5 Simple Ways to Make Smarter Snack Choices While Working From Home
Practical tips for mindful eating habits.
If you were used to working a 9-to-5 office job, it’s safe to say that working from home these past few months has been an adjustment. Distractions and productivity killers abound, from the living room where the television is waiting to lure you into a binge-fest of The Office to the laundry room where piles of clothes are just begging to be washed and folded. And then there’s the pantry, the place you go to beat stress and boredom and to stretch your legs and fulfill your salty, sweet, crunchy cravings.
We know all too well that when the pantry is just steps away, it’s hard to resist the allure of a midday snack break—which could be a good thing! In fact, the American Heart Association states on their website that snacking isn’t “bad” for you if you do it in moderation and make healthy choices. And according to Jackie Newgent, RDN, culinary nutritionist and author of “The All-Natural Diabetes Cookbook,” “properly planned snacking can actually help with weight management efforts” and “help keep you satisfied between meals so that you don’t overeat at lunch or dinner.”
We know this idea that snacks provide satiety until the next meal is important, which is why we’ve partnered with the premium, gluten-free better-for-you snack brand Crunchmaster and Lisa Linh, creator of the home, lifestyle, and wellness blog By Lisa Linh, to share simple ways for making smarter snack choices while working from home. As the voice behind the blog By Lisa Linh where she shares healthy living tips, Linh certainly knows a thing or two about eating well on a busy schedule.
Ahead, she breaks down how to snack smartly when you’re WFH all day, from scheduling meal breaks to stocking up on nutrient-dense snack foods.
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I keep nutrient-dense snacks on hand that are easy to grab and don’t make a huge mess while I study, which is why I prefer Crunchmaster crackers as my go-to.”
—Lisa Linh, Creator of By Lisa Linh
CREATE & CULTIVATE: How does having a set meal routine set you up for success while working from home, and what tips can you share for scheduling meals and snack breaks?
LISA LINH: I found that my most productive days are ones where I schedule breaks and meals. So for me, having a routine not only keeps me focused, but also allows me to perform at my best. My biggest tip is to create a realistic schedule that works for you versus trying to use other people’s templates.
Everyone is different and when you create something just for you, you tend to stick to it more. For example, I only take 30-minutes for breakfast and lunch but will keep a secret stash of snacks that I can grab at my desk throughout the day. Others may give themselves an hour and some even eat at their desk, so do whatever feels most convenient and authentic to you.
What tips can you share on stocking up on nutrient-dense snack foods and what are your go-to good-for-you snacks?
While we have a dedicated snack cabinet in the kitchen, I also keep a snack drawer in our office. I try my best to keep nutrient-dense snacks on hand that are easy to grab and don’t make a huge mess while I study, which is why I prefer Crunchmaster crackers as my go-to.
I love that they’re gluten free, come in a variety of flavors, and are made with 100% whole grain. Not to mention, they have no artificial colors or flavors and 0g cholesterol. Also, the crunch is just so satisfying to hear.
My favorite flavor is Original and my boyfriend loves Ultimate Everything. He actually loves pairing the Ultimate Everything crackers with the salmon poke we get fresh from the market or dipping them in humus. I, on the other hand, like it plain.
We both also love that they’re perfect for when we’re on-the-go. Whenever we’re in a rush to leave the house I just throw one into my tote bag and eat in the car. It also is in my gym bag, as it’s a great post work-out snack as well.
“If you treat your breaks as something “to-do” and schedule them into your day, you’ll eventually fall into the habit of checking in with yourself.”
—Lisa Linh, Creator of By Lisa Linh
What is your best nutrition advice for those of us who want to eat better and take care of ourselves while WFH? How can we be healthier on a busy schedule?
When it comes to taking care of yourself, it is important to prioritize your mental and emotional health first. I always advise my friends to ensure that they feel good from the inside first before tackling their physical health, because you honestly have to be in the right mindset before anything else.
Carving out time for yourself can be tough with a busy schedule, but if you treat your breaks as something “to-do” and schedule them into your day, you’ll eventually fall into the habit of checking in with yourself. Self-care is not just bubble baths and massages either, we have to make time to do all the inner work that’s necessary for us to continue to be our best selves.
In regards to eating better, I’m still personally learning about the type of ingredients that go into our food, and so I often ask for advice from my personal trainer and closest friends, who are nutrition experts. I can’t say that I’m always choosing the healthiest choices but we’re all a work in progress and knowledge is power, so education about nutrition is key.
What are some food staples I should always have in the pantry or fridge to cook healthy meals and why?
I’m going to be honest and tell you that, while I’m big on healthy snacks, I am still working in the cooking department, meaning I don’t cook often. For breakfast, I usually have something easy like apple and peanut butter, a banana and peanut butter toast, or a quick spinach and mushroom pita. For lunch, I tend to have leftovers from dinner, in which the majority of my dinners are ordered via Postmates. My favorite go-to restaurants are Granville, Tender Greens, and local sushi, and Vietnamese restaurants.
