Does your Monday look like this?
Or is this how you look this morning?
I have to be honest, despite working from home, my Monday mornings can go either way.
When I take time to plan out my week and schedule all of the things I have to do – I am ready to conquer the world. When I wait till the morning to get things scheduled for the day, I am a hot mess who is unable to stick to a routine. I squirrel towards the next shining object and then get frustrated when nothing seems to be getting done.
Here are 5 simple steps to help you get a little bit more motivated while working from home:
1. Set Working Hours
Decide on what your working hours will be, and stick to them! This one is really tough for me. Hubby is off on Monday and Tuesdays PLUS he works the 4 – 12midnight shift. It means he is home during the day and has his own plan for the day. I set my alarm for the same time Monday to Friday and stick to a morning routine as if I was going to work (out of the house). I have found when I stick to a schedule of early office hours, a break to do things with hubby and then back in the office in the afternoon – life is so much better. I love starting my work day at the same time every day!
2. Use A Planner
Plan out your week using a planner – either on your phone or a hard copy. I need paper when it comes to this. Hubby bought me a Passion Planner and I absolutely LOVE it. Lots of room for notes, scheduling appointments daily and setting goals. I have daily to-do lists so you have a clear sense of what needs doing and get started on tasks immediately. Having a planner and planning out my time has been a giant stress reliever. It also helps to give your work days and week structure, while working from home!
3. Create A Workspace
Okay, so I don’t work from bed but I will admit to being in my sweats. I get shower and have my coffee just like I would if I had an office job. I take the “commute” down to my office. It is important to create a space in your home – your own personal “workspace”. Even if it is your living room table or a desk in your bedroom! Set aside space solely for work and nothing else! Set it up like you would a cubby or office with motivational quotes and make it pretty.
4. Leave The House
It’s unhealthy to stay at home all day and not get some fresh air. So get up every couple of hours to take a work break – make yourself some tea and scroll through Instagram. Take your lunch break out of the house too. Even if you make food at home, pack it up and eat it outside to take a step away from your desk for a change of scenery. This is one I am working on. I would have to say my work break is having lunch with hubby every day.
5. Socialize
Do you feel isolated working from home? With no kids to taxi around, I have found “girl time” is more important than ever. After-work drinks aren’t as easy when there’s no one to go with from work! So organize some social meetups post work with friends. Whether they work from home or not, socializing after work is a must. Cocktails? Yes please, always!
Do you work from home? What are your top tips for creating a work-from-home routine and staying motivated? Share your best tips with us…
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 