Feel like a zombie.... working from home isn't that great!!

51 replies
Okay well here's the deal; I left my job at the beginning of October and now I'm a full-time IMer. Since that time I manage to build a few sites, made a sale in November and another one this week but I feel like working at home is taking a toll on me.

I sleep a lot more (~10hours daily), I eat around 1 or twice a day, drink a lot of coffee, I feel like a vampire and everytime I look out the window, sunlight hurts my eyes lol. Most of the time I feel like I have no energy and tired.

Honestly, it does affect my productivity and I just wanted to know, for you full-time IMer here, how do you manage your day? How many days per week do you work, how many hours a day, what do you do to keep yourself in shape and at what time do you wake up in the morning??
#feel #great #home #working #zombie
  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    I think what you are going through is common when you start working at home. You are accustomed to the schedule imposed by work hours and job demands.

    You need to set some sort of schedule. Have a morning and an evening routine. For me, a brisk walk in the morning is time to plan my day while I get the blood flowing and the brain working. It also exercises my dogs so they are ready for a dognap rather than needing attention when I'm working.

    Then a quick shower and light breakfast - and THEN to work. Take a break every 2-3 hours to stretch and move around and if you get drowsy take another walk or a quick cat nap.

    If you drink coffee, better to limit it to certain times of the day rather than ingesting caffeine all day long. Use it when you need a boost.

    When you are finished for the day, quit. Don't keep going back to do one more thing unless you have a pressing project to work on.

    At night set a certain time for turning out the light. I have to do this one as I have a tendency to keep reading a good book all night:p . I don't use an alarm but if you are sleeping too much, set an alarm for a reasonable hour until you adjust to your schedule. Too much sleep is about as bad as too little. Your mind and body will adapt quickly to a schedule once you start to live on one.

    I think we all fall into bad habits sometimes. If you don't have some schedule to adhere to - even if it's flexible - you'll waste time and get less work done. At the same time, you'll feel guilty at what you didn't get done each day.

    If all else fails, spend a week or two writing down exactly what you are doing every 15 or 30 minutes of each day. The results might surprise you.

    kay
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    • Profile picture of the author LindseyRainwater
      Kay has some excellent points. I've been working from home as a writer for a few years, and I understand where you're at. My husband just got a new job because things got tight financially, and he's coming and going at all hours.

      Add that to my insomnia, and now I'm up at all hours. The schedule thing just went out the window.

      But I'm staying sane by figuring out when I'll be going back to bed and making sure I'm not drinking coffee too close to that time. Also, EAT! I have a big problem with remembering to eat, but I make sure to have a lot of quick but healthy options around. Raw fruits and veggies are great, and I also eat a lot of cheese and yogurt, lean meats, and whole grain breads and crackers.

      If you overdo the sugar it will make you feel sluggish, at least it does me. Anytime I start feeling sluggish or cranky I get something quick to eat. This will help a lot. You'll feel your focus come back.

      And try to go for a walk or something to get you out and about. I've always been super-sensitive to light, so working at home works for me even when I don't get outside. But I try to walk down to the library or the cafe whenever I can just to get out in the sun for a bit.

      As you work from home you'll learn what you need in order to keep on track and feel great. It's a little different for everyone, but trying to have a firm schedule is recommended, and stay healthy!
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    • Profile picture of the author ada
      Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

      I think what you are going through is common when you start working at home. You are accustomed to the schedule imposed by work hours and job demands.

      You need to set some sort of schedule. Have a morning and an evening routine. For me, a brisk walk in the morning is time to plan my day while I get the blood flowing and the brain working. It also exercises my dogs so they are ready for a dognap rather than needing attention when I'm working.

      Then a quick shower and light breakfast - and THEN to work. Take a break every 2-3 hours to stretch and move around and if you get drowsy take another walk or a quick cat nap.

      If you drink coffee, better to limit it to certain times of the day rather than ingesting caffeine all day long. Use it when you need a boost.

      When you are finished for the day, quit. Don't keep going back to do one more thing unless you have a pressing project to work on.

      At night set a certain time for turning out the light. I have to do this one as I have a tendency to keep reading a good book all night:p . I don't use an alarm but if you are sleeping too much, set an alarm for a reasonable hour until you adjust to your schedule. Too much sleep is about as bad as too little. Your mind and body will adapt quickly to a schedule once you start to live on one.