Anything else to add?
You only get one body, and while it’s extremely forgiving, it is up to us to really give ourselves the best life we can and that includes taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional health.
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This Is What Founders of Successful Companies Wear to Work From Home
Anine Bing, Babba C. Rivera, and more on their WFH style.
As we enter yet another month of coronavirus-induced telecommuting, it’s certainly no secret that working from home (in the midst of a pandemic, no less) calls for a very different dress code than working from the ole office swivel chair. After all, signing online for a virtual Zoom meeting doesn’t exactly require the same sartorial standards as walking into a boardroom meeting, especially when you take into consideration the fact that staying healthy is (and should be) priority #1 right now.
Now that our business-as-usual attire has been relegated to the backs of our closets, we reached out to founders of successful companies to find out what they’re wearing to work from home during COVID-19. Ahead, Babba C. Rivera, the founder of the brand marketing agency ByBabba, Anine Bing, the founder and chief creative officer of Anine Bing, Blair Armstrong, the founder of the lauded beauty brand Gilded, and more divulge their WFH style staples they’re turning to day in and day out.
Co-Founder, Athena Club
What's your personal style?
Very laid back, clean, and classic. I typically reach for jeans and a T-shirt or sweater depending on the weather. I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but I find jeans comfortable! I’ve collected my favorite pairs and could wear them every day in any situation.
What are you currently wearing?
Even though I’m working remotely, I like to get dressed in the mornings to keep a routine. Right now I’m wearing Levi's 501 jeans with a J.Crew popover shirt.
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
It truly depends. In a formal meeting, I would wear a suit (I’ve kept a few of my most comfortable suits from my consulting days), however a lot of my important meetings are business casual, so a dark pair of jeans and a simple blouse are my go-to’s.
Founder, ByBabba
What's your personal style?
“Fashion meets business with a lot of colors and a playful Scandi vibe.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Right now, I am alternating between leggings-and-blazer looks or very colorful, more fun Scandi outfits to boost my energy. Peak Performance leggings, paired with a Ba&Sh blazer and a tee from Jeanerica. Or Stine Goya pants and top.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“Suits are my go-to, but during quarantine times I've tweaked it slightly by pairing blazers with leggings, so that I still look and feel polished for video conferences, but can simultaneously be ready for a midday workout through Instagram LIVE.”
Ariyana Hernandez
Co-Founder & CEO, NORA the agency
What's your personal style?
“My personal style is very fluid, typically predicated on how I'm feeling in the moment. Generally, I gravitate towards unique stand-out pieces that make a statement and have a strong penchant for airy neutrals. If I had to wear one style for the rest of my life it would be minimalistic resort wear—lots of linens and crushed silks.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Currently wearing a silk cami, a lounge set from Shaina Mote, and Objet Pendant from J. Hannah Jewelry. I love that Shaina Mote's pieces are timeless staples, super comfortable, and sustainably produced in Los Angeles.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“I can't bear to be uncomfortable while working from home but I still want to look professional (at least from the waist up)! I opt for a statement blouse or a loose jacket, simple gold jewelry, and lounge pants.”
Founder & Chief Creative Officer, ANINE BING
What's your personal style?
“Timeless style with a rock n' roll edge.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Florence Jeans. I've been wearing these jeans so much lately—they're so comfortable. It almost feels like I'm wearing sweatpants but the fact that they're denim, they make me feel so much more put together. Milo Tee. Everyone knows I love a crisp white tee, this one pairs perfectly with my Florence Jeans. Fishbone Blazer. Our Fishbone blazer is always my go-to. Getting up and getting dressed in the morning like I normally would to go into the office has helped me be more productive while I'm working from home.”
Founder & Designer, Printfresh
What's your personal style?
"Eclectic would probably put it best. It’s very dependent on how my morning starts off and what I’m up to. I’m also an aspiring (and failing) minimalist. Working in design, I’ve found that a bold outfit can really influence the color choices, pattern sensibilities, and other design preferences of the people around you. So when working with others, I tend to dress more simply, choosing neutral solids over bright prints. However, working from home has really changed that."
What are you currently wearing?
"Luckily we design and make pajamas, so wearing sleepwear during our weekly Zoom call with the team is totally appropriate. I alternate between wearing a full set and then sometimes mixing PJ bottoms with a sweater or a comfy solid or Grateful Dead tee (the only graphic tees I own). Our Blush Bagheera and embroidered Daughters of Triton styles are my personal favorites from our pajama collection.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
"Since our team is super small and we’re currently working remotely, these days I almost always choose to wear pajamas to our meetings. But if I’m feeling fancy I’ll do my hair and put on some of our little stud earrings that are easy for wearing at home and small enough that you can sleep in them (which is always a bonus!).”
