It’s not easy figuring out the most effective way to work when you’re in the office. You need to get the furniture set up just right, try to limit distractions, and much more to ensure that you’re as effective as you can be. But if it’s tough when you’re in the office, it can seem outright impossible when you’re on the road. Alas, the business world never stops, and whether you’re a business owner or worker, you might just find that you need to put in some hours even when you’re in a different country. Below, we take a look at five ways you can ensure you’re working at your best.

Don’t Always Pick the Hard Stuff

Not all work is created equal. Some of it demands technical expertise; other aspects just take time. If you know you’re not set up to deliver your finest work, then save it for another day, or when you’re back in your usual workplace. You can always spend some time going through the important – yet non-skilled – work that just takes time. You’ll have made progress, and will be able to get down to the real work later on down the line.

Have Access to All Your Materials

You might not have all the tools you need to do work to your highest standard, but you can still have all your important documents. If you don’t have your usual computer with you, you can use your cloud storage to access those folders. Or, if you’re a Mac user, then the alternate method is to learn how to access your Mac remotely. It’ll be as if you’re working on your usual computer, even if you’re thousands of miles away.

Find a Working Space

You might have grand plans of working at the beach when you’re away from the office, but really, how good is that system going to be? You’ll be too likely to get distracted! Instead, find a working space that’ll allow you to really sink into work. A cafe in a business or student district will be used to having people work there and will be a good option. There are also a growing number of co-working spaces, especially in big cities, that will offer day or week-long passes. As much as you’d like to think otherwise, working with a beautiful view won’t do you much good – opt for a sensible place to work.

Get in the Zone

Even if you are working in a cafe, it can be difficult to get in the zone and work well. It’s worthwhile carrying some headphones around with you, and listening to some video game soundtracks: they’re designed to get the listener into a hyper-focused state of mind, which is just what you need.

Don’t Force It

Finally, keep in mind that you don’t always need to force the issue. If it’s not happening, then it’s not happening. Simply enjoy your surroundings, and wait until inspiration strikes before you get down to the important work.