      I think we all fall into bad habits sometimes. If you don't have some schedule to adhere to - even if it's flexible - you'll waste time and get less work done. At the same time, you'll feel guilty at what you didn't get done each day.

      If all else fails, spend a week or two writing down exactly what you are doing every 15 or 30 minutes of each day. The results might surprise you.

      kay
      I would ADD that in order to achieve your goals, you need to write them down and post them in large letters in front of you in your work area. This will help motivate you to keep your work hours and personal time separate.
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  • Profile picture of the author cma01
    My schedule is pretty much the same as if I worked in an office, I just also put some hours in at night.

    It's still important to schedule and order your day just as if you were working for someone else. I know the whole "work in your pajamas" appeals to a lot of people, but that's never been my thing. I always get up and get ready for my day.

    From what you're describing, it sounds like your diet alone could be screwing you up. Always have breakfast in the morning. Eat regular meals with healthy snacks in between every couple of hours. You should never go more than three hours without eating.

    If you have a hard time stopping what you're doing to eat, make up meals ahead of time and stick them in the fridge or freezer so you can just grab and go.
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    • Profile picture of the author Darla
      Originally Posted by cma01 View Post

      My schedule is pretty much the same as if I worked in an office, I just also put some hours in at night.

      It's still important to schedule and order your day just as if you were working for someone else. I know the whole "work in your pajamas" appeals to a lot of people, but that's never been my thing. I always get up and get ready for my day.

      From what you're describing, it sounds like your diet alone could be screwing you up. Always have breakfast in the morning. Eat regular meals with healthy snacks in between every couple of hours. You should never go more than three hours without eating.

      If you have a hard time stopping what you're doing to eat, make up meals ahead of time and stick them in the fridge or freezer so you can just grab and go.

      Same here. My schedule has not changed much and is similar to when I did the 9-5 grind. I wake up early and "get ready mentally" and then get to work. I usually start at 7AM, since I don't have that commute hassle. I work and take "breaks" in between as I would do at a job. Its mentally and physically refreshing to do that. I also stop for lunch. Although my "lunch breaks" are pretty short....30 minutes.

      I often work into the night as well, but I leave less mentally demanding things for later in the day when I start to get tired. So responding to emails and planning for the next day are "after 5" tasks.
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  • Profile picture of the author IMoptimizer
    Working at home all the time can be annoying. Working usually means you work elsewhere, that's why I think some people hate working at home. Too much familiarity and boredom.
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    • Profile picture of the author VictorV
      I'm pretty much in the same situation as you. I quit my full-time job back in July and just recently start doing IM full-time.

      The hardest part for me is to learn to relax and stop thinking about working. Since I'm home all day, I feel like I'm being unproductive if I don't do any sort of work.

      I try to work 5 days a week, for only 5 hours a day (usually ends up being a lot more than that).

      I have been on schedule working out 3 times a week and eating at the proper times of the day. I eat about 4 times a day.

      I want to start waking up at 8am, but I usually snooze until 11. Maybe I'll change. But I really don't have to. I get to make my own hours.

      However, we all quit our day jobs and enter the IM world to live a life of freedom, but we end up working 10 times harder than we used to. Plus, at our day jobs we had other people to talk to and reasons to get dressed in the morning.

      What keeps me going is the bright light at the end of the tunnel. That autopilot income that will finally allow me to travel the world as I please. I know it's coming. I'm already starting to see a little shimmer.
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      • Profile picture of the author AmyDavis
        Treat this like a true business. Have working hours and non-working hours. Set up dinners or outings with friends and make sure that you can't cancel them. This way you will be forced to work during your working hours. And you will be forced to step out the house and see the sun.

        Something else that has helped me is to time myself. I always try to beat my previous time and yet maintain the same quality.

