This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.
In light of everything that is going on with the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19), more and more people are finding themselves working from home. So I am sharing my tips for working from home.
As a small business owner with no brick and mortar, I pretty much work from home 24/7 (minus the occasional coffee shop – which won’t be happening any time soon).
Over the last few years, I’ve learned and put in place several things to make working from home fun and productive.
Tips For Working From Home
Set-up an “Exclusive Workspace”
When you start working from home, it can seem so easy to sit on the couch or on your bed to work. Now, I’m not saying you should never work there. But if you truly want to get things done, I highly recommend setting up a space exclusively for work.
This is the space you go to to grind and focus. To get things DONE without distractions.
For most of us, this includes an office desk, comfy chair, and a computer and notepad. For others it may be a designated space at your dining table or in your bedroom if you do have a home office.
Time Block Your Week
At the beginning of the week, I try my best to block out times throughout the day for different things (including working out if it’s not a habit, yet!).
Block out time for things that need to get done:
- Responding to Emails
- Watching that online course
- Focusing on a specific project that needs to get done
I shared a snippet of my calendar and things I do to be more productive in my blog post on time management tips to get sh** done.
Get Ready and Dressed Every Day
A comment that I receive weekly is “You are always dressed up and look so put together.”. For one, THANK YOU. But two, I do it for ME!
Most days I get completely ready from my hair down to my outfit. Other days I focused on my entire top half – makeup, hair, jewelry, decent top, and then I put on sweats or loungewear.
It puts me in a great mood for the rest of the day, I feel more productive, and I often get more done!
There are definitely days where I wake up and stay in my pajamas until lunch if I workout then and there are days that I don’t do my hair or makeup! But the days that I get ready, I find myself getting so much more DONE.
Move Your Body
I am really bad at this, because I can totally be a workaholic, but it is so important! I have gotten much better over the last 6-8 months. A few things to keep you moving:
- Workout in the morning before you start your work day (I like to jump on my Peloton or get a quick 20 minute workout in on the app – get $100 off accessories when you use code DH67GS).
- During or right after lunch, take a walk outside. Take the dogs, the kids, and enjoy the outdoors even if it’s only for 15 minutes!
- After you close up shop for the day, workout again or stand up and make dinner (no takeout!)
Throughout the day, I try to get up every so often – to refill my water bottle, go to the restroom, get a snack. During those times I try to keep my body active as well. Ten pushups, some squats or lunges, and taking deep breaths.
Take Screen Breaks
I am guilty of skipping this, but reading an actual book, listening to a podcast and/or closing your eyes, breathing, meditating, whatever it is, is good for the soul.
I try to read a few pages of a book or use the Calm App for some silence/meditation. Some books I am reading or have on my “to read” list:
I’ve also really been into these podcasts:
- The Skinny Confidential
- Armchair Expert
- How I Built This
Hydrate and Don’t Forget to Eat!
If you’re a workaholic, this is so important! If you aren’t, this may be easier for you to do. If you’re a snacker like me, have veggies and fruits on hand, so chips don’t consume you.
Keep your water bottled filled and try to refill every hour or two (plus it will keep you moving)
I like to have a protein shake right after I work out and then an egg and toast about an hour later until lunch (which is usually leftovers or a salad). In the afternoon, I’ll have a snack to hold me until dinner time. Some of my go-to’s:
- Carrots + cucumbers with ranch/hummus
- Apples + peanut butter
- Popcorn (I pop my own and add salt and a little cayenne)
- Hot Cheetos
- Pretzels + peanut butter
- Half quesadilla
- Chips + guac/salsa
- Rice cake + peanut butter + chocolate chips
- Almonds (Kit’s go-to)
Working From Home Can Be Fun
I think the biggest part of working from home to take away from this, is to not let working from home take over your life.
Have boundaries for yourself and your family members. Modify your schedule as necessary to fit in appointments, meetings, grocery shopping, etc.
Some other things I like to do include some self-care with eye patches and face masks (when I don’t have video meetings).
Take breaks and enjoy lounging on the couch while working every-so-often! Share your tips for working from home in the comments below.
