WORKING FROM HOME | DIGITAL TOOLS | MULTI-PASSIONATE CREATIVE
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Working from home can be enjoyable and convenient, but staying focused in a home setting has its challenges. These free digital tools make it easy to stay focused, on task, and in your creative flow while working from your home office.
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1. Trello
Trello is a project management system that has endless customization functions. Think of it as a digital to-do list that meets a pretty Pinterest board. When working from home you can use Trello to organize both your day-to-day tasks and large projects.
A few examples of Trello boards are:
Create a board with a “list” for each day of the week, then use the “cards” to organize your tasks for each day. Like this:
Inside of each “card”, you can add more details such as checklists and you can attach any relevant documents.
You can also create a board that takes one large project and uses different lists to break them into manageable steps. Don’t forget to add a pretty image to the background!
Another way to use Trello is to keep your team organized. My content manager and I use Trello to keep track of who is doing what and what content is coming up next on the calendar.
For more ideas on how to use Trello, visit their templates section.
2. Use the
Pomodoro Method
The tomato timer is a tool that encourages working in 25-minute spurts followed by a 5 or 10-minute break. Also known as the Pomodoro Method, the tomato-timer works wonders if you’re having trouble getting started on a task.
When you find yourself distracted by a furry friend or scrolling on Instagram instead of working, say to yourself: “I’m just going to work on this for 25 minutes, then I’ll get a break.”
Turn the tomato timer on and you’ll see the clock start ticking down in your browser. When you feel the urge to go open the fridge again for the 5th time, look up and see how much time you have left and keep working until your next break.
Knowing you have a break in place will help you stay focused until the timer buzzes. On your break stretch, grab some water, use the bathroom, and give your pup a few snuggles.
3. Music that Helps
You Focus
The right music can make or break your focus. Opt for music without lyrics that can play in the background or in your headphones as you work from home.
For my favorites, check out my post: 8 Spotify Playlists for Increased Focus.
In addition to listening to instrumental music, you can also experiment with listening to music in another language! I love French music or Bassa Nova.
Test out a few different playlists and see what works for you.
Bonus tip: Okay so this isn’t “free,” but a good pair of noise-blocking headphones is key for staying focused. I personally like headphones that fully cover my ears because they help me to feel more “plugged in.”
To recap:
- Use Trello to organize your day-to-day tasks and manage large projects.
- Turn on the tomato-timer and use the Pomodoro Method to help you stay on task.
- Play music that supports your focus. Bonus points if you wear noise-blocking headphones.
These 3 free digital tools are simple to use but can make a great impact on your ability to work efficiently from home.
Which of these tools are you going to implement first? What’s your favorite digital tool for staying focused when you work from home? Let me know in the comments below.
Thanks for reading!
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Related Posts:
8 Spotify Playlists Every Creative Needs for Increased Focus
8 Binge-Worthy Podcasts for Creative Entrepreneurs
5 Things to Try When You’re in a Creative Rut
For more content, along with mentorship and community, be sure to check out the Joi Knows How Collective, an online community for multi-passionate creatives and multi-passionate entrepreneurs. Learn more here.