        The conversion from an employee to being your own boss is a tough one. If made right, it is totally worth it.
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  • Profile picture of the author DavidTT
    thanks guys. I really appreciate all of your comments and tips. I'll keep those in mind and hopefully I'll manage to get things straight.
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    • Profile picture of the author windwhirl
      Your sleeping of 10 hours a day is quite understandable. who can resist a good sleep when there's no boss reprimanding if you're late at work? LOL. Anyway, I think your body is still adjusting to your new schedule. Why not put up a work station and just stay there during your working hours? Do not sleep in between. Before starting your work, do some exercise. Also, why not dress up during working hours? I think it'll help since 'too comfortable' clothes make you lazy. You should still look good and smell even when if you're just working at home so that you'll feel good.
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  • Profile picture of the author AdmiralGloom
    I hear you! I work overnights at a group home type setting and when I come home I can only really put in about a few hours of IM a night and some stray jobs here and there while at work, than I end up sleeping from like noon till 11pm. I am finding it hard to create a schedule but it is getting better but at times I think it may kill my motivation slightly to be an IMer ...Good luck to you with all your future endeavourers my friend and hopes to you that you will find that happy medium.
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  • Profile picture of the author RachelCorrine
    I feel your pain! I have been working from home for years, and sometimes it does get to me. I force myself out of bed to an alarm. To see people, I make sure I go to the gym every morning and arrange a lot of happy hour appointments during the week. I also make sure that I dress and not work in my PJs, and eat at regular times. You also need to keep your work at your desk, and preferably in a place that is NOT in your bedroom. Also, if you don't have a separate home office, make sure you have a clean house before you go to bed at night...less distraction during the day.
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    • Profile picture of the author AdmiralGloom
      Originally Posted by RachelCorrine View Post

      I feel your pain! I have been working from home for years, and sometimes it does get to me. I force myself out of bed to an alarm. To see people, I make sure I go to the gym every morning and arrange a lot of happy hour appointments during the week. I also make sure that I dress and not work in my PJs, and eat at regular times. You also need to keep your work at your desk, and preferably in a place that is NOT in your bedroom. Also, if you don't have a separate home office, make sure you have a clean house before you go to bed at night...less distraction during the day.

      Some very good tips here! Thank you very much.
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  • Profile picture of the author BlogPiG.com
    David,

    so you already see you're not alone, it's all very common, and it's really hard in the early months. Tips I learnt from my husband who's been wfh for seven years, and others have touched on already above:

    - Arrange to meet a friend at least once during the working week: some get to work from home now and again or maybe meet other people who are also self employed and hook up with them - you can do this through local business networking groups

    - Try to make sure you have an appointment committed in your diary once a week which means you HAVE to get up and dressed and out. There are only so many times you can go the dentist or get a haircut so maybe join something or take up a hobby which has a class you have to attend. Spread any appointments over a long period i.e. don't do haircut, dentist, doctor etc. all in the same week - do one thing per week

    - Get outside in daylight hours - go and walk to buy some milk or a paper or stamps or any other supplies and don't get everything in one go, spread it out

    - Set an alarm every day and commit to getting up at that time, it makes you feel in control of your day right from the start. And get dressed!

    - Commit to a start time for your work - having done this for six months I now feel bad if I am not at my desk by 09:30am - again, gives you a sense of control

    - Commit to a lunch hour - it was the only thing that worked for my husband and made him eat -I'd call him from work when I started my lunch and harass him to get his. Now I am with him at home, I leave my desk at 12:30pm on the dot and go and fix us some lunch. We're back working by 13:30. Oh yeah, and make sure you have stuff in for lunch that will tempt yo uto eat but be healthy!

    - Grant yourself a clocking off time i.e. an official end to your day. If you decide you're into something and want to work later in the evening, go for it and enjoy feeling good about it, but never feel guilty about not working in the evening. I have found that to be the hardest part - even if I let myself stop working I felt tense doing anything else because I felt guilty. Now I allow myself down time guilt free.

    It all sounds a bit control-freaky but humans (and animals) generally respond better to structure. If you prefer a more relaxed approach then what about committing to a certain numbers of hours of work per day? You can tick them off and fit them around your other plans as you please, but you know there is finite amount of time you have to work?

    But as others have said, getting some face-to-face time with other humans is the most important factor to keeping sane.

    You can do this, it will be worth it in the end!
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    • Profile picture of the author DavidTT
      Originally Posted by BlogPiG.com View Post

      David,

      so you already see you're not alone, it's all very common, and it's really hard in the early months. Tips I learnt from my husband who's been wfh for seven years, and others have touched on already above:

      - Arrange to meet a friend at least once during the working week: some get to work from home now and again or maybe meet other people who are also self employed and hook up with them - you can do this through local business networking groups

      - Try to make sure you have an appointment committed in your diary once a week which means you HAVE to get up and dressed and out. There are only so many times you can go the dentist or get a haircut so maybe join something or take up a hobby which has a class you have to attend. Spread any appointments over a long period i.e. don't do haircut, dentist, doctor etc. all in the same week - do one thing per week

      - Get outside in daylight hours - go and walk to buy some milk or a paper or stamps or any other supplies and don't get everything in one go, spread it out

      - Set an alarm every day and commit to getting up at that time, it makes you feel in control of your day right from the start. And get dressed!