Founder & Designer, Soluna Collective
What's your personal style?
"I love a good contrast, so I am always pushing the boundaries with how I style my clothing. Tight-fitting pants call for an extra loose top in my book and vice versa—bonus if texture and patterns are included in the mix. I like to build my wardrobe with simple silhouettes that can be paired with almost anything, the fun part is layering the different pieces! Layers are also essential living in Portland, where an afternoon sprinkle is to be expected, so I almost always carry an oversized jacket with me that can be thrown on at the slightest sight of rain. One of my favorite pieces to layer is a Woolrich jacket that used to belong to my grandma, and her brother before that. It's a rich royal blue color with a boxy fit, it adds the perfect pop of color and texture to any outfit. Finish the outfit off with wide-leg pants and a pair of boots and I call it good!”
What are you currently wearing?
“I am currently wearing our natural waffle pants (seriously the coziest work from home pants!) paired with a crop tank and an oversized vintage Pendleton shirt for an extra layer. During this period, where I have been home more than ever, I have found comfort in soft and cozy layers.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“For big meetings, I like to keep it simple. My favorite top to wear is actually from our new collection; the Wrap Jacket in Spruce Green Waffle. It has a belt that can be tied around the waist for definition and the textured waffle pattern provides an element of interest without being too distracting. I like to pair it with a wide-legged pair of pants, heeled boots, and statement earrings to finish the look.“
Founder, GILDED
What's your personal style?
"My personal style is feminine, elegant, and classic. I prefer well-crafted, timeless, and transitional pieces. My wardrobe is 99% dresses and skirts that I pair with complementary jewelry."
What are you currently wearing?
"I am currently wearing BCBG tanks. They are so lightweight and comfortable and I’ve been pairing them with my Alexander McQueen trousers."
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“My go-to for big meetings are power skirt suits and dresses.”
Founder & Designer, Indigo Swimwear
What's your personal style?
"I would say my personal style is pretty laid back beach vibes."
What are you currently wearing?
"I am currently wearing a white summer dress from Cleobella along with some of my favorite espadrille slides from Soludos."
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
"For big meetings, I really just go with the flow of how I am feeling that day but a dress like today or midi skirt with a cute top is usually my go-to!”
Founder & Designer, Port de Bras
What’s your personal style?
"I’m laid back, so a tailored casual outfit that looks effortless but still makes a statement is a style that works for almost everything.”
What are you currently wearing?
"I’m so into these Chanel sandals I purchased from Farfetch through my personal shopper @paulaco_style, paired with our soon to be released summer capsule items—the Carla Top & Shorts. They are dressy and fresh, perfect for a sunset drink with friends."
What’s your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
"Anything with the Port de Bras Shay Jacket. I designed it especially for meetings and now to WFH. They look amazing paired with our Jazmin Pants but can also work over a summer dress or even a bikini!"
Founder & Chief Exercise Officer, Pretty Girls Sweat
What's your personal style?
"Sporty chic.”
What are you currently wearing?
“PGS tees, Zara high-waisted pants, Kenzo sweatshirts, Nike sweatpants, UGG slippers.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“Black Gucci blazer, simple tank from naked wardrobe, sweat pants (since no one can see them on a zoom call), and statement earrings.”
Founder & CEO, Parachute
What's your personal style?
“Comfort has always been my top priority when I’m getting dressed. I live by the beach and my style is definitely inspired by the outdoors. You’ll find me in an unfussy t-shirt, sweater, and Levis, or one of my go-to dresses. Much like Parachute’s aesthetic, I tend to gravitate to a neutral color palette and look for quality fabrics.”
What are you currently wearing?
“I am currently in my Cloud Cotton Robe in Rose.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“We are pretty informal at Parachute. We make home essentials that are designed to be enjoyed and lived in, and our dress code is an extension of that laidback and welcoming brand ethos. For big meetings, I’ll throw on a pair of slacks and a leather jacket. I recommend having a big meeting uniform–one less thing to think about.“
Founder, Clare V.
What's your personal style?
“My personal style is always evolving, but I have an affinity for cropped trousers, a great blouse, and the perfect brogues or loafers—but right now, it's about staying comfortable throughout the day while working from home. While I typically always have a CV bag by my side, right now, it's the Emma in Yellow, a bright spot that I wear crossbody—it's the perfect size to keep my phone with me at all times, which has never been more important.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Currently, it's Richer Poorer sweatpants and our Blue Long Sleeve Hoodie with Poppy Jaguar Print.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“Right now, since all of our meetings are on Zoom, it's typically business on top and cozies on the bottom. I have a soft spot (literally) for Richer Poorer sweats and my soft knits from The Great, and when I want to feel a bit fancier, I'll throw on a dress from Ulla Johnson or Doen. And always socks with Birks for walking around the house.”
