WORKING FROM HOME

Having the opportunity to work from home is amazing in so many ways - no commute, an easy, laid-back work environment and it's bra-optional. However, working from home, can be more challenging than it seems. When you work for yourself like I do, you don't have a manager or boss nearby holding your feet to the fire making sure that things get done. I love the freedom and flexibility that comes with being my own boss but I have to admit that there are times when focus and productivity are a problem. My day gets broken up in a few different ways. Between, drop off, working out, two pick-ups (with 3hrs between each one), homework, dinner and our nighttime routine, I'm really only left with about 3-4 uninterrupted hours of work. Take away from that time, any errands I need to run or trips to the production factory I need to make and I'm pretty much left with no actual time to do other work that needs my attention. Keeping in mind that I'm a creative, I'm at my most creative during daytime hours. I used to be able to stay up late at night drafting patterns or sewing a sample for the factory, but with kids, it's become impossible and I'd rather get some sleep.

So, being able to stick to a routine that allows for the highest level of productivity within those 3-4 hours that I do get is hard. And let's face it, when you're working from home, the temptation is everywhere: the phone (social media much?), the refrigerator, the couch, the bed. Falling into unproductive habits can be very easy. I don't have things completely worked out, but I've figured out a few "right now" solutions that are helping me work towards something more long term and sustainable: GET DRESSED. Nothing fancy, just don't sit in your pjs all day. In the mornings, I'll usually throw on whatever I can put my hands on first to do drop-off and then if I'm not working out, I'll head back home to change and do some work. Now, there have been days when I've felt extra lazy and have worked from my bed, but those days are few and far between. So, wherever possible, I get dressed and stay that way because it helps to set the day in the right direction.

CREATE A FRAMEWORK FOR THE DAY AND (TRY TO) STICK TO IT. Instead of making unrealistic to-do lists, I try to create a loose framework for the way I'd like my day to look and I leave lots of room for the unexpected, which, almost always pops up! There are things that I know that I absolutely have to do each day, but for the most part, creating an outline for my day makes it a lot easier to follow through on what needs to get done. I also usually try to wake before my girls to get a head start on the day which also helps a lot. Lastly, I don't worry about doing house stuff like the laundry or finally re-arranging our linen closet, although it is tempting when the house is quiet. Instead I save "household" chores for later in the evening after I'm done with my workload.

The whole idea is to create a space that is organized, pleasant and will aid your focus and creativity.

ORGANIZE YOUR WORKSPACE. For me, a messy workspace doesn't allow for productivity and makes it hard to concentrate, so I keep my space organized. My home office/workspace is located off the kitchen. It's my "SheShed" turned workspace and I love it. It's small and between my sewing machines, fabric and patterns, it can get messy very easily. So, I make sure that it stays organized and everything has a place. I only keep what I need in plain sight on my desk, which, isn't much. The whole idea is to create a space that is pleasant and that will aid your focus and creativity. Honestly, walking into an organized workspace makes me happy and excited to get things done.

PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE. Having to make business calls is understandable, but if I don't actually need my phone to get my work done, then, at the very least, I leave it in another room. This way when it rings, I can go get it and leave it where it is when I'm done - and no checking social media in-between. I also sometimes put a "Do Not Disturb" on my phone with a few exceptions (my husband or my girls' school) if there is something that I really need to focus on finishing. Our phones are like magnets so having them in another room gives us the space to resist the urge.

I love sitting in one of my favorite Brooklyn cafes with my sketch pad or laptop or having lunch in my backyard. Find ways to stay energized and recharged during the day.

NO TV. This one's self explanatory.

CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE. I have lunch outside. I sit at my local coffee shop for the day and work on my laptop when I need to. I take walks. I basically try to change my view throughout the week - especially if I'm feeling stuck, uninspired or overwhelmed. Changing my surroundings allows me to stay energized and focused when I need to get some work done. I hope that these few tips helps some of you work from home-rs in some way. Of course, you should always do what works best for you and if you have any other ideas on ways to keep passion and productivity flowing while working from home, I'd love to hear them. Leave a comment below or on my Insta. Thanks for reading! #lifestyle #helpfultips #routines