7 Laws of Healthy And Happy Life For Freelancers

The number of people who decide to leave their desk job to become a freelancer is increasing steadily. Even though a freelancing lifestyle has plenty of benefits, you need to learn how to be happy in this new setting. So, to avoid falling into the stress trap, you need to add a couple of new habits to your daily routine. Balancing your work and free time is just a beginning. There are many other guidelines for freelancers to lead healthy and happy lives.

1. Find your office space

Once you decide to become a freelancer, you very likely will work from home. While there are other options, such as a co-working space, having an area in your home where you feel relaxed and ready to work is important. You can decorate it with plenty of details that will keep you on track, such as a whiteboard above your desk, etc. Just make sure it is quiet with no distractions nearby.

2. Create a schedule

Being your own boss means you also are in charge of your schedule. Now that you have set up your home office, it is time to create a schedule that will make you more productive. Find out which hours work for you, and go from there. Some freelancers prefer to work in the morning. So, if you are an early bird, you can get everything done before the afternoon. Being organized and working at the same time every day will make you more efficient, and you will be able to separate your job from your free time, even though you are working from the comforts of your home.

3. Be organized and meet your deadlines

One common mistake among freelancers is taking on too many projects you just cannot finish in time. It is sometimes better to have fewer clients, because you will meet your deadlines more easily. Plus, your work will be high quality, so your clients are more likely to be satisfied with it. You also need to keep your computer organized. So, make a new folder every time you start a project. This is particularly important if you are into professional writing services, because you will end up with a lot of files. Folders will help immensely in the long run because it will be easier for you to track your work, including ongoing projects.

4. Socialize with other freelancers

The freelancing community is vast, and they often have Meetups. So, don’t be a Lone Ranger who doesn’t go out at all. Meeting fellow freelancers from your area can open up new business opportunities, and you might learn a lot of useful things, especially if you just are starting out. Browse the web for Meetups near you, or head out to the nearest co-working space.

5. Be active

If you work from home, you already know how difficult it is to make yourself exercise and eat healthy food. You might get a huge project that will take hours and hours to complete, which means you will not have any time for yourself. Freelancing is stressful, and regular exercise can relieve the tension. Plus, you don’t have to go to a gym to be active. Many home exercise programs out there can be done in your living room. Yoga is an absolute favorite among freelancers because it stretches your muscles, which might feel tight after sitting for hours in front of a computer. So, move around. Your mind will be clearer and ready to tackle any assignment.

6. Get enough rest

Getting enough sleep is crucial for everyone if they want to perform well on their job. Pulling an all-nighter is alright sometimes, but make sure you rest well regularly. Eight hours of sleep is ideal, but some of us might not have that luxury. You still might be able to function properly when you sleep for six or seven hours. If you are having trouble sleeping, try doing yoga before bed, or you can meditate. Another trick that works for some people is listening to audiobooks as you try falling asleep.

7. Go on a vacation

Since you are the boss, you can choose the time when you can go on a vacation. Everyone needs a couple of days off to recharge their batteries and get back to work with confidence and a positive attitude. So, take some time off and don’t think about the job. Instead, focus on doing things that you love, and enjoy every single moment of it. You either can stay at home or visit a city you haven’t seen before. And make sure you stay away from the computer.