Productivity Pals: A Freelancer's Best Friends For Happy & Productive Work Days

 

The life of a freelancer brings with it a multitude of benefits. Especially in the current climate. At a time 

when we’re al;l getting accustomed to the mixed blessings of working from home, managing our time 

effectively and getting the most out of every day, we’re all picking up (whether we’re aware of it or not) 

the skills that make for a happy and rewarding career in self-employment. Why wait around for crumbs 

from the corporate table when you can seek out your own opportunities on your own terms? Why 

endure the inequities of corporate wage repression when you can take your skills directly to your 

clientele? Why wait for an opportunity to be promoted when you can increase your income in direct 

proportion to your hard work and endeavor? 

 

Image by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

But, of course, if life as a freelancer were easy, everyone would be doing it. You’ll need to establish a 

framework for consistent productivity. And without the safety nets that most salaried people take for 

granted like sick pay, paid leave and a regular fixed income, your ability to live and eat will depend on 

remaining consistently productive. And while we’ve already talked about some essential tools for 

freelancers, we also need to talk about the freelancer’s friends. The productivity pals. The little things 

that could make a big difference in enjoying happier, healthier and more productive working days. For 

instance…

Your windows

Natural light is such a relatively tiny and simple thing. But it can make a huge difference to your working 

days. The presence of natural light can make you feel calmer, happier, more energised, more creative 

and better able to focus. Is there any wonder why it’s called the “number one office perk”? So do all that 

you can to keep them nice and clean and streak-free. What’s more, if your windows have a view of your 

garden you get the added benefit that comes from being able to see plants and trees. Which brings us 

to...

Your garden

Don’t make the mistake of trying to plough through your workdays as quickly as possible. Inevitably 

you’ll get tired, you’ll get frustrated and your work days will actually be longer. Instead, try and space 

short but meaningful breaks out throughout your day. And, where possible, you should take them away 

from your computer and desk. Spend a little time in the garden. Breathe fresh air and spend time with 

plants. Relax in privacy with Taxus Baccata by Hedgeplants Heijnen and other awesome hedge plants. 

Breathe the subtle perfumes of nature. Maybe even take a moment for some mindfulness meditation. 

You’ll return to your desk feeling happier, lighter and more rejuvenated.    

Your kitchen 

You can’t be consistently productive if you’re chomping down chocolate bars and chugging back coffee 

after coffee. All this will create is dips and spikes in your energy levels as you ride the caffeine and 

sugar high, only to come plummeting down later. Your kitchen could be your greatest aid in the battle 

for productivity when you use it to prepare healthy meals and snacks. Nuts and seeds, green and 

criciferous veggies and berries are all great foods for keeping your mind sharp and preventing the belly 

grumbles that can derail your productivity.