Work From Home Tips + Essentials
Since many people have recently found themselves working from home, I thought I’d share some of my tips and essentials. I’ve worked from home for many years, and have done so while living in less than 600 square feet, as well as in our current home. Up until this year I’ve worked as much as 80 hours per week from home, so I wanted to offer some of my tips that help me to be very productive, while still finding balance and relaxation.
Use the time you’d normally take to get ready and drive to work to do something relaxing in the morning. Take this time to de-stress and get yourself motivated for the work day ahead. Since my job requires me to be creative, I like to scroll instagram, Pinterest, and my favorite online shops in the morning to get myself inspired and in the right state of mind. My husband works from home a lot too, and he enjoys taking more time to make a nice breakfast that he wouldn’t normally be able to make when he goes into the office, or watches an episode of one of his favorite shows.
If you can, turn on some good background music or listen to a podcast. I listen to XM radio all day long, and like to keep it set on 70s soft rock (The Bridge). My husband listens to a lot of podcasts, and we both will also listen to our playlists on Spotify.
Make sure you have a good coffee/tea set up for making your own drinks at home. I personally don’t drink a lot of coffee, but my husband does, and likes to make sure he’s set up so he doesn’t feel the need to leave the house for a coffee run first thing in the morning.
Don’t work in your pajamas! I definitely don’t think you need to get ready as if you were going to leave the house for work, but don’t work in what you sleep in. I like to work in comfortable, but cute clothes. Something that you could run out the door in, or wouldn’t be embarrassed in if a neighbor rang your doorbell. Most days this time of year I like to go with leggings paired with a more fashionable sweatshirt.
Set your work hours and stick to them. Don't be tempted to check your email or open your laptop after hours since it’s at your fingertips. Make sure to maintain a work/life balance.
Work in a different spot than where you hang out and relax at night. If your home can accommodate it, work in another room. We didn’t have this option when we lived in a 600 square foot apartment, but I made sure to sit in a different spot than I would sit in the evenings when I was relaxing. Try not to work in your bedroom if possible. Resist the temptation to work from bed in the mornings or at night.
Take frequent breaks to get up and move around. I rely heavily on my apple watch to make sure I’m standing up and moving around enough, and getting at least 10,000 steps a day. If possible, don’t work from the sofa. Work from a desk chair or dining chair, as you’ll be more likely to get up and move around more often. The goal is to be comfortable, but not lounging. I find I am never as productive (or willing to get up often enough) if I’m lounging while working.
Take a lunch break even if you decide to eat your lunch while working. Use the time to do something for yourself. Go for a walk, do some laundry or a quick cleaning task.
Don’t allow yourself to get distracted during work hours. Don’t get on your phone and mindlessly scroll through social media or your favorite websites. Stay focused and leave the fun for breaks and after work. If you don’t need your phone for work, put it in another room so you won’t be tempted.
