My Best Tips for Working From Home
If my job has prepared me for one thing before COVID-19 hit, it would be working from home. I have been really lucky to already be so used to getting most of my work done from my home office with my pup, cash, sitting patiently ( and a little distractingly) at my feet. I’m not saying that I don’t miss working at my local coffee shops (because I very much do) but I feel pretty well-adjusted to working out of my home office. However, I realize that is not the case for many of my friends who have struggled to find their groove to stay motivated and focused while stuck at home. Therefore, I wanted to share some of my favorite tips for getting work done during quarantine!
Figure Out Where you Work Best
The truth is, everyone works best in different environments. Some people are most productive in complete silence and some people are most productive with a little bit of chaos. The important part is figuring out where you work best and just doing that; it’s that simple. Some days, I prefer to sit on my couch and stuff done. On the flip side, sometimes that is way too distracting and my office is the best place for me. Learning to be flexible and dynamic in my workspace has been one of the biggest lifesavers for me working from home.
Exercise
This is probably my favorite tip because its the one people overlook the most. There is nothing more distracting than back pain or sore muscles from sitting at your kitchen table for a long time or laying in whatever comfy but odd position your body always seems to sink into on the couch. Comfort is key in working from home and keeping your body moving is my favorite way to acheive that. Therefore, take your dog or kids or husband or just yourself for a walk! Do an online yoga or pilates class ( there are a million on youtube!). Go for a run or have a dance party in your kitchen. Whatever your. jam is, don’t forget to do it throughout the day - your body and productivity will thank you.
Take a Break
Don’t forget to take breaks throughout your day. Chances are you normally do this when you're at the office but overlook it when you’re home. The last thing you want to do is burn yourself out. Therefore, call the friend that would normally stop by your desk to chat on their way to the bathroom. Make some lunch and eat it on your porch. Go for a walk outside and listen to an interesting but non-work-related podcast. Do whatever you love to do that gives your brain a break so when you’re ready to work again, it’s full-steam ahead.
Wear what you Feel Best in
Don’t be too hard on yourself when it comes to your workwear attire. You will find a million articles on the internet saying that you’re most productive when you get dresses up and ready. While that may be true for many or even most people, sometimes I do my best in sweatpants and a messy bun. I've learned to listen to myself and what I feel good in for that day. If I feel like dressing up and putting on some makeup, I do that. If I don’t, I don’t beat myself up about it. Girl, there is no shame! Long story short: do what you feel best in and you will do your best work.
So… those are the things that make working from home the best for me BUT I would love to hear your tips and how you are doing working from home in the comments below!
