Tips for Working at Home

I asked on my Instagram stories if you would like to know some of my personal tips for working from home, and I received an overwhelming amount of YES PLEASE. Like many others, I feel completely helpless right now given our current circumstances. If writing is the only way I can be of some service, I am more than happy to oblige.

I have been working from home, doing miscellaneous side hustles and some other random ventures for a while now, and wanted to share my top tips. There is a TON of negativity and judgement surrounding working from home, and it gets on my nerves. I have never once claimed to be a doctor or a lawyer… ME? Having to make life and death decisions everyday? HA. I can’t even decide what I want for lunch! However, a starving artist, stay at home mom, writer, blogger, waitress, barista, receptionist, etc… they are all real jobs, and deserve respect. If you judge someone’s worth solely on how much money they make, you are someone I refuse to associate with. #sorrynotsorry

Albert Einstein said it best.

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

We all serve a purpose, and play a vital part in keeping our world spinning.

I tried to keep Daryl out of the photos, but if I’m in the office, he lives on the desk. I guess that should be the first tip! If you have a cat or dog, and they keep demanding attention while you’re working, give them a designated spot. A fluffy pillow or blanket will usually do the trick. Treats help too.

Get dressed, and ready for your day.

Believe me, I know how tempting it is to sleep in, stay in your pajamas, and give in to your inner sloth. You will feel so much more inspired and productive if you get up, and get ready for the day. It doesn’t need to be extravagant either! Make your bed, brush your teeth, brush your hair, take a shower, wash your face, stretch, drink coffee… Continue to do the little things you were doing before you were home. It will make all the difference.

Side note… if it’s an editing day, I will most definitely be in comfy clothes or pajamas. You will never find me editing photos in jeans.

Have a designated workspace.

This is the most important tip I’m sharing. You MUST have a designated workspace. It doesn’t matter how big or small! But it is crucial to keep your personal life and work life separate. If you start working in your bed, dining room table or on your couch, you will never find an escape. You know the incredible feeling of coming home after a long, hard, productive day? If you’re working from home, and don’t have a designated space, that sensation will become ancient memory. Your mind will be crowded and overrun. As you can see from the photos, I have a little, corner work area… and a Funko Pop addiction. It’s not immaculate, but it is perfect for me. When I walk away from my desk, I leave work there.

Well, as a blogger, you are always thinking about new ideas and content, but that’s totally different.

Take normal coffee and lunch breaks.

This is a tip that I have only recently started practicing myself, and it has made such a difference. In the past, I would get into a zone, and force myself to finish a project. There is a reason employers require breaks, and even though your office view has changed, your brain still deserves a refresh. I urge you to implement a couple ten minute breaks into your routine. This will allow you to stretch, check your phone, refill your coffee/tea/water, take a step outside, etc… And it’s a REALLY good idea to keep a strict lunch time. I typically have my lunch break around noon, and only give myself thirty minutes.

Also, since many of us are in quarantine, and can’t drive to get our coffee fix, I wanted to mention a product that has been a lifesaver: a 2 Quart, Mason Jar Cold Brew Maker. It is extremely user friendly, and will save you a lot of money overtime.

Stay off your phone.

This may seem like an obvious tip, but STAY OFF YOUR PHONE AND SOCIAL MEDIA. Trust me. I speak from experience. Part of my job requires that I be present on social media, but there is a time and a place for that. Save your phone time for your scheduled breaks. Would you mindlessly scroll on Facebook or FaceTime a friend in a normal office setting? Absolutely not. Hold yourself accountable. You’ll thank me later. I frequently use the Do Not Disturb feature on my phone, and it drastically cuts down on distractions.

Keep a set schedule.

Since you are working from home, there will always be a few grey areas. For example, if I want to meet a friend for coffee on a random weekday morning, I can do that. BUT, I will need to work later than usual that day to make up for it. If I will be out of town for a couple of days, I need to work extra the previous week so I am prepared for being gone. You get the idea. For the most part, I recommend keeping a set schedule. Start at a certain time, and end at a certain time like a normal job. Just because you’re working from home doesn’t meant that you need to work twice as long, and punish yourself. Maintaining a normal schedule will keep you sane, and keep you from burning out.

Set a Timer.

This suggestion only applies to my fellow procrastinators who work well under pressure. If you enjoy a good challenge, set a timer, and GO! I will often set one for things I have repeatedly put off (like laundry), and it lights a fire under my caboose. It could be as simple as setting a thirty minute timer, and replying to as many emails as you can during that time. It doesn’t mean you have to rush or be sloppy. But it will give you a little push and incentive to finish quicker.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my workspace, and learned something new from my tips! I was homeschooled a majority of my life, and I truly believe that has aided in keeping me studious and motivated.

Working from home may seem like a scary venture at first, but give it time. Once you figure out a solid routine that works best with your lifestyle, I think you’ll grow to love it.

Do you have any tips for working from home?

All my love,