How to successfully work from home

...and not spend the day watching TV, doing the ironing and having frequent naps.

Working from home, it's a dream many aspire to: work when you want, don't get dressed till midday, avoid the commute and still get to pick your kids up from school. But in reality it's hard to keep up the motivation and self discipline.

Most staff here at Happy work from home to a certain extent. Our elearning team do it for the majority of the week. What can be done to keep it a positive experience that benefits both you and your company?

• Know yourself - this is the most important. What works for me might not work for you. I'm quite happy spending the day by myself. You might get depressed without any human interaction. In which case, you may need to break the day up with phone calls or lunch dates.
  


• Stick to a schedule - I like to do this, so I can structure my day. Treat it like an office day. Plan to start at 9am and mean it.



• Have a designated area - I have a bright office, painted in yellow, in the hope that it will keep me alert and on the ball. It's a spare bedroom in our flat that is reserved for work and computer related activities. That way, there's no chance of me getting distracted by food, books or sleep (particular weaknesses of mine). Even if it's just a corner of your bedroom, make it look like the official area of work.
  


• Take breaks - People in the office get up to go to the loo or make a cup of tea. Don't feel guilty.
  


• Start the day with some air - Most people travel to work, thereby getting a daily dose of exercise, air and light. If, like me, you sometimes crawl from your bed to the laptop, you miss out on that. It can be hard to shake off the grogginess if you don't. I have the good fortune to live by the sea. But a walk round the block or to the nearest coffee shop can be just as effective.
  


• Make the most of your evenings - This is the beauty of working at home. Switch off your computer at 5pm and you're already home. What will you do? Spend time with your partner? Cook some amazing food? Working at home enables me to prepare dinner, get to my capoeira class and still have time to relax in the evening.
  


• Start the day the day with a list - That way you'll be more focused. Even if the list includes 'do the ironing', put it down so that you can find a slot to fit it in.
  


• Achieve something as soon as possible - preferably something on your list so that you get a sense of satisfaction. Even if it's emailing your boss or filling out forms that need to be done. It will give you the motivation to get through the day.

It can be a real struggle sometimes, especially on days like today; I'm writing this with the music from the students' flat above making my ceiling vibrate. On the other hand, it's 5pm, I'm off to meet a friend for a coffee and go to my capoeira class.

Do enjoy your train journey home, won't you?