Struggling to focus working from home? You know how difficult it can be to focus on work while children and household duties vie for your attention. Here are 10 Focus Tips for Work at Home Moms!
More and more moms are working from home these days – and it is no wonder! The internet offers an abundance of opportunities for moms to either start their own business or work for a company that hires remote workers.
If you are a work at home mom, you know how difficult it can be to focus on work tasks while children and household duties vie for your attention. Read on for tips that can help you focus, get more done, and still have time for the rest of your life. If you are not a work at home mom, but you’re thinking about becoming one, these ideas can help you get off to a good start!
10 Focus Tips for Work at Home Moms
Don’t miss these 10 tips for how to stay focused and productive at work.
1. Don’t multitask.
While moms are really great at multitasking – it is as if we are wired to do so – it is not the most productive way to get many types of work done. It might make us feel more productive, but experts say our minds work much more efficiently when we focus on one task at a time. So close out all the internet tabs you donít need, turn your phone on silent, and get the kids settled into an activity that will keep them occupied. (More on that later!)
2. Work in batches.
The typical American office has about 8 scheduled work hours per day, yet the average office worker only completes about 90 minutes or focused work each day. Working in batches is much more effective than trying to work for hours and hours on end. Focus on one task for an hour or two, take a break, and then move on to another task you need to work on. Even if you only do 2 90-minute batches in one day, you have still accomplished more than average!
3. Create busy bags for crucial work times.
Have special activities to keep your kids occupied for times you need to take a call or otherwise be completely focused. Put together busy bags that don’t come out every day – your kids will actually look forward to your client calls!
4. Wear your baby.
If you are working at home with a baby in tow, you can get a lot more done while bonding with your little one by putting them in a sling or back carrier. I LOVE our Tula. It even comes in a Toddler size!
5. Have a dedicated workspace.
If you are able, set up a dedicated workspace in your home. You can decorate (minimally!) with inspiring quotes, post your goals, and train yourself to get into the “work” mindset when you enter that space.
6. Stand up.
Set up a standing desk or work at your kitchen counter to maximize focus. Standing as opposed to sitting increases your blood flow and makes you more mentally alert.
7. Schedule wisely.
Use nap times and other blocks of time when you are really able to focus wisely. You can answer emails from your phone while the kids play outside, but writing a report or analyzing your finances needs your full attention!
8. Take a break.
As mentioned above, no one is really able to work for hours on end productively. Give yourself a break when you need one – your mind will be much sharper. Take a walk, get something healthy to eat, or visit with your family for awhile. Maybe even take a power nap.
9. Get up early (or stay up late!).
Early mornings and late nights are a WAHM’s best friend! Get a batch of work done before your family wakes up or after they go to sleep. Just be sure you get your rest, too! I have been known to stay up until 2 or 3 in the morning working, but I don’t suggest that. You have to take of yourself too.
10. Be present with your family.
Work isn’t the only thing that needs your focus. When you are with your family, focus on them. You probably decided to work at home in the first place so you could spend more time with them – don’t lose sight of that!
What are your best focus tips for work at home moms?
