I have been working from home for over 10 years!! With all this going on with the Coronavirus and #socialdistancing we are all house bound having to work from home. So through out all these years I created some habits that hopefully can help you getting into a routine at home too. It really is a matter of habit and try not to procrastinate. Remember it’s work day not “Netflix on the couch day”!! Here are my tips to get your work from home flow..
1. Start by making your bed
By starting your day with making your bed helps your brain to wake up and actually feel like you are starting the day by at least getting one thing done. Plus it will be less likely that will go lay down during the day.
2. Get Dressed
Get off of your pjs and into actual clothes even if its a nicer yoga pants! Maybe throw in a little makeup on..I mean getting ready puts you in the right mindset specially for work. And who knows maybe you have a conference call or have to run errands, you already look good.
3. Establish a morning routine
By making time for a proper breakfast or just enjoying your coffee peacefully already sets the tone for your work day.
4. Have a dedicated work place
Setup a space in your house just for work. Doesn’t need to be a whole office, just a place where you can set your laptop on and make into your work zone. Make it comfortable and if you like add special touches like candles, flowers, a blanket.
5. Plan your meals
Its much easier to work if you have lunch ready to go instead of having to stop and make something or snacking away without even realizing. Or worse forgetting to eat at all! (it happened to me too many times) So the night before or in the morning get your lunch ready and out of the way.
6. Stop and walk a little
After lunch take a little walk, even if you just go outside for a few minutes, stretch and center yourself. It helps so much to take a little breather so you don’t feel suffocated.
7. Dealing with kids/interruptions
If you have kids or other people around your house and you can’t get away too much from them, incorporate them into your work day. Setup a little drawing near by so the kids can be near but playing kinda quietly. Also don’t beat yourself up if a little screen time is needed.
8. Stick to your schedule
Its not because you are home that you don’t have to have a schedule. Setup your hours and work within it. Make sure you stick by it so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
9. Exercise
Make time for some exercise. Like I said above you can add little workouts in between tasks or do a 20 min workout in the morning before starting work, or in the afternoon. It will keep you energized and give you a sense of accomplishment.
10. Don’t stress
If you can’t concentrate in the beginning try again tomorrow. Working from home can be good, its a matter of habit. Also music goes a looooong way. Put on some good tunes and get cracking!!
