Working from home as an entrepreneur, freelancer, or employee can be daunting. After 6 years of experience, we’ve been through the ups and downs of working from our home office. We’ve curated a list of the most important tips and tricks to keep you productive, healthy, and happy while working from home.
1. Set a schedule
This does not need to be your classic 9-5 if you don’t function that way. What is your most productive point in the day? Are you more creative in the evenings than in the morning? Plan ahead, and work at times that work best for you and your brain. Give yourself permission to relax during times that you do not feel productive. Make sure your clients know when you are working so they are able to respect your boundaries.
2. Clock Your Time
It’s important to know where your time is going. Not only for your clients, but for yourself. We use the app Hours Keeper to keep track of time on client projects, and personal projects. Time blocking in Google Calendar is also a great way to visually see your time within a day. Organize categories by color (internal business, client, personal, etc.) for an even more visual organization.
3. Stay Hydrated
This might be obvious, but dehydration can really affect your productivity. Keep a glass of water, tea, or other beverages near reach at all times. Our go-to is a 32oz Hydroflask with a straw lid - efficient and easy. Fill with ice and add cucumber or lemon slices for wellness benefits.
4. Get some Fresh Air
Whether that is a quick walk outside with the dog, a mid-day run, or even a coffee break on your patio - step outside! Fresh air does wonders to keep us grounded and less stressed.
5. Schedule Co-Working Dates
It’s important as someone who works from home to make sure you are getting enough human connection. Your Slack and email messages are not enough. Pre-schedule 2-3 co-working dates or in-person meetings every week to make sure that you get your fill of being connected to others.
6. MAKE SURE TO MOVE
Our bodies and minds are connected, and if our bodies are sitting all day - our brains will not be as happy or creative. In order to stay productive, but get our bodies moving, we have a standing desk in our office that allows us to transition throughout the day. In addition to the standing desk, we make sure to lay our yoga mat out before a work session - so when it comes time for a break, there’s no excuse! Set yourself up for success and place items around you that will allow you to get moving throughout your day.
7. Get in the groove
Music is essential to our workday. It sets the tone of projects we’re working on and can help our energy throughout the day. Create playlists to set the vibe of your workday: Focus, Creative, etc. Tune into what we’re currently listening to on Spotify.
