It’s 12 noon on a Monday and I’m currently Working From Home and jamming to "Work From Home” by 5th Harmony to get me in the writing mood. WFH is a whole mood and I’ve fallen in love. However, this new relationship also comes with great responsibility. I wouldn’t dare tell my boss this but… if I could work in the comfort of my own sanctuary, I would never go back to the office. No eating out during lunch, snuggling with my puppy Chance, and getting fresh air whenever I want is a special kind of SELF-LOVE. Coming into 2020, I recently purchased my first home and transitioned jobs. This job provides me with more flexibility, a better work life balance and I must say, an increase in pay and quality benefits. I can’t complain. I have been WFH like most people for the past 3 weeks due to COVID-19. My biggest reason for starting this blog was to create a safe space for others alike as we navigate through this uncharted territory that comes with adulthood. Here you will discover tips, secrets, and advice, professionally and fashionably!
10 Tips to Successfully Working From Home 1. Create a Routine: Setting a routine has helped me so much since I've been home. It has kept me on track and truly makes a Tuesday feel like a Tuesday. It’s so easy for our days to melt together and the next thing you know, you’re 36 minutes late to your 4th Zoom sesh of the day! It is important to wake up and set alarms everyday as if you were going to an actual work site. I snooze twice, read a daily devotional, a little IG scrolling, take a jog, shower, coffee and off to start my day.
2. Establish Work Hours: If you are supposed to be working, that is dedicated work time! I have often found myself asking my boyfriend (who is WFH as well and we both have the same job) to come downstairs and do non-work related activities. With this being the boring training segway into my new role, I have tons of leisure time right now. Nonetheless, I have been taught that filling that time with Netflix and social media can get me off track fast. Stay FOCUSED!
3. Know Yourself: If you’re anything like me, you know when your mind likes to wander off and play and when it prefers to concentrate and work. I personally like completing my tasks in the morning and that way I can enjoy my time in the afternoon. Set up your schedule to knock out assignments at the time that correlates best with your productivity.
4. Make a List: I am a HUGE fan of a to-do list. I have a major issue with staying not getting distracted and constantly having to refocus my attention span. Creating a to-do list at the end of my day for the next day really makes me feel prepared and ready for my next WFH experience. I even put times on my calendar to knock out each task.
5. DRESS for Work: Alright alright, let's not go to the extreme and have on a full-blown suit at the kitchen table. Nevertheless, choose a few days out of the week to substitute the joggers for jeans and hell, maybe put on a bra?! Dressing not only puts you in work mode but motivates you to be productive in your off-time. Take a selfie. You look cute!
6. DON’T DO IT: There are a few things at home that I will warn you are recipes for distractions. Believe me, I am the distraction Queen. Do not work with the TV on. Maintain focus and set goals that if you finish X, Y, and Z you can reward yourself with a 30 min episode or a 15 minute Twitter scroll.
7. Exercise: I Girl Scout promise you that I have gained 15 lbs since being at home on the couch with a bag of Doritos as my accountability partner. It is not healthy and going weeks without exercise not only affects your body but your spirit. Take a morning jog (keep your distance), walk during lunch, or yoga after 5. I personally love the Nike Training club App right now. It has soo many home work-out options!
8. Team Interaction: Take the time out of your day to interact with someone on your team. Share your favorite home workout, recipes, or funny cat videos throughout the day. It will spice up that 9-5 for sure. I love doing a virtual coffee and inviting my peers to bring their favorite mug!
9. Stand up: When I move, you move...just like that! One thing I love about having an Apple Watch is its ability to tell me “Honey you’ve been sitting for too long”. Using my watch not only aids in tracking my mobility during the day but it also is a fabulous way for me to track my girlfriends and remind them to get a little standing time here and there! That blood flow is vital in the office and at home.
10. Office Space: It is imperative to set-up an office climate somewhere in your home. This is a dedicated space that is a no-play, no interference, an "I am here to do my thang” environment. Just like if I were in my office, I move around the house but I always remember to maintain my Olivia rules to not cut on the TV or to get too comfortable. I have a cozy Kennedy barrel chair that I am obsessed with that I often set in, but it can put me to sleep if I stay too long! I’m building on my space right now and I am in desperate need for a desk chair but looking for the perfect one. In conclusion, create a space that works for you!
Welcome to Olivia’s Office.
This is a time for adjustment for everyone directly and indirectly impacted by the COVID-19 virus. I am very blessed to have a role that I have the option to remain in my position and WFH. Check in on your friends, family, and neighbors. You never know what they are going through at the moment. Take the time to give back.
I start working from home tomorrow so I definitely had to prepare myself 😂