As a freelance or solopreneur, it's essential to look after your number one asset (psst…that's you). So with the holiday season coming in hot, here are three surprisingly simple way's to look after yourself now, so you don't collapse into a heap come Christmas day.

Do you ever feel like your attention drifts from one thing to another all the time? You my friend, are ask switching (aka context switching or multitasking). It often happens when we have lots to do and don’t really know what to prioritise first because it all feels important. But task switching can have a detrimental affect on your productivity.

A body double is associated with the world of filmmaking and television, but through the lens of productivity, it’s much less action-packed. A body double is simply someone who sits with you, virtually or in person, while you tackle tasks that may be difficult to do alone. It came about as a method for people diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to get more done, but we can all benefit from a body double.

A well thought out office space can do wonders for your productivity. We’re more inclined to focus on our most meaningful work with a minimal, organised and comfy home office set-up. But how do you achieve work from home office harmony? Here are a few essentials that have helped me stay focused and in flow while working from home.

If you’re reading this, I’m going to take a stab in the dark and say you’re probably self-employed *on that note alone, let’s all take a moment to raise a (tall and preferably strong) glass in your honour*. As we know too well, freelancing is no easy feat. In fact, it’s equal parts rewarding and exhausting. Here’s why.

Have you ever been so engrossed in a task that you lose track of time? Perhaps when drawing, journaling, reading, surfing, meditating, or running? Chances are if you’ve noticed time dissolving and you felt at one with what you’re doing, you’ve tasted the flow state. Flow, also known as being “in the zone”, is defined as 'an optimal state of consciousness and is a powerful ally when it comes to productivity.

Do you take time off? Or do you work through the holiday season? It can be hard for us freelancers to truly switch off and take a break. I made a promise to myself last year to take December off (and I did it), but it took some planning to get there. Here are some tips to help you switch off this holiday season too.