      - Commit to a start time for your work - having done this for six months I now feel bad if I am not at my desk by 09:30am - again, gives you a sense of control

      - Commit to a lunch hour - it was the only thing that worked for my husband and made him eat -I'd call him from work when I started my lunch and harass him to get his. Now I am with him at home, I leave my desk at 12:30pm on the dot and go and fix us some lunch. We're back working by 13:30. Oh yeah, and make sure you have stuff in for lunch that will tempt yo uto eat but be healthy!

      - Grant yourself a clocking off time i.e. an official end to your day. If you decide you're into something and want to work later in the evening, go for it and enjoy feeling good about it, but never feel guilty about not working in the evening. I have found that to be the hardest part - even if I let myself stop working I felt tense doing anything else because I felt guilty. Now I allow myself down time guilt free.

      It all sounds a bit control-freaky but humans (and animals) generally respond better to structure. If you prefer a more relaxed approach then what about committing to a certain numbers of hours of work per day? You can tick them off and fit them around your other plans as you please, but you know there is finite amount of time you have to work?

      But as others have said, getting some face-to-face time with other humans is the most important factor to keeping sane.

      You can do this, it will be worth it in the end!
      wow thanks alot! I really appreciate your reply!
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  • Profile picture of the author BlogPiG.com
    P.S. It's funny how many women are responding to this..... if we could bottle empathy and sell it we could take over the world!
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    • Profile picture of the author Sandra Martinez
      Originally Posted by BlogPiG.com View Post

      P.S. It's funny how many women are responding to this..... if we could bottle empathy and sell it we could take over the world!
      it is also interesting that women seem to deal with working from home more gracefully than men.
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      • Profile picture of the author BlogPiG.com
        it is also interesting that women seem to deal with working from home more gracefully than men.
        LOL! I think we're just pre-programmed to look after others and so we instinctively look after ourselves a bit better too. (Not looking for a gender equality debate here, just making a quick point!)

        And you have to look after yourself when you're at home on your own all day, working or otherwise, because no-one else is there to look out for you - not like in a big workplace.

        Also, in a bigger workplace the pressure and stress is shared - there's collective responsibility.

        Working on your own at home? You're the only one carrying the responsibility! It's much harder and can be lonely!
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        • Profile picture of the author Sandra Martinez
          Originally Posted by BlogPiG.com View Post

          LOL! I think we're just pre-programmed to look after others and so we instinctively look after ourselves a bit better too. (Not looking for a gender equality debate here, just making a quick point!)

          And you have to look after yourself when you're at home on your own all day, working or otherwise, because no-one else is there to look out for you - not like in a big workplace.

          Also, in a bigger workplace the pressure and stress is shared - there's collective responsibility.

          Working on your own at home? You're the only one carrying the responsibility! It's much harder and can be lonely!
          I was thinking more on the line that historically girls stayed at home and boys went out to do whatever they did outside.

          but there is something else, that has to to with the gender meaning of success from the hormonal side.

          this was brought by one of the ladies to the community where I hang out:

          Ellie Drake
          Healing with the Masters with Jennifer McLean
          October 2010


          Women and Men: Adrenalin and Oxytocin

          Adrenalin is the hormone that allows men to feel that they are either going into fight or flight, their prosperity hormone. This is healthy for men. When men have a healthy level of adrenalin they operate in this aggressive style, like many internet marketing pitches promote. When men don’t have a healthy level of adrenalin they doubt themselves and shy away from strong ideas.

          Women didn’t know how to take the gatherer role into business, and instead tried to duplicate successful men who were out there “getting it done” and digging in and the result is a secretion of adrenalin. When women secrete adrenalin they have less energy, become depressed and gain weight and doubt themselves.

          The typical male style doesn’t work for women, on a biochemical level. So, Ellie wanted to find out what the biochemical success rhythm is for women.

