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| How I think I look working from home... |
Since I started my own business a little over a year ago, I've gotten a lot of questions about how I manage my time and stay motivated while working from home. Many of you may find yourselves in the same boat for now, so I thought the least I could do during this scary time was share some wisdom I've learned about working from home. Here are my most helpful tips and tricks.
1. Establish A Routine
People always ask me if I have to shower and get dressed before working each day. While I know that's a must for many freelancers, it's a no for me. I've become an evening bath person, and I enjoy easing into the day. I start each morning by walking my dogs and making a big 'ol pot of coffee. Then, I sip my coffee while going through emails, browsing headlines, and checking any minor tasks off of my to-do list.
I make something easy for breakfast, like avocado toast or a smoothie. After breakfast, I wash my face, brush my teeth, and get dressed. If I don't have any meetings or lunch dates, that's usually just a comfy pair of leggings and a slouchy sweater—no bra is my fav WFH perk. Then, it's time to dig into my assignments. By this time, it's usually about 11am and I get some solid work done before lunch. For me, that's a routine that works. Of course, you'll have to figure out what's best for you, but once you get into a rhythm, it's easy to crunch out your work.
2. Have A Designated Workspace
I'm a firm believer that the bedroom is for two things, and work isn't one of them. Contrary to my photo, I almost never work in bed, unless I'm not feeling well. Since I'm a full-time freelancer, I have an office with a spacious desk, but you can carve out a space in your living room or at the dining table. Keep your work things here, and when you sit down at this space, you can mentally know it's time to work.
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| How I actually look—pimple cream, leggings, and all. |
3. Create An Uplifting Scent
Behind not wearing a bra, my second-favorite work-from-home perk is getting to diffuse my essential oils all day. For work, I love something energizing like peppermint or lime. (Doterra has a "motivate" blend I'm obsessed with.) If you're not into oils, burn your favorite candle or simmer some good smells on the stove. Throw a few orange peels and some cinnamon in a pot with water for an uplifting blend.
4. Take A Proper Lunch Break
When you're not in an office, you don't get those little breaks to chat with a coworker in the kitchen. Because of this, it's extra important to take little breaks throughout the day and, in my opinion, a proper lunch. I close my laptop and forget my emails when I eat and watch one TV show. If I'm having a busy day, it's a half-hour episode of SATC I've seen a million times. If I can manage enough of a breather, it's a 45-minute episode of something I'm binging (currently working my way through Vikings).
5. Communicate With Family/Roommates Like Coworkers
Sean always works from home a few days a week, and it's been full time these past few weeks. When he's at the office, we communicate via G-Chat. As we've been figuring out our dynamic as "coworkers," we've started communicating this way at home as well. At first, we were interrupting each other at the wrong moments and giving terse responses. Now, I can send him a message and he can respond when he has a moment. Sometimes I'll say, "Can I come pick your brain about something?" And he'll let me know if he has time. Treat family members and roommates as you would your coworkers instead of always dropping by their desks or shouting across the room.
