How to Be Productive When Working Online

Whether you are a freelance writer, web designer, or business owner many contemporary jobs require people to work online. While this is great because it allows people to stay connected, working online can also lead to a myriad of distractions. So exactly how do you stay productive when working online? The following tips and tricks will surely help you in achieving your online work goals.

1. Draw a line between work and play. The first thing you should do is make sure that you do your online work in a different place than you play. This is especially important if you work from home. If you normally do your online browsing in the bedroom then find another spot in the house to work. A great way to make a personal working space is to set up some room dividers around your desk. Room dividers provide the perfect improvisational office space while remaining comfortable.

2. Set up regular breaks. It is important to set up some breaks throughout the day where you actually walk away from the computer. These breaks allow your mind (and your eyes) to relax and recharge. Furthermore, you are less tempted to browse because of boredom.

3. Social Media Moderation. Unnecessary IMs and notifications can be very distracting while you work. If you don't need social media sites then sign off so you can work. If you are one of those people who need to stay connected because of work, then set you status appropriately. Another option is to make a separate buddy list form work and only use that one during the day. If you use Twitter for your work as much as I do, then I suggest downloading a desktop gadget that allows you to stay updated without having to go on the website.

4. Do your research online, then get off line to work. For some, online research is in the job description.This is particularly true from freelance writers or people who work from home. Once you are done researching, log off and do your actual work off line. This reduces your urge to look up the latest YouTube sensation or find your friends on Facebook.

While these tips are geared toward the online worker, they can also help that guy in a cubicle or that college kid working on a research paper. If you follow these simple tips you will be sure to have more productive work days. Before you know it your increased productivity will show in the rewards.

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