          The female prosperity hormone is Oxytocin, the bonding hormone. Adrenalin gets in the way of our hypothalamus producing Oxytocin. When women are secreting adrenalin they are not able to breastfeed, which is a form of lack. When women are on adrenalin in business, trying to get things done, it just doesn’t work, and they don’t attract good things. On the other hand , a healthy level of adrenalin gives men charisma and the leadership that people are attracted to. Women require Oxytocin to communicate that, to have magnetism, showing that they are grounded, have a healthy self esteem, are on purpose and know who they are and where they are going.

          If a woman comes into “the place of Oxytocin”, it’s like you are giving birth to your purpose and there is a different connection. Consistency become sustainable and your motivation and inspiration are not affected as your stress threshold is much higher. A woman will be able to deal with the challenges of business while your body helps you maintain a state of groundedness. People are attracted to this calm intensity and groundedness. She calls this being “biochemically congruent with your message.” Communication then comes from a place of authentic influence. A woman can still take action from this place. It’s not an inactive state.


          Sympathetic Nervous System: fight of flight

          Parasympathetic Nervous System: tend and befriend

          As women, we want to activate the parasympathetic, where men will activate the sympathetic.

          Things that activate Oxytocin and Parasympathetic:

          • “A pleasurable exhale” (like a sigh, ahhhhh….) that tells our hypothalamus that we are not in fight or flight, everything is fine, we don’t have to run away from anything, and we are in a state of tend and befriend

          • Affirmations like “I trust that I am now open to an abundance level of prosperity.” Key words are “I trust.”

          • Have a real image of trust to activate. Ellie uses the memory of when her son was born and was laying on her chest. A big Ahhhh moment.


          Things that activate Adrenalin and Sympathetic:

          • The inhale of breath (“take a deep breath!”)

          • Most affirmations, like “I am a money magnet!”


          as you see, boys NEED the challenge, fresh air and a bit of fight to feel alive. While for ladies the ability to gather is felt as success.

          Following this line, to work from home is more comfortable for girls than boys.

          Sandra
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  • Profile picture of the author OLOORE
    Just pretend that you are still working for a boss who is insisting on your former work schedules. Then go from there to pretending that you have neck breaking schedules.
    This attitude should get you to work more productively to start with before you begin to relax.
    Relaxation should certainly not be our starting point in self employment, no matter how we see it. It will push more IMers towards laziness/idleness. We wouldn't be recording great successes from that standpoint.
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    • Profile picture of the author donhx
      I was going to say that working from home does require DISCIPLINE, but BlogPiG.com has said it all, and said it very well.

      I have worked from my home office for many years and enjoy it. However, in the beginning, I had a major problem staying out of the kitchen and my weight ballooned. It took me a while to figure our that every time I got frustrated or needed a break I would go look in the refrigerator. Since I broke that bad habit, it has been all good.
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      • Profile picture of the author Darla
        Originally Posted by donhx View Post

        I was going to say that working from home does require DISCIPLINE, but BlogPiG.com has said it all, and said it very well.

        I have worked from my home office for many years and enjoy it. However, in the beginning, I had a major problem staying out of the kitchen and my weight ballooned. It took me a while to figure our that every time I got frustrated or needed a break I would go look in the refrigerator. Since I broke that bad habit, it has been all good.

        Good point. When you make the move to work-from-home, you are your own boss. That could be a good thing or a bad thing. You wont want to be as hard on yourself as your former boss, but you don't want to be too easy going either. WAH calls for real discipline and organization, and in the beginning you may have to work TWICE as hard as you did in your previous 9-5 job. At least that's the case for me.

        I work MUCH harder and much longer days...but the pleasure of working for MYSELF is a priceless treasure. I am not where I want to be as yet...but I am getting there.
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        • Profile picture of the author Johnny Walker
          There are some very good pointers on this post. In my own journey I am noticing that there is a mind-shift process that you'll learn to grasp through sheer repetition (j.o.b. to self-employed) - Kaizen - until it is firmly ingrained in your psyche and until then, you'll constantly slip into old unconscious patterns of behavior. I myself am wrestling with my own process of growth. Wish you all the best with your chosen strategy.
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          • Profile picture of the author QuickSurf
            Join a gym, so you can get out in the morning, come back and shower and feel fresh. And if you can swing it just get a cheap little office, I'm the same way and don't understand how people can just work from home, I have great views of the intracoastal and and scenery from my place and it doesn't matter.... I'm the same way if I work from home, feel drained and blahh no matter what, just feels like your stuck in one place 24/7.
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            • Profile picture of the author Darla
              Originally Posted by QuickSurf View Post

              Join a gym, so you can get out in the morning, come back and shower and feel fresh. And if you can swing it just get a cheap little office, I'm the same way and don't understand how people can just work from home, I have great views of the intracoastal and and scenery from my place and it doesn't matter.... I'm the same way if I work from home, feel drained and blahh no matter what, just feels like your stuck in one place 24/7.

