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Working from home often sounds idyllic until you try to do it. Then, you realize that there are numerous distractions at home that can make this a frustrating experience. For example, you may have distractions from your kids, neighbors and family members, household chores that need to be done and more. However, there are benefits associated with working from home that you may want to take advantage of, such as the ability to better manage your schedule and the ability to be closer to your family throughout the day. While there are some challenges that you will need to overcome if you want to work from home, these helpful tips will make this process easier for you.

Create a Dedicated Work Area
First and foremost, you will need to have a dedicated work area that is used only for work purposes. It can seem comfortable to work on the couch or convenient to work at the breakfast table while the kids are finishing their bowls of cereal, but this is not ideal. If you have a spare room, turn it into an office. If you do not have a spare room, create a small work nook in an out-of-the-way corner of your home, such as in your bedroom or a guest room. When you are in this area, everyone will know that you are busy working and not to bother you. Plus, it will also help you to focus more on work when you are in an area dedicated to your work activities.

Take Frequent Breaks
Focus is often a major problem for those who are working from home, and this can be compounded by the fact that others want your attention or that you feel like you should be doing chores while working from home. You can combat this by taking frequent breaks to handle some of these distractions. For example, take a five minute break every hour to respond to your personal text messages, stretch your legs and change out the clothes in the washing machine or tackle other chores that need your attention.

Set Established Work Hours
Another great idea is to set up established work hours. A routine is a great way to boost efficiency while working at home. Consider getting up at the same time every day, and follow a morning ritual for your breakfast and bathing tasks. Then, when you are ready to start working, start at the same time every day, and take your breaks at the same time every day. Those around you will learn how to live with your work schedule as well and will learn when to talk to you and when to leave you alone so that you can work.

Create Goals for the Day and Week
A final idea to consider is to create a list of goals for the day or the week. Goals can drive and motivate you, and they can be useful to give you the mental power to stay on task while you are working. Be reasonable with the goals that you create, but push yourself as well. If you set yourself to only work on real work tasks for a few hours per day, you will leave yourself with too much free time to twiddle your fingers and goof off.

Working from home can be a dream come true, but it is not without its challenges and pitfalls. These helpful tips will make it easier for you to overcome those challenges and to successfully work from home.

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