Tips for Working From Home

We know it can be a challenge to work from home (especially with kids in the mix). It's hard to stay motivated and productive. We put together some ideas to follow and keep you going.

GET DRESSED LIKE YOU'RE GOING TO THE OFFICE

It may be tempting to stay in your pj's or comfy clothes, but Monday through Friday you should get up and get dressed like you're going to work. It'll help your mindset and will get you feeling productive. Plus it'll distinguish the weekdays from the weekends. Then you'll actually look forward to lounging around on Saturday. Extra credit: make your bed! I always say, "messy bed, messy head". Just try it. You'll be amazed at the difference in your head!

DESIGNATE A WORK AREA

It doesn't need to be anything fancy. Mine is my kitchen table. But I've got it all set up and it gives me a sense of normalcy. I also try to keep it neat. There is a fine line setting up an "office" and creating a mess that will driving you crazy. Get a bin to put papers in or whatever you need to keep it organized.

LISTEN TO A PODCAST

Listening to a podcast will make you feel like you're actually around people. Depending on what you listen to it can get you motivated or give you a laugh. My go-to's are How I Built This or Preston & Steve Show on WMMR.

GET MOVING

It's important to keep active a bit. We take a noon walk in our house. It might just be around the block, but it's something and it gets us moving. There are tons of online fitness videos or even yoga. One of our favorites is Yoga With Kassandra.

HAVE THE KIDS DO ONLINE PROJECTS OR CRAFTS

If you've got kids at home that presents another challenge. They're cute and all, but it's so hard to focus when they're running around crazy. We do YouTube crafts and online classes. It's amazing how much your kids will listen to an online teacher compared to you, haha. One of my favorites is Mystery Science. They do fun projects and experiments that will keep your kids engaged and having fun. Here is a link to some virtual tours and fields trips.

STAY POSITIVE + REACH OUT TO FRIENDS

Yep, easier said than done. However social interaction will keep you sane! Whether it's Facetime, Zoom, or just regular old phone calls....stay connected to your friends and your co-workers! For the small businesses who are struggling, find out ways you can engage with other small business and work on your game plan on how to kick butt once this crazy time passes. Also, planning a Zoom Happy Hour is one of my personal faves. You can actually cheers to someone face to face rather than your TV.