Hi peeps, for those who know me, working from home is nothing new. I’ve been doing this full time for many years. That said, hubs is now also WFH (not to be confused with WTF ?) and he’s full time too.

All said, this means I need a new tactical plan. As he has a Philly boy booming voice and I require SILENCE.. Oh well. So I thought I would share some tips that I use to make my work from home life productive.

Set boundaries

I love the news and staying current with family events. But constant updates when I’m trying to form a sentence, not so much. So I had to go into lock down mode. Seriously, I started to lock my office door because LOCK = Knock. Also, I used a sweet voice and said “I’d love to listen with my full attention…after my work day.”

If any of this is helpful, great. If not, the point is to find places where your working from home day is seeping energy. Then, create firm boundaries that respect your privacy, two foot bubble and work day.

Hydrate

For me the word ‘hydrate’ has many meanings. On one hand, I have to remind myself to drink water, as maybe you do. And on the other, I think of staying fluid. We are living in challenging times and I think, have to go with the flow a bit.

So instead of missing things, my mind is allowing every day to be unique. I’m also moisturizing if you truly want to know because my hands are getting dry from all the washing.

Dress for success

Ok, this is one you might fight me on and if so, let’s agree to disagree. My preference is to shower, get dressed and yes, put on lipstick and greet the work day. I don’t necessarily dress up but clothes are clean and I never thought of working from home as an excuse to stay in pjs.

Hubs has teased me on this point and thinks its ridiculoso when he sees me in a silk blouse. Listen, right now the dry cleaners is closed so I’m in washables, but I feel better and focused when I dress for the day. That always means being comfortable and putting an effort into staying professional. Your call on how to do this in your world.

Mission control

I just got a second monitor and good ear phones and it has made a lot of difference. Don’t know why I didn’t do this before, but now with new contracts, seems like a smart plan.

You don’t have to go full tech all the way as maybe offices will be back open soon. Maybe not.. My point is that in choosing to make a real home office, I’ve made the space into one. Maybe there is something you can do to create a productive work environment too.

Add zen

I don’t usually light a candle during the day, but I was jonesing for some aromatherapy. Lit my lavender candle and it actually made me feel more creative. Most likely I had that on the “it’s not for the work day” list.

In fact, working from home can be very stressful. Some days I forget to eat, or even stand up for hours. Not good. I think taking a moment to breathe, walk, and add some zen is a side benefit of being at home, safe. So stay calm with your own tricks and work on.