Obviously, if you want to get things done, you should avoid distractions at all costs. Distractions may include house chores that all of a sudden seem so enticing to do, or your super duper cute furry friend that needs another cuddle session.
If possible, schedule your house chores before or after your work hours, and put your pet in a different room so their puppy adorable eyes won't take your attention. Letting your family and friends know that you can't be bothered during certain times of the day is a must so they'll know to give you the time and space you need.
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Having a flexible schedule is another perk of working from home, but it's still important to set strict work hours. Determine the time when you're most productive and schedule your work there. If you're a morning person, finish all your tasks by then. Just inform your colleagues and boss about your work schedule so they'll know when they can contact your or when to set your deadlines.
Another perk of sticking with a schedule? It'll help prevent work from your invading your personal life.
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Just as you need to have work hours, scheduling breaks within the day is also important. It can be a full one-hour lunch break or multiple five-minute breaks that will enable you to relax and meditate (heck, you can even do some desk yoga). This will prevent exhaustion, and increase your creativity and productivity.
On a similar note, having dedicated days off is also important. This can be a day wherein you can go on a mini-vacation or just a rewarding trip to the spa. You can even use these breaks as your reward system so you're more motivated to do your job.
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Staying at home 24/7 can burn you out — sometimes, you need a change of scenery. So from time to time, schedule a workday in a nearby coffee shop. This will slightly change your pace which can make you more productive than when you stay at home. Also, even for an introvert, interaction with other people is still important.
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Because you're far from your colleagues and boss, you're going to want to err on the side of over-communication. You have to keep them updated with your tasks, ask questions, and get updates from as well. This will show them that you're really doing your work and it will prevent misunderstandings. Use apps like Trello or Asana for project management, and Google Hangouts, Slack or Skype for communication.
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