              Wow. I am the opposite. I like going out for a power walk in the morning, but after I get settled in and ready to work, its fine if I NEVER leave home again for the rest of the day. I even order lunch and have it delivered at times when I get so absorbed in my task that I don't have time to prepare lunch at home.

              I guess everyone is different so you just have to find what works for you and stick with it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Andrae
    Wow, thanks for the much needed tips guys.
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  • Profile picture of the author JackPowers
    I have a job now in SEO as well, but when I worked from home, I found it way too easy to get distracted.

    I found that I worked much better outside my home. Could be anywhere with access to Wifi and coffee! Public libraries are pretty good and free, coffee shops obviously if you can find one without too much noise. I would probably consider getting a real office if you can afford it.

    I also think it's a good idea to do some work with other people in some form. Working by yourself in your home can get boring even for the most independent. Perhaps do consultant work on the side. I would ideally prefer to split my time between consulting and having some coworkers and working on my own projects from home. I am definitely more productive on my IM days, when spend time in a productive and creative enviroment.
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    • Profile picture of the author DrMeg
      Everyone has given you lot's of excellent strategies, but here's a couple more:

      1. Definitely set work hours and honor them. Go through a routine of "getting ready to go to work" and then "go to work". I even heard of one work at home entrepreneur that would get all ready to go to work, get in the car, drive to get coffee and then come home....in essence "going to work".

      2. Set up your home office to be as separate and "officey" like as you can so when you "go to work" you are really at your work space. Don't use that area for other activities or tasks.

      3. Schedule your day into short "finishable" tasks (like building backlinks or posting a blog post, or keyword research) and do those in 1 hour time blocks. After that hour, get up go outside, do some stretches, whatever....before you start the next 1 hour time block.

      4. When you have bigger more long term projects (setting up a new site, writing that report or eBook) make sure you are dedicating 2 -4 hours a day of your 8 or 6 hour work day to only working on that bigger project and again take breaks.

      5. Regulate your meals like you would if you were going somewhere to work for someone else.

      6. Work out or walk or whatever before or after your work hours like all the employees have to do.

      7. Imagine and see yourself as your own employee. Would you give yourself a bonus or would you fire you?

      8. Make hard deadlines and stick to them. I can't get anything accomplished without hard deadlines!

      9. Finally, go hang out with some other full time IMers at a Meet Up. Go to MeetUp.com and find local meetups for other work at home people. Then you won't feel so isolated and you might find some profitable joint ventures.

      Best wishes
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  • Profile picture of the author PeterDunin
    To start with if sunlight is hurting your eyes you should be getting out more!I suggest doing regular exercise at least once a day just to get out of the environment you're in.
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  • Profile picture of the author tandren544
    Originally Posted by DavidTT View Post

    I sleep a lot more (~10hours daily), I eat around 1 or twice a day, drink a lot of coffee, I feel like a vampire and everytime I look out the window, sunlight hurts my eyes lol. Most of the time I feel like I have no energy and tired.
    You need to do a couple things.

    First, set up a daily schedule for yourself. I highly recommend you work out outside (go for a run!) as soon as you wake up. Start the coffeemaker, take a shower, and start your day.

    Try to leave the house at least once per day. Go get coffee at Starbucks. Go out to a business lunch. Do whatever you have to do.

    Also, try to include some human interaction during your day. Sitting in front of a computer all day, every day will turn you into a "vidiot", as they say.
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  • Profile picture of the author billMarket
    There is one thing I would like to add - not
    sure if it's been said yet.

    First, yes, working at home is challenging. We
    lose the imposed structure and the inevitable
    social interactions associated with most jobs.

    I found a way to solve both: Join groups and
    start hobbies.

    For example, I started martial arts, which is
    at 5:30-7:30Pm every day.

    Also, joining a Yoga class at 8am-9am is
    great since it makes you get out of bed in
    the morning.

    Second benefit, you meet new people and
    have social interactions every day.

