There are few things better than the ability to flex time and work from home. I’ve been lucky to have supervisors who are fine with me flexing time and working from home instead of coming into the office.
I don’t work from home too often because, in all honesty, when it comes to the work I do for my 9-5, being in the office does help me get more done. Everything, and more importantly, everyone, who I may need is nearby. But when I’m working on projects that require a lot of quiet time and thought (like big writing assignments), working from home is the way to go.
For every upside to working from home, there is definitely a downside. If your house is anything like my house, there are tons of distractions. Every streaming service, a comfy couch to curl up on, and no one to judge you for sitting around in pajamas all day. Not to mention, the isolation. Being alone and getting things done is the point but if you have an office wife (and I hope you do) you’ll probably miss out on having someone to banter with.
I really think I have the WFH thing down to a science now, so I thought I’d share some of my top tips with you!
Get ready for work
It’s tempting to spend your work from home day in sweats or PJs, but mentally, it won’t put you in the “zone” to be productive. Get up and get ready! You don’t have to throw on a full business outfit just to stay in the house, but I usually go for something I’d meet someone for coffee in. This helps me feel more like I’m still going to work and decreases my chances of getting back in the bed for five or fifty more minutes 🙂
Go through your “desk routine”
Everyone has that routine they slide into when first arriving to the office. Mine usually involves starting my computer, taking a few sips of coffee while the computer starts up and making my list for the day. Then I’ll check emails a bit, chat with my co-workers and then jump into that list before I have any meetings. I do the exact same routine when I work from home, just to remind my brain that we’re still here to do work!
Eliminate distraction
How you respond to distractions will make or break your WFH experience. When I’m in the office, I usually listen to music or a podcast while I work. So when I work from home, I do the same or put on a show I’ve seen a million times just to play as background noise. I clear my desk off (why is my desk always so cluttered) and only bring things to the table I need for work. I’ll also close any tabs or extra apps/programs so I’m less tempted to just bounce around between projects (which is honestly just procrastinating). And if you need to, delete the apps! Instagram and Twitter will always be there.
Clear a designated space to get work done
Having a true workspace in this apartment was a game changer in so many ways. In my old studio, I would be working from couch anytime I worked from home. It wasn’t the best, but I made it work. I’d convert my coffee table into a pseudo desk and my living room became my office for the day. It may take some rearranging or planning the night before, but it will actually help you get things done.
Take breaks and eat
The real key to a successful WFH day is to re-create your regular work day, just at home. So hopefully, you take a lunch break and then a “brain break” or two during your regular work days as well. My favorite part of working from home is making a good work from home lunch. I love eating something that didn’t have to fit in tupperware and be microwavable and smell-free. I always make something good and filling but that won’t make me sleepy.
Brain breaks are just little 5-10 minute breaks to stop you from going insane as you plough through your list. I usually stop to read a money diary or a blog post or check in on social media.
Set a clear stop time
Since you’re already home, quitting time can be a little blurred. The best way to ensure you actually stop working when you need to is to make after work plans! Put a happy hour or dinner date on your calendar. I love working from home when I have travel plans, because nothing inspires a hard stop like a departing flight!
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Even with all of this structure, you can still do all of the things that make WFH fun. Light candles, enjoy working in your cozy home instead of a temperature imperfect office, revel in the break from terrible office lighting and eat that amazing lunch!!
If you’re also a fan of working from home, let me know what tips or hacks have worked to make your days more productive!