Top 5 Work at Home Tips

This marks my second week of working from home. I must say I am loving the power that comes with working from home. Setting my own schedule and working when and how I want are all very new concepts for me, since my previous corporate world setting had me shoved in a cubical with not so flattering florescent lighting.

Although I am no work from home pro, I have learned a few things the past 2 weeks that help me.

My Top 5 Work at Home Tips:

1). Get ready! I could very easily roll out of my bed and into my office in my pjs, but there is something to be said about getting dressed. It helps wake me up and get me in the "time to work" frame of mind. Usually I will wear a casual jeans and t-shirt kind of thing, but when I have meetings I break out working girl attire. On the days I don't have meetings, I usually skip on makeup, to keep myself feeling pretty I accessorize like I did with this statement necklace below (a gift from my previous co-workers, such dolls).

Necklace: Charming Charlie's

2). Set a "schedule." It's great to be able to work "whenever" you want, but let's be realistic here. If you scatter your work hours all over the place you will likely also scatter your productivity. To stay efficient, create working times for yourself. I like to work 2-3 hours in the morning starting at 8 or 9am. Then I take a 2 hour break to work out, shower and eat lunch. Then around 2, I will put in a few more hours and wrap up before the hubby gets home. So far this schedule works well and allows me to be available for meetings, calls, e-mails during regular work hours while still being able to sneak in a mid-day work out and cook dinner.


3). Create a work space. This is a big one. Create an environment just for when you're working. When you designate a work space, your brain knows when you are there you are there to work. Same can be said about confining your work to one area, so when you are not there, your brain knows it's time to rest (aka don't bring your work into spaces that are supposed to be relaxing like your bedroom).

See Project #5 here for details on the floral lamp

When my favorite faux pearl necklace broke, it was a tragedy...until I realized I could just use the pearls as office decor :-)

My sister-in-law made this crafty Scrabble sign for us. I added the mint colored feathers to tie in with the rest of the office.

Chairs: Target, Lamp: Ikea, Metallic  Picture Frame: Ross (originally red, but I spray painted it)

See Project #7 here for details on the mirrored table.

4). Prioritize. Anyone who knows me can tell you I love "to-do" lists. Whether it's a chore list, a work task list, home improvement list, grocery list...I love them. I confess sometimes I even add tasks to my list that I already completed just so I can have the satisfaction of crossing them off (I can't be the only one...right?).  I also find it helpful to track what tasks I accomplished for the day. This helps me know what still needs to get done tomorrow.


5). Take breaks...coffee breaks preferably. Whether you are working from home or at an office, it's good to get up and walk around from time to time. Go get some water or treat yourself to a latte.

Blouse: The Loft

Eventually the office I am working for will be done with renovations and I will be back in a more typical office setting (minus the cubical and florescent lighting). In the meantime though, I plan to enjoy every second working from home.

Be Bold,
Be Brave,
Be Beautiful,