    There are also 1000 other benefits which are
    beyond the scope of this thread.

    These are just examples of things I did, but
    there are many things to choose from -
    like joining a book club or take a course
    at a school.

    The key is social interactions and fixed
    schedules (I also use 'personal challenge' and
    'what I'm passionate about' too choose activities).

    Yes, IM gives us freedom - but too much of
    anything isn't good.

    I wanted freedom so I could focus more on my
    non-income-deriving passions, like martial arts
    and other things.

    So I use my freedom to pursue things that to
    some degree limit my freedom. These things, however,
    are my passions - so it is nothing remotely close to
    having a job, and isn't as counter-intuitive as it may
    sound.

    Hope this helps!!

    Bill.
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  • Profile picture of the author lior1970
    It sounds like a common problem like me. I just make some short walks make some little travels to get my mood back and ready to work normally as a normal day walker
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  • Profile picture of the author rcritchett
    All great replies, and a wonderful post! I am totally attuned to all of this. I work from home as well, or let's just say I don't go to some office! It is definitely great to have a great routine where you're "mind and body" conscious. I love quick cat naps. Definitely have to eat right, limit caffeine and have strategies to change the actual neurophysiological state you're in (how you feel), if you're not in a high performance state. A rigorous run, or visit to the gym is incredibly important in the morning! Not only is it healthy, but it promotes the growth of new nerve cells, as well as strengthens existing ones in your brain because it creates BDNF, (brain derived neurotrophic factor). This helps your cognitive processes flow better and with people like us, that's an important thing! Great topic.
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Hi David,

    I like to change things up.

    Recently I've worked quite a bit from the library. I toss away my car ways, which forces me to walk 40 minutes each day to and from the library. I get my exercise, meditate time in nature and workday all in.

    As for hours work with your body but again, switch it up. Routines can make you feel like a zombie. Some life for them but I am careful to make things interesting every few weeks or so.

    All the best!

    RB
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  • Profile picture of the author DavidTT
    havent been here in a while. actually I started the gym and yup I feel better!! .although I feel swore almost everyday but its a start :p.
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  • Profile picture of the author maidmarion
    Glad you feel better David. Exercise really motivates you, and is great for body & mind. & it gets you out of the house.

    It is a pretty lonely job, working at home on your internet business!
    Its quite internal, as perhaps you are not interacting with other people face to face! Thats why its good to go out a couple of times a day, exercise, interact with others and have a laugh about it, or something. Stay light!
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  • Profile picture of the author HugoG
    I think you just have to trigger yourself in work mode even if you are in your house. Taking a bath, wear great clean clothes, and if you could have a room specially for working would be even better so you can have the working mindset in that room even if you are in your house.

    And definitely try not work efficiently and productively, and try not to spend so much time in the computer cause that will definitely take a toll on you.

    I just had a migrane with vertigo because of working too much and my doctor told me that I have to rest for a couple of weeks. :S

    So working too much can also be counter productive. Hope this helps
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  • Profile picture of the author SingerRinging
    I work full-time now from home. I get up and get dressed and made-up as if I am expecting company! I work about 10 hours a day, taking a break for lunch and exercise bike (a half-hour each). Twice a week, or so, I get out of the house and meet with people about my business. I don't limit myself to the computer. That's important! When my husband comes home, I give him my attention. Family and Friends are important, too. (An unscheduled break never killed anyone!)

    Create a schedule that allows a "balance" in your life, and STICK TO IT. Work is not everything. Money cannot buy love, happiness or health. So keep it balanced.

    Success in business is a marathon, not a sprint. So take it easy!
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  • Profile picture of the author just Zer0
    Brother I understand completely what you are saying - about feeling tired and drinking a lot of coffee.

    This is the same problem 99% of the IT crowd and video game crowd suffer from, and being only 20 years old, I have experienced it deeply already.

    You will feel tired and sluggish and like you have a sunlight disorder, this is simply because you are sitting down, staring at a screen, concentrating and drinking a lot of caffeine.

    I figured out how to tackle this problem and it's worked wonders for me - it simply involves getting up and walking around, doing some simple exercises like push ups and dips, bodyweight squats and toe raises every 30minutes.

    Get up, walk about and have a good stretch.

    Replace some of your coffee's with water or juice and make sure you take a lunch break of at least an hour - and actually go outside for it! Take a walk over the park or go and grab something to eat in a cafe.


