By With our current state of global pandemic, most people’s work lives have shifted in many ways including working from home. And then comes the task of figuring out how to do it productively. For me, it’s nothing new as I have now “worked from home” for over four years. Granted, my kids are typically in school/daycare and are now home with me all day long so throw that curveball in there and I’m right back at the figuring it out part with you. It’s been a challenge to say the least, but there are a few things I’ve learned/adapted to that have helped me be a bit more successful when it comes to working from home. These tips are geared more towards the working MOM (hence the pictures below of so many of our realties)…
- Wake up early. Just do it! This is going to be harder for some more than others, but its essential in my opinion. First off- no noise! No distractions… just you grinding away and getting it done. This has been a huge one for me!
- Knock out the “I don’t want to’s first” – You know which ones I’m talking about. Chances are, there are 1-3 things everyday that you know you have to get done, but often put aside until you absolutely have to cross it off the list. This leads to frustration and feelings of unproductiveness. If you can wake up early and knock out those 1-3 things before the kids wake up? Now we’re talking! Either way, getting it done earlier in the day will make you feel more successful and at ease that you don’t have something hanging over your head all day long until you absolutely have to get it done (with kids hanging all over you).
- Set boundaries with our family members – this is one that I knew had to happen in our house. With having three kids at home, now homeschooling (You know what I mean), finding entertainment for them, cooking, the list goes on…. I knew things were going to be busy and chaotic on the daily. With that said, my husband and I have had to have a few talks about expectations from the both of us and what our roles look like in this season. This creates the ability for me to escape when/if I need to in order to focus on work without feeling guilty or pulled in another direction. Has it been easy? Nope. But it’s been necessary in order to balance the work/play/home life. Have that talk with your spouse/family members.
- Have a designated work space – Keeping it real… I like to be comfy when I work, so sitting at a desk isn’t usually my cup of tea, I usually opt for my bed or couch. But if you have a desk/area/room that is designated for work, work there! Not only does it help you get the work done with less distractions, it also creates a designated area where the kids know not to enter because it’s mommies space (in our perfect worlds or maybe at least half of the time) – Shop lots of different desk options here.
- Get (somewhat) ready – I say somewhat because I definitely don’t think dressing up in office attire is essential, however putting on minimal make up and cute sweats can make you feel more put together, thus resulting in an increase of productiveness throughout the day. It’s amazing how the little things/decisions we make add up overall. You can find tons of new and used sweats/activewear here.
Teaming up with eBay to share some options for “work” wear and your office space. They offer both new and used goods depending on what you’re looking for. I love finding brand new items that are marked down on eBay and currently selling for full price elsewhere. It happens all of the time! In fact, I found a brand new Dyson hair dryer for half off! And just browsing, I found a ton of Nike and Adidas apparel at a highly discounted price.
Lounge Options
Office Furniture Options
Huge thank you to eBay for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are my own.
