Freelancing is convenient; you are your own boss, you can work remotely, and you can set your own schedule. However, it is easy to fall deep into work and forget to take care of your body. Once you have fully immersed yourself into a flow, you may not want to take breaks as you might lose your train of thought while immersed.
Believe it or not, forcing yourself to focus is not the key to a productive work day. There are ways to get your tasks done while also looking after yourself. Few tweaks here and there will help you improve your productivity while ensuring you give the attention that your body needs.
6 Tips to Make the Most of Your Day as a Freelancer
Make a schedule
Freelancing means you get to work any time you want; you have the flexibility to start and end your work whenever. Though this is a positive quirk you would get when you are a freelancer, it will also become a burden when you do not have a structure to follow.
Setting a schedule for yourself gives you a clear idea of how a typical workday should go. Not only that, but having a schedule is also very important for freelancers that live with other family members. Plus, a schedule will assist you in distinguishing between working hours and times when you can relax.
This will ensure that your body is ready for work at the time you choose, allowing you to relax without worrying about work. In addition, by setting a schedule, you will also be able to do work much faster. Especially if you target to finish a certain amount of work by the time you are supposed to end.
Set Goals and a To-do list
Similar to a schedule, daily goals and a to-do list will help you oversee how your day will run. However, instead of just an overview of work, a to-do list and goals list will have specific tasks you need to get done.
For instance, when you have a big project, it can get overwhelming. Having a to-do list can break down the bigger tasks into smaller ones while still being on track. At the same time, the goal of you completing the project is still being fulfilled.
Lists do not have to be physical like the traditional way of writing them on a piece of paper and sticking it by your laptop. There are some mobile applications accessible on app stores for Android phone and Apple iPhone. This way, no matter where you go, you will always have access to your to-do list and goals of the day from your phone.
Designate a Workspace
Having a workspace is very important for freelancers as they work from home most of the time. A workspace that is specifically for work-related activities only will make sure your productivity is high. Additionally, it will help you differentiate between resting places and working places in your house.
There are numerous advantages to having a personal workspace at home. While working from home, having a dedicated location allows you to focus, mentally puts you in a work mentality, reduces distractions, and helps you maintain a work-life balance.
Contrary to belief, a workspace does not really have to be fancy. For example, you do not need to completely renovate your house to fit a small office for a workspace. Instead, just designate a spot anywhere in your house away from your bed and use your business laptop for work.
Work in the Morning
After having a good night’s rest, you will feel energised and full of energy. Use this energy wisely and jump into work after having a little “me-time” with a plate of breakfast and enjoy your favourite coffee. Then you will be able to start another day of work with ease.
Working in the morning is vital to having a productive day because your energy will be naturally depleted throughout the day. Therefore, by the end of a working day, you will be less likely to have the energy to start doing tasks. To avoid this, you should get into a routine and wake up early to start your freelancing tasks.
Plus, you will be able to get more done in the morning. Consequently, you will have more time in the evening for yourself to enjoy. Moreover, with all your work done in the morning, you will be able to spend quality time with your friends, family, and even your pets.
Take Breaks
Once you have fallen into work, it is important to take enough breaks to refresh yourself every now and then. Your body may get sore when you stay in one position for a long time, which is unavoidable since most jobs today require you to be in front of a laptop or computer.
Therefore, breaks are important so that you do not risk unwanted damage to your body. These risks include carpal tunnel, sore neck, and back pain. Not only that, but these risks can even last for years if not cared for.
During these breaks, you can take a short walk around your place to increase your step count and a little movement into your body. Other than walking, you could even do light stretching to get your body, which has been sitting in the same position for a few hours. Then after taking a small break to refresh yourself, you will be able to continue work with a lighter body and mind.
Meal Prep for Your Workday
Meal prepping is an easy and simple way to increase your day’s productivity. This is because meal prepping requires you to make a whole dish or meal before a schedule happens. This means you do not have to think of what to eat by the time lunch comes because you have already prepared it.
Not only that, but you can even just make simple food enough for yourself to eat and feel full. Most people get overwhelmed when they look up meal prep ideas on the internet, as some of the food shown are quite complex. But it does not have to be that way; it can simply be just a chicken salad or whatever you have in the fridge.
Remember that it is for you, so make sure you fill the meal prep with ingredients you like and the right nutrition you need in a day. With this, you can skip the long lunch queues at restaurants and the hassle of thinking about what to eat.