    The best way to do online work is to do it the same way you would offline work. Do whatever you would normally do in the morning before you head out to work, but then go for a little walk and then back to your house and get to work.


    Try to only eat when you set yourself a regular break to eat, don't just snack whenever you feel like it - you have to self-discipline yourself because after all, there is no boss to keep you in check now, you have to keep an eye out for yourself!


    I wish you all the best with your success brother,
    Peace and love,

    Zer0
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    • Profile picture of the author DawnMarie
      I go to bed at a reasonable hour (11ish) so I can get up at a resonable time. I eat really well, and the more I exercise, the more productive I am.

      Which is funny, because I used to think of exercise as something that robbed me of time, and now I realize it's BUYING me time, since I get more work done because I feel better and am thinking more clearly.

      So - GO exercise. Daily. Try walking if you hate exercise - you can listen to motivational books on MP3 as you walk.

      Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author keep.livin
    i get energized most after clearly visualizing why i do my daily 3's

    remember the instance when you made the decision to step out on your own, and the feelings it creates inside you, does that make sense?
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    • Profile picture of the author keep.livin
      Originally Posted by keep.livin View Post

      i get energized most after clearly visualizing why i do my daily 3's

      remember the instance when you made the decision to step out on your own, and the feelings it creates inside you, does that make sense?
      and i realize the thread has turned more to the health aspects, but we'll all come back to this when the drugs stop being effective to treat said health
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  • Profile picture of the author luxusindi
    Oops, your daily life is similar to mine when I was in college. Sleep til noon, only eat lunch and dinner, stay up til 4 pm for internet stuffs and sleep...
    I felt like a total loser at that time. Years later, I regret doing that. That lifestyle destroyed my health, my social relationship. I got money for a nonsense life. I was addicted to the PC...
    Now i'm free and find a proper work with friends and fresh air. althought it's a tight schedule, i still feel great and energetic. Schedule your life, my friend!
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  • Profile picture of the author Oranges
    Daamn! I thought im alone in the boat.
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  • Profile picture of the author johnyeo90
    It is ok for those able to make money online..but for those that havent, they must be felt even worser than a vampire. ^^
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    • Profile picture of the author tamarindcandy
      Oh good, I'm not alone. It's amazing how slack and unproductive you can get when you're off the schedule. So much less incentive to bother with anything.
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  • Profile picture of the author rickcast66
    These are all good suggestions.
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  • Profile picture of the author cristid6
    When you work from home, you don't have colleagues or coworkers to share professional ideas and gossip. There's less support and camaraderie when you're telecommuting. When your computer crashes or you solve an ongoing business problem, there's nobody next door to turn to.
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  • Profile picture of the author focused
    But there are always IM forums to refer to others in the same or similar situation as yourself.

    You can get advice or just "vent".

    And it can give you a needed break.
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  • Profile picture of the author JingQuimPo
    Well, so your a vampire, i'm more of a werewolf. I work best when there's is a full moon.
    Kidding aside, i think it's pretty normal for IMs to work unwanted hours. Like what i said in my other post, IMs has one of the most unbalance life ever. Compare it when you had a day job where the hours are fix. About the IMs freedom thing, pretty much the same for people who has jobs, IMs just own their time and its up to us to schedule that time not because someone tells us to do it but because we have to so we can make money.

    The good part is, because of the chaotic hours we have, IMs have a better chance to grow, learn and make money than any other job. It just depends on our determination, patience and perseverance.

    I think you are just a night person. Just wear some shades when you go out in the day time and for petes sake, cover your neck.
    To keep in shape, just put an ipod with some motivation mp3s and walk for a couple of hours in the park. I do that everyday. Mostly afternoon.
    But if you really want real freedom, like a 4 day a month thing, just outsource it, delegate the work, if you are up to it.

    Jing Quimpo
    "If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want one hundred years of prosperity, grow people."
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  • Profile picture of the author lachh
    Some great posts here. My thought would be that

    'sounds like you need a personal mastermind group.'

    Whether that be through reading more personal development books. Joining with some personal development gurus who send out regular cds to listen to such as Anthony Robbins, Steven Covey etc. Get regular and CONSISTANT training online Or even join a networking marketing company that has great personal development training - why?

    Because this stuff will help you to stay focussed - teach you how to and why and to really remember why you are doing what you are doing

    good luck
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