Co-Founder, Creative Label
What's your personal style?
“Elevated streetwear/creative professional.”
What are you currently wearing?
“An Asos blazer, Urban Outfitters hoodie, and Amazon Fashion biker shorts.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“Throw on a blazer over loungewear and it's instantly business casual. Some of my favorite loungewear items: Mayfair Group hoodies, Vida Moulin tie-dye loungewear sets (option 1 + option 2), and Asos blazers (option 1 + option 2.)”
Founder & CEO, Crown Affair
What's your personal style?
“My style is fairly simple and leans towards the casual side (even before we were all WFH!). I live in sweaters, denim, leather pants, silky wide-leg pants, and favorite vintage t-shirts and tanks. I'll usually pair that with a blazer or jacket to pull it all together. I like having my uniform, but then having variations on it that are a more playful, like tie-dye cashmere sweater instead of a neutral.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Right now at home, I'm here for something that feels like you're wearing PJs, but doesn't look like it. I've been living in these black Serena Pants from Billie the Label. They're so comfortable and I like wearing an actual pant when working during the day. I paired it with this neutral but playful cardigan from Jacquemus. Comfy enough to wear all day at home, but still feel like you got dressed for work. Taking a few moments to change from loungewear to a more pulled-together look has been helpful in creating new structures and separate my home and workspaces. I usually only wear Birkenstocks in the house, but I just ordered these Chuck 70s, so I've been wearing them inside to break them in a bit.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“As all meetings have been officially relocated to a Zoom link, it feels more natural to not get too dressed up even if you would wear a blazer for that same meeting IRL. Right now I've been wearing cashmere sweaters and I'll add an earring or necklace to make it feel more polished.”
Founder and CEO, Malai
What's your personal style?
“My personal style is comfortable but professional. I have a shop, and I'm often moving boxes around, and have to make sure that I stay comfortable. But my day also always involves speaking to vendors and investors, so I need to look professional. My style combines both of these things.”
What are you currently wearing?
“When I am not in my Brooklyn ice cream scoop shop, I am comfortably working from home in a Malai T-shirt with Lou & Grey linen pants. Our Malai tees are made with the finest California grown Supima cotton, and so incredibly comfy. The best part is that the T-shirts are created by my parents, who have owned their own textile company for the past 20 years. Their entrepreneurial journey and support has always inspired mine, so it brings me great joy that our businesses are united with our Malai T-shirts. Lou & Grey is my go-to brand for comfortable yet chic clothes. Their sunny-hue reminds me of saffron (one of my favorite spices that you find in our ice cream), and the airy texture keeps me calm during long days of our busy summer months. Most of all, they still make me feel super put-together (which is great when I have to jump on a video call or run down to the shop). While working from home, I basically have a rotation of both of these things: Lou & Grey pants and Malai tees!”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“When I actually need to get dressed up, I wear a Tory Burch dress from their pre-fall 2018 collection. It's light, airy, comfortable, and most importantly, makes me feel happy and confident (key for any business meetings). I was a 2018 Tory Burch Foundation Fellow, a fellowship that supports women entrepreneurs and provides them with a resource and network. I honestly think of my fellowship experience every time I put on that dress, which made me feel ready to take on the world.”
Founder & CEO, Love Wellness
What's your personal style?
“My personal style is a mix of high and low, and feminine and masculine. I love wearing baggy, high-waisted jeans with a spaghetti strap top, or a delicate dress with a men's cut corduroy jacket. I tend to stick to black, brown, white, and navy as my primary colors I wear.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Right now I'm mostly wearing sweatpants, just like the rest of the world. I love this Target brand I found on a recent trip to their headquarters in Minneapolis called Joy Lab. Everything is so soft and really affordable.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“I like to wear a nice sweater and pull my hair back from my face in a nice bun. Definitely looks presentable and polished!”
Co-Founder, Creative Label
What's your personal style?
“Chic, but I also love a good sporty and comfortable outfit.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Forever 21, Forever 21, and Forever 21.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“Typically a really cute top with a very casual bottom (no one would ever know!). I also love The Mayfair Group and Vida Moulin they both have great options for work from home attire. ”
CEO & Creative Director, Same Los Angeles
What's your personal style?
“My personal style is always changing! Right now, I’d say it’s very classic and chic but with an effortless twist. My style is always confident, that’s one thing that never changes.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Loungewear, but not pajamas! If I stay in the same clothes that I sleep in, I end up being less productive when working from home. But I’m also realistic and why would I dress up if I have nowhere to go and no one to see? So I’ve been wearing mainly cute loungewear sets! If I have to do a video conference call I’ll change my top to look professional, but leave my cozy pants on bottom!”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“A chic pantsuit. There’s something powerful and confident about a woman in a suit! I usually add a fun twist to make it modern and