Starting your own business after retirement can be a fun new project to focus on. You’ve got a lot of experience under your belt that you can use to help other people. As you get started with your business, it’s important to stay productive. Here are a few ways you can do that.

Designate a Work Space

Make sure that your space is uncluttered and free of distractions. This can help you work productively and can prevent the claustrophobic feeling that can accompany cramped office spaces. Try to find an area within your house where you know you will be the most productive and where you won’t be distracted during working hours.

Use Natural Light

Using natural light can improve mood, increase productivity, help with sleep problems later in the day, and help your body naturally produce vitamin D. Try to find a workspace that gives you plenty of natural light. If you don’t have enough natural light in your workspace, try to take breaks every 30 minutes or hour to get outside and get some light to help re-energize you. You can also find lamps that give you natural light as well.

Get Quality Equipment

The IRS allows you to deduct expenses that are directly related to setting up your office space if it is the primary area used to work on your business. Try to invest in equipment that is reliable and will help you get the job done. For example, if you’re trying to create tutorials, you can find some software that will help you edit video and record clearly. Equipment can also mean investing in a quality chair that doesn’t hurt your back and helps you remain productive.

Discourage Distractions

A separate workspace is good for this. Earphones also help, and setting boundaries with family members and loved ones can help too.

Give Yourself Some Work Time Flexibility

Most people work their entire lives on a very defined schedule with strict requirements about when to be in the office. Retirement gives people the flexibility to work when they want. Many businesses are coming to find that work flexibility helps improve employee mental health and can dramatically increase productivity. Be willing to take breaks when you need them, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep and not working into the wee hours of the night.

Set Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Goals

Setting goals is a big part of success in whatever you seek to do. However, it’s important to break down those goals into things you can accomplish on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. When you set a goal for your business, whether it’s for finding at least three clients or hitting a certain amount of money, you’ll need to find ways you can work towards that goal daily.

Do a Little Each Day

Your business will take time to grow, and it’s important to work a little bit on it on a regular basis. If you’re a little overwhelmed at first, take only an hour a day to work on your business. That way, you still have free time to do whatever you want.

According to the Motley Fool, having some work to do after retirement can help to prevent one of the biggest mental health problems many retirees encounter when they leave their jobs: depression. Having your own business can help provide all the benefits of working without the extreme stress burden and limiting deadlines. Take a little time each day to work toward your goals and watch your business grow.