I learned (the hard way) a thing or two about working from home since the beginning of this freelancing adventure. I figured this would be the best time to share them with the world. What do you struggle the most when working from home? Here are a couple tricks I acquired from experience & friends feedback that might help you!

Getting started

Make a routine you enjoy!

GET DRESSED
I’m more productive in pants and a little bit of mascara.

MAKE BREAKFAST
...so you’re not spending the whole morning looking for snacks.

DESIGNATED WORK SPOT
I’m more productive from the kitchen table than the couch.

DAILY PLANNING

DO THE TASK THAT REQUIRES THE MOST BRAIN POWER FIRST.
And go from most to less important.

LET IT BREATHE
Don’t fill every hour. Leave time for the unplanned: phone call, last minute request...

MAKE PLANS FOR AFTER
This will motivate you to finish at a reasonable time.

DISTRACTIONS

Eliminate the temptation.

PUT YOUR PHONE OUT OF SIGHT.
I hide mine just behind my computer screen. When I don’t see it, I don’t think about it.

WIFI OFF (If you can)

MAKE LISTS

KEEP IT SHORT & REALISTIC ON THE DAILY

You will feel more productive and accomplished by the end of the day.

*Apply this tip when making your weekly planner.

TACKLE A BIG, BORING TASK

BREAK IT INTO SMALL STEPS
The smaller the step, the easier it is to start.

*Apply this tip when you have a hard time getting started.
Pick the easiest, most enjoyable task first. Once you get started, it’s easier to keep going!

BUNDLE IT WITH SOMETHING YOU ENJOY
- Listen to a podcast
- Make your fav caffeinated drink,
- Find a nice place to work from: At a sunny window, patio, etc.

MAKE TIME TO PLAY

This one is for the workaholics

GIVE YOUR BRAIN THE TIME TO RECHARGE

When your brain is rested, you can be more focused, therefore more productive & creative.
Aaaand you had fun!
Win-Win!

USE A TIMER

SET A TIMER FOR SHORT TASKS
Gives you a sense of urgency & avoid procrastination.
Ex: Fold all your clothes in 10 minutes

GET A TIMESHEET
Time each task & report to your timesheet. Knowing how long a task takes will help with your daily planning.
Email me if you need that timesheet

Ouuuh… Piece of CANDY!

REWARD YOURSELF

Get the motivation to finish a task by setting a little reward when it’s done!

Keep movin’

TAKE PHYSICAL BREAKS THROUGHOUT THE DAY
You and your chair need some time appart to reset. Stretch, go for a walk, start a laundry load.

*House chores can easily take over your work day. Schedule physical breaks to do one or two house chores and set a short timer when doing them to stay on schedule!

MORNING WORK OUT
A 20 minute bike ride, walk, or yoga sesh. You’ll start your day full of endorphines and prime focus time.

Don’t force it.

This tip was given to me by my big sister on a day where I was complaining on how unproductive I had been feeling lately. This advice can sound counter productive at first, but hear me out….

I was having one of those bad weeks slash month slash season, where I had so much work on my plate, I would freeze just thinking about all the tasks I needed to do. Every morning, I came to my desk with hope that after this 5 minutes video, 10 minutes pinterest sesh and 15 minutes insta feed scroll, I would be relaxed and inspired enough to start my day! Alright… just one more cat video… 7pm would roll around, and didn’t do any work. In fact, I didn’t accomplish ANYTHING with my life... No chores, no physical/social activity, no fresh air, nothing… Now I’m too tired for any of this, tomorrow I will wake up with even tighter deadlines, a messier house, and a few extra wrinkles…

So what’s the advice my sister gave me? “When your mind is not up to it, don’t force it”. Staying in front of my computer procrastinating for hours won’t help me get out of that funk. But stepping outside for a few hours might just do the trick. Or run an errand, so you’ll at least cross something off the to do list. If you have the luxury of making your own schedule, and ever find yourself in a deep dark unproductive hole, keep this tip in your back pocket and use it wisely.

-Bambi

I love hearing your feedback! Tell me about your tips, your struggles, your experience…