Are you looking for ways to increase your productivity while you’re at home?
Do you have difficulty completing chores and housekeeping in your living space?
When it comes to getting things done at home, you can’t go wrong setting some boundaries and making simple modifications to your environment.
In this post, you’ll find five simple tips to help you increase your productivity at home.
Whether you’re taking care of weekly chores or home administration, these practical tips will help you better focus on the task at hand.
Create a short to-do list
Do you vacuum the stairs only to be distracted by checking on the laundry?
Even if it’s something as simple as attending to some housekeeping, it pays to keep your mind focused!
Before beginning a round of housekeeping or tidying up, write down exactly which tasks you want to accomplish.
Try keeping your to-do list on the short side: 3 to 5 brief tasks will suffice.
When you’ve finished completing a task, simply cross it off before moving to the next.
Completely switch off your phone
Do incoming text messages distract you? Can’t wait to see which new social media updates come through on your tablet or computer?
If so, you may want to consider temporarily switching off your cell phone and/or taking your landline phone off of the hook while you work.
Remember, this isn’t a permanent action; it is just a simple step to reduce the amount of distractions or disturbances around you while you get things done.
Think about it for a moment. Which chores or tasks could you accomplish ASAP if you weren’t interrupted every five minutes or so?
Could you fold that stack of laundry? How about mopping the kitchen floor? Could you tie up that stack of magazines?
Get dressed for the occasion
Do you find yourself to be too comfortable when doing chores? Well, you may want to consider modifying your wardrobe.
If comfort is preventing you from taking care of your chores, consider dressing in a way that motivates you or energizes you to get things done.
This might mean the difference between opting for a pair of jeans versus a pair of sweatpants. Or perhaps lacing up pair of sneakers versus sliding on a pair of fluffy slippers.
Trying to finish up some administrative or client work in your home office? Put on a dress shirt, dress slacks, and dress shoes.
Now, this might all sound a bit silly. But hey, you’ll never know what effect this may have on your productivity levels unless you try.
Corral people and pets
If you live with others at home, you may need to take some action to create some time and space for yourself.
It’s easier to complete chores and finish your work when there are fewer people and pets in the house or apartment.
And if you live with other family members, kindly ask them not to disturb you while you work. You could also ask them to temporarily relocate to another area of the home, or step outside for a few hours.
What if you have children? Ask a family member or friend to take the kids out for a while, or hire a babysitter to watch your kids in your home.
Have pets? Round up your dog, cat, or other pet and move them to a part of the house where they won’t be able to disturb you.
Energize yourself with music
Switch on the radio or fire up your smart phone! Consider playing your favorite music to help you pass the time while you work.
Are you competitive? Set up a motivational playlist to keep you energized. Or listen to the radio for a certain number of songs while you work.
Make it a game. How much can you get done during one playlist, album, or commercial break?
Likewise, do you feel your productivity waning? Put your favorite song(s) on repeat for an added boost of energy.
Not a fan of music while you work? No problem! Tune into a favorite podcast or audio book to pass the time.
Learn How to Increase Your Productivity
Increasing your productivity doesn’t mean burning the candle at both ends; it’s about creating a balanced life.
If you want clarity around increasing your productivity in your business or life, book a free 30-minute video strategy session with me today.
How about you? What do you find is most difficult when it comes to getting things done at home? Join in the conversation and leave a comment below!
Thank you for this blog post and the suggestions contained within it. I so appreciate the tone of your writing. It is very supportive. As I do tend to get off track, I will work on carrying my list with me as I do the identified chores that are written on the list. I will write down things that will need to be done in the future versus jumping to that unscheduled task. Thank you!
You are most welcome, Leslie! I’m so glad to hear the post resonated with you. As I like to say, when in doubt, take things one step at a time. With every step you take, the work will get done. 🙂