Productive Freelancing Tips:
Boost Efficiency & Enjoyment
"Freelancing isn't just a work schedule; it's a lifestyle!"
When you start freelancing, the first thing that excites you (and then not so much) is the lack of a boss watching over you as you sit down to work. To help you navigate this freedom, here are some productive freelancing tips.
It doesn’t work that way here. We know most of you open your laptop before even getting out of bed, attend meetings in your pajama bottoms, or sleep until noon, then decide your workday is over after finishing a task. But is this productive?
Without a boss or nosy colleague to keep you in check, it's easy to "go off track" and fall into extremes. Some might say, "Who cares how I spend my day as long as the work gets done and the client is happy?" But this approach can lead to burnout and feeling disconnected over time.
We've been working remotely as a team for nearly 10 years, from various corners of Ukraine and the world, so we can definitely share what helps us work happily and stay productive, meeting all deadlines and still having time for personal growth and fun.
Practice Digital Detox
We wrote about this in detail in a separate article, so we won’t dwell on it here. Just remember, using your favorite gadgets can be both helpful and exhausting for your nervous system.
Studies show that avoiding your smartphone for the first 30-60 minutes after waking up allows your brain to wake up properly, set the tone for a productive day, and stay focused. You know what I mean!
Stay Positive
To kickstart your workday and be more productive, create a positive mood! What gets you going in the morning? Singing along to Bon Jovi? Sipping a fragrant coffee? Going for a run or doing yoga? Start your day with what you love! Create a morning ritual that makes you feel unstoppable.
Stick to a Sleep Schedule
When you start freelancing, it’s exciting not to have to wake up at the crack of dawn. But don’t mess up your sleep routine. Befriend your biological clock—it’ll help you stay organized and productive throughout the day.
Do the Important Tasks First
Time management is crucial. Organizing yourself is the most important (and sometimes the hardest) task, especially when you see a long to-do list with calls and meetings needing your attention. Procrastination alert!
The simplest trick, which you’ve probably heard before, is to start with the toughest and most energy-draining tasks. It’s tempting to put them off, but if you "win this battle," you’ll feel proud and relieved that the hardest part is done, giving you extra motivation to tackle the rest.
Create a Work Zone
To truly work efficiently, create a space free from distractions, equipped with everything you need, and set up for productivity.
It could be a dedicated chair, a work desk, or even a specific corner of the kitchen table. Try not to mix up zones in your home, otherwise, your brain will associate your house with the office and won't relax properly.
Plan Breaks
Freelancing makes it easy to get lost in work tasks and forget about lunch or back exercises after hours of coding. Yes, there’s always something to do.
If you’re guilty of this, set an alarm to remind you to have lunch or signal the end of the workday. When you step away from your desk, switch up your activities and minimize information intake to give your brain and body a chance to “reset.”
Take care of yourself and plan time for work and rest.
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