, my posture isn’t always the greatest. I’m famous for sitting cross-legged in my office chair or with one legged propped — apparent no-nos to the posture pros.

If that sounds like you, you may be causing excess neck, back and shoulder pain. Remember, if you’re going to sit some of the day, sit the right way. And as often as you can, make it a habit to get up.

What’s the Solution to Sitting When You Work from Home?

The FlexiSpot sit-stand desk has got you covered. The FlexiSpot sit-stand desktop workstation can be used while sitting or standing.

The workstation sits directly on your existing desktop and when in its lowered position is just the right height for sitting down to get work done. When you’re ready to stretch your legs and get out of your seat, all it takes is a light squeeze of handlebars to raise the workstation and, voila, instant standing desk!

The Benefits of a Standing Desk

We know sitting for extended periods of time during the day isn’t great for our health. But many of us who work from home can’t seem to avoid hours on end in our desk chairs.

Instead of stopping work to get up, using a standing desk is a much easier solution to getting work done while getting out of your seat — win, win.

And experts agree, the benefits of using a standing desk are many:

• Lowers risk of weight gain
• Can lower blood sugar
• Reduces heart disease risk
• Alleviates back pain
• Boosts mood and energy
• Increased productivity

By adding a standing desk to your home office, you can easily reap these health benefits without altering the way you work.

To help spread the health, FlexiSpot is offering one Work from Home Happiness reader their choice of a small, medium, large, or corner Sit-Stand Workstation in black or white. Whichever option you choose, you’ll enjoy:

• Easy transition from sitting to standing
• Multiple height settings
• Straight up and down movement for small spaces
• One-step assembly

You can see the workstation in action and learn more about its features over at FlexiSpot.

Ready to get out of your seat and have a healthier 2017? Enter the sweepstakes below! The contest closes 1/9/17. The lucky winner will be announced 1/10/17.

Remember: 

• Contest is only open to U.S. residents
• You may enter multiple times by following the instructions below
• Come back every day for more chances to win
• Winner will be notified by email
• Winner will need to provide their shipping address to receive prize

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What are your thoughts on a standing desk? Do you think you sit too much during the day? Let us know in the comments below!

The post The Surprising Health Benefits of Using a Standing Desk When You Work from Home [CLOSED] appeared first on Work from Home Happiness.

You’re lucky, you know.

Not everyone has the luxury of taking their work home with them. In fact, most people don’t. To earn a living, most people depend on a cubicle or a classroom, a sales floor or a boardroom…

But you don’t — at least not all of the time.

You’re lucky: you have a valuable, remote-friendly skillset, one your company happily lets you exercise from home.

The caveat? You have to be on. You have to be equally productive, creative, and effective in your chosen space, which is easier said than done. It requires a calculated approach; preparation. It’s still your job, after all. You want to get it right.

In any case, until you’ve gained some work-from-home experience, don’t wing it. Instead, arm yourself with some best practices. This article will highlight the fundamentals: what tools to use; how to situate yourself; how to organize your time.

More importantly, it’ll give you a snapshot of a healthy, productive work-from-home environment, one that you can fearlessly emulate.

We’ll focus on three crucial success factors:

1. Your Structure

Are you naturally self-motivated? Because if you’re to autonomously work from home, you better be. You don’t have a choice in the matter. You need to be disciplined with your time and task management.

Here are several strategies that’ll keep the juices flowing and the distractions at bay:

Get dressed.

Wearing pajamas while working remotely will cost you more than the comfort is worth…

What we wear impacts how we feel and, in turn, how we behave. A suit, for example, can evoke confidence; sunglasses can ease anxiety. That said, don’t start your home workday predisposed to coziness and lethargy because you refuse to lose the sweats. Instead, wear a dressed-down version of what you’d wear to the office.

Point is: be comfortable, but not too comfortable. You’ll be more productive for it.

Stick to a routine.

Keeping a routine is a potent and practical way to stay consistently motivated and focused — to be on. Once ingrained, your routine will keep distractions in the background, helping you stay on-task.  

To create a routine, begin by breaking your day into hour-long blocks, like an agenda. Up by 8:00 AM, showered by 8:30, then coffee and breakfast before sitting down to answer your first email at 9:00.

That’s “Hour: 1.” How will the next hour play out? Answer that question through “Hour: 8” and you’ll have in front of you a freshly minted routine. Now commit to it.

Over time, you’ll find yourself bending to the comfort of your routine. You’ll catch yourself not thinking, just doing. That shows you’re growing productive, and each time you realize it, you’ll be reminded of a valuable lesson: getting started is almost always the hardest part.

Set micro-goals.

Have you ever attempted to set weekly, daily or, perhaps, even hourly goals for yourself?

These are called micro-goals, and they’re designed to keep isolated workers constantly challenged, driven, and improving.

2. Your Space

Most people don’t like their work to bleed into their personal lives. But it happens all the time, especially among remote workers who mismanage their “hoffice.”

To avoid blurring the lines, try:

Dedicating a work desk.

Don’t work from bed. It could short-circuit your brain, confusing it to think that bedtime is actually work time, and vice versa.

Don’t work from the couch or at your kitchen table, either. Those are your spaces. That’s where you go to unwind, relax, and take your mind away from the job.

A dedicated work desk, on the other hand, will flip a switch in your head every time you sit down at it. It will make you feel like it’s time to work.

Closing the door behind you.

It’s a simple concept, but that doesn’t make it stupid.

Think of it this way: closing the door behind you is like locking in a deadline or like committing to a goal. Ultimately, it’s setting the stage for something powerful: focus.

Anything could be happening out there — the PlayStation could be purring; Netflix could be on; dishes could be piling up — but none of it matters on your side of the door, in your space, behind your dedicated work desk.

You’re in the zone at that post — and that means 10:00 AM is the new noon.

Your Tools

If “Your Structure” is really about managing your motivation, and “Your Space” is about maximizing your focus, then “Your Tools” are about optimizing your communication.

Remember: as a remote employee, you’re still expected to work fluidly on a team. As fluidly as you would if everyone was sitting in the same office together. Thankfully, there are tools to help you do that.

Here are a few that, when used correctly and consistently, can make your remote communications seamless:

Slack

Slack lets you do all your team communications in one place, combining multiple forms of messaging and file sharing.

The app lets you create “Channels” that help isolate topics and people for discussion. It also integrates with DropBox and dozens of other tools, allowing you to send documents in an array of formats.

Zoom

Zoom is a popular video and web conferencing tool.

The service brings cloud video conferencing, online meetings, group messaging, and a software-defined conference room solution into a single platform.

Google Hangouts

Like Zoom, Google Hangouts brings people face-to-face.

Hangouts also has the added benefit of integrating with your Google Calendar and Gmail. That said, it’s not as robust as Zoom, cutting your meeting size to a maximum of 10 people.

You can browse a complete comparison list here.

You really want to know how to conquer working from home?

Conquer yourself first.

After all, working remotely is a deeply personal and unique experience for everyone who does it. We all have our own routines, our own idiosyncrasies. Experience teaches them to us.

This article highlights several important concepts and tools — the fundamentals of working from home — but there’s a lot of empty space in between. Fill it! Color in the nuances that make your remote reality better.

In the process, be thoughtful and stay diligent. You’ll be an old pro in no time.

The post How to Conquer Working from Home: A Beginner’s Guide appeared first on Work from Home Happiness.

When work and home are one in the same, it can be a little too easy to allow insanity to creep into the mix. Contrary to what some may believe, working from his is not all Netflix and Twitter wars.

With family life, personal life, and work life taking place under the same roof, the results can be a bit overwhelming – even on the best days.

Fortunately, you can get it all done while saving your sanity (what little you have left, anyway). All it takes is some planning and determination.

Get Dressed

Whether you’re new to working from home or a long-time remote worker, there are times when working and sleeping within the same walls wears on your sanity. Do you work from home? Have a tried and true sanity-saving tip that I missed? Please share it in the comments below for sanity’s sake. You can also stop the insanity by sharing these tips with your friends.

The post 5 Sanity-Saving Tips When Working From Home appeared first on Work from Home Happiness.