Tips for a more productive workday at home | Seattle Family Photographer | Brooke Holliday Photography
We have all been thrusted into a new life as we know it. Some of you are now working from your own home and that can be the best thing ever or a struggle. I am here to give you some tips that I have from my almost 10 years of experience of working from home. For me working from home is really great. It benefits me in ways that I never thought it could. But with children at home now, there are some obstacles that pop up and I want to also give you some tips that I have found very helpful. So let’s get started.
Designate a work space (for you and the kids)
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It is really important to designate a work space for you to complete your work from home. This will help you get into the head space of working. You can choose your dinning room table or an extra desk you have in the house. Make sure there is a window that has natural light available to you while you work. I recommend decorating your space if possible with a plant or inspirational quotes. Having things that you like at your desk can bring joy to your day. It’s the small things.
Continue to get dressed for your work day
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Continue to get dressed for your day. I know that there are so many memes out there that show the work from home outfit of sweatpants and sweatshirt that you have worn for 3+ days. Although seats are comfy, I am of the belief that the more effort you put into yourself the better you will feel. I think that at your very least, dressing in something that makes you feel good. Putting in the effort to feel good will carry on throughout your whole day. If sweats are already your thing, who doesn’t love yoga pants, then putting on a little make up, brushing your hair or wearing those badass earrings that you love will help do the trick!
Keep to a schedule
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Probably the number one piece of advice from this whole blog would be keep a schedule. It is so important to bring the same schedule from your work place to your home. This will help you stay on track and not get sucked into looking at instagram all day and wonder how you go there. One thing that I do is I keep reminders for myself through out the day. I have reminders for meetings, lunch, breaks and all the important things in between. I need reminders and if you are like me then that is OK! I use my iPhone alarms to keep me aware of when its time to do something. Utilize whatever app you need to keep you on track.
Keep your kids on a schedule as well
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Just as important as it is to keep your schedule for work it is also important to keep your kids on a schedule. They too are being thrust into this new way of life and they need that consistency more than ever. It will not only help them but it will also help you keep your sanity! So what you can do is create a visual schedule for the kids that is accessible for them to look at. You can use your computer to create a quick table or write one out on a white board and put it in the kitchen where it’s easy to be seen. Put down everyones activities for the day such as when to do school work, or if they have a group video call, when to take breaks, lunch time and free time. Utilize reminders for kids too because we know that they need them to stay on track as well.
Side note: You may or may not be into screen time but use it as a tool during this time. It is ok to be lenient right now. It can come I handy if you really need some time to focus. It is not realistic to be able to take on all these things at a time.
Lower your expectations
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Right now I want you to take a breath and accept the fact that this is not a realistic situation. You are going to learn as you go and there are no right answers. Kids are going to get rowdy, they may fight or your toddler might get into the pantry and throw food all over the floor when you have your back turned. Some days will be a breeze and others will feel like the Boston Marathon. You have to lower your expectations of what you can get done in a normal work day because this my friends is not a normal work day. Give your self some slack and do your best. That is all you can do.
Self Care now more than ever!
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You are a rock star mom, and employee, but in a time like we are facing you can’t put everyone first before yourself all the time. Right now self care is more important than ever. We are all feeling things and trying to power through our days. IT IS HARD, and that is ok. I know personally how much stress working from home and caring for kids young and older can be. I have a 3 year old and a 15 year old. Taking some time out for you is really going to be important. Ask for help, if your partner is also at home have them take on some of the house work, schooling and give you 15 minutes to listen to your favorite playlist while relaxing on the bed. What ever you like to do to wind down take 15 minutes, at least, a day to do those things. Trust me you will feel better and you need it.