How to Work From Home and Actually Get Sh*t Done
The idea of working from home had always been a fantasy. When the day actually came, I didn’t want to let go of my dream and accept the realities that came with this unique lifestyle.
It nearly felt like a failure or a step backwards to need structure in my day — especially considering my vision had always been so free-flowing and flexible.
But being who I am, naturally, I fought it.
Even though I’d be “working” all day, I wasn’t working smart. I fell into habits that most work-from-home-ers can relate to. Starting my day still in my pajamas…. And always ending my day in those same pajamas.
I usually started my day by taking a look at my email. Reading the “news”, which for me is along the lines of new algorithms updates (digital marketing life, ok). I’d put together a list of action items, and start working on something. However, not long after I’d gaze around my little office set-up and find all sorts of things around the house I just “had to do”.
In the beginning, it was so fun and exciting. But, distractions are really endless, and they’re just as endless as you allow them to be. Bad habits form extremely quickly. Especially, when you’re settling in a new workspace and trying to build a routine.
Putting distractions aside, there wasn’t any real rhythm or reason behind my workflow. The not-so-fun (but super duper necessary) stuff kept getting neglected. I’d find myself always switching between different projects, and never really make much progress.
Everything suffered and time management became an oxymoron. I was swimming in a sea of projects with absolutely no direction. I quickly started neglecting time with my friends and family to work overnight and on the weekends to finish unfinished projects. Not only was I distancing myself from loved one, but I was distancing myself from my wellbeing. I stopped exercising because I felt guilty about the time I’d spend at the gym — that time could have been dedicated to a project. I was eating a lot of unhealthy foods because of quick convenience. I was losing a war against structure.
When I finally admitted defeat, I had a lightbulb moment that changed everything.
“Structure is not the enemy of freedom, it’s the gateway.”
I was able to admit it’s f*cking hard. But like anything else you want to get better at, you practice and you allow yourself to fail. You’re going to try many different things until you find what works best for you — then you’re going to practice some more.
So let’s get down to it. Here are 8 of the most useful tactics that helped me organize my WFH life
- Wake up at the same time every day.
It’s important that you give yourself enough time in the morning to mentally and physically prepare yourself for the workload you’ve got planned. Set your alarm 5 minutes earlier than normal, give yourself those 5 minutes to stretch it out and build strength to hop out of bed. Don’t worry, your body adapts quickly — it won’t be hard for long.
2. Have a morning routine.
It sounds insignificant but there’s a compound factor to starting your day with small routines. It sets you on track for the remainder of your day. There are numerous things I need to do before I turn on my laptop. I run through those items in a routine manner.
3. Eat breakfast.
Your mom isn’t there to make you breakfast. Put on your big boy pants and feed yourself. Seriously.
4. Don’t neglect, get it out of the way.
Start your day by getting your most important project out of the way. Your focus is going to fade throughout the day, so save that mighty morning spirit for your big project. You don’t want to be like old me and neglect it.
5. Plan breaks.
You no longer have an excuse to step away from your focused work time because these breaks are integrated into your day. When you’re in an office setting you get 2 fifteen minute breaks. Instead of using those breaks to look at memes, use them to wash the dishes, snuggle with your dog for some therapy, or run an errand. You’re going to do these regardless after work hours, you might as well use your time during the day wisely. That way, when it’s time to clock out you can enjoy your time without any lingering chores.
6. Workout — and stick to it.
Saying “I’ll workout later” is funny. You never end up working out later. It’s practically code for “I’ll never workout”. Pick any time during the day that works for you, and dedicate it towards a workout. Start your workout at that exact time every day. Set up a meeting for it on your calendar if it helps.
Pro tip: Have your workout clothes on. This was always a stupid excuse I had — being too lazy to change into workout gear.
Are you working from home because of the coronavirus pandemic? Don’t worry, there are methods to workout from home. Download the LEON app, they have a library of online fitness memberships. I personally use Obe, I get their membership with LEON for $20, instead of $27.
7. Have food in the house.
When my fridge was empty, I’d waste nearly an hour scrolling through my lunchtime options on UberEats. It was a nasty habit — it took up time, money, and wasn’t helping my health. Be a grownup and stock your fridge.
8. Call it a night.
When you’re tired, you’re not producing any good work. And you’re burning yourself out in advance for the next day. You don’t want to let your clients or boss down. Go to bed, you need to be fresh for the following day.
~
Since I’ve added some structure to my days, I’ve been able to wiggle in a solid 8 hours of focused work. And, I’ve been able to have plenty of time to knock off other things I wanted to get done. Seriously! I workout now, I’m eating healthier, I’m so much more productive — it’s a whole new me.
Before, if I tried to sit down for 8 hours straight and work, there was literally no way I’d have the same level of focus or quality of work. We’re not built like machines, we need to take care of ourselves.
I’m less stressed. I feel like I’ve accomplished things at the end of the day. I have time for friends and family #yay. Time to watch my favorite shows #90dayfiance #thegoldbergs. Time to exercise #leon. Time to cook healthy meals.
After all this, structure and routine has given me a free-flowing lifestyle. Ha!
