Make Working From Home Work For You!

By now you might have read a few articles or blog posts about working from home and this one will be a bit different. I think that working from home is fabulous & not for everyone. While you might need to work from home right now I want to give you this permission first: consider the first few days and weeks as a trial. You won't know what works for you unless you try and things you try might not end up being a good fit. Give yourself grace as you figure this out!

Here are my 7 tips to Make Working From Home Work For You!

Tip #1: Start your day right!

This is going to look different for everyone. This is how I start my day: Up around 6 am, feed the cats, drink some water, make a matcha latte, write in my journal & Today notepad. These steps help me feel centered and ready for work. For you it might look like working out, making coffee, drinking water, checking the news. Start your day in a way that helps you feel prepared for all that lay ahead!

Tip #2: Get dressed or don't!

I know that one of the best tips for productivity at home is to take a shower/get dressed each morning as if you're leaving for work. While I think that works well for some it might not make you the most productive. I find that I can work the first 3-4 hours still in my cozy clothes and am incredibly productive. It's up to you to decide what will help you feel productive and everybody is different so don't worry about what anyone else is doing.

Tip #3: Be flexible with your schedule!

I know...this is exactly the opposite of what you've read - hear me out! I generally start work each morning in my business around 9 am. But maybe you are a person who works better in the evening (as my husband does). If you're working for someone else and need to check-in at a certain hour you should definitely do that. However, if your circadian rhythm means that your best hours are between 2 and 7 then do the bulk of your work then! My best hours are between 9 am and noon so I get most of my intense creating and thinking done then. I leave boring tasks for later when I can listen to an audiobook or podcast and not worry about creation!

Tip #4: Take breaks often!

This might seem counterintuitive BUT I find I do my best work right if I'm taking regular breaks to get out of my chair, go for a walk, or make a cup of tea. Just getting up and walking around the house is enough of a break to get me back into productivity mode! My breaks don't last longer than 5-10 minutes but they help me reset and get back into work mode. I end my days feeling much more accomplished and less exhausted.

Tip #5: Take a nap!

Have you ever taken a power nap? Some people can't nap but if you've ever power napped you know it's an amazing reset! I power nap around 1 or 2 in the afternoon. I lay down and set my alarm for 30 minutes (it takes me about 10 minutes to fall asleep) and once I'm up again I feel ready to tackle those last few hours of work! If you've never power napped before I would suggest giving it a try if you're having that mid-afternoon slump!

Tip #6: Make your workspace work for you!

This is probably my favorite tip. And it doesn't have to cost you a cent (though I've linked a few of my favorite items, just in case!). The space you work from (your desk, dining room table, etc), should feel like your favorite place to sit down. You might consider shopping your house first and find things that make you happy & productive: pictures, a favorite mug you always use, candles, pens & pencils, a tray to keep your supplies on, or a stack of books that inspire you.

Here's what I keep on my workspace: My favorite pen, this best smelling (and selling) candle, my favorite mug, a notepad for jotting down ideas.

When you sit down to work each day make it a ritual: make a cup of coffee/tea, light a candle, sit down at your workspace, take a few deep breaths, and then begin.

Tip#7: If it doesn't work - try something else!

There is no one size fits all working from home strategy. If something you try doesn't work then just try something else. Don't judge the choice that didn't work just acknowledge that it didn't work and move on. You are the best at knowing what works for you so get still and listen to yourself.

Final thoughts: This time of trial might take a few weeks! Take your time and don't feel pressured to figure it all out at once.

Also, if you're now working from home with your spouse/partner I've written another blog called How To Work From Home Together Without Killing Your Spouse! It's my top 4 tips to make working with your spouse easier and even a little fun!

Do you have any tips or tricks for working from home? Please let me know in the comments so we can all learn from each other. I'm always excited to learn new hacks or perspectives on working from home!

I love you and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it,

Sara