Extend The Holiday Feeling

If you’ve just come back from holiday – don’t allow yourself to get sucked back into the routine of work as soon as you get back. Try to keep the relaxed feeling you hopefully came back with, into the next few weeks.

Plan what you need to get done in the week – those things you absolutely MUST do but also plan to have some time for yourself. If you are in the habit of working in the evening – take at least one evening off this week. Actually giving yourself less time to do things or putting a limit on how much time you have available helps to focus the mind and you might be surprised to find you actually get things done quicker. Like when you’re going away on holiday and you go into overdrive to get things finished on time.

Something that we often take for granted, particularly if you’re working from home is to remember why you do what you do and your reason for working for yourself or working from home in the first place. Don’t beat yourself up if you feel like having a couple of hours off from work. Sometimes it’s good to take a break during the day, (you don’t get the chance when you work in the corporate world), so make the most of it when you can. Come back refreshed and you’ll be more productive.

There's no problem with spending your time on work but keep it in perspective. As long as you know what you need to get done, it's up to you when you do it. If you need/want to take time out during the day, get up a little earlier or work a little later. I often find evening working is a great time, particularly if I'm focused. I create articles, do my online networking, catch-up on emails and can be hugely productive. During the day I may have chosen to spend my time meeting up with a friend, gone for a run, taken a walk or even got the shopping done. Much better when the shops are less crowded.

Spread your working hours across the week in a way that works for you. Make sure you fit in time to relax too, both for yourself and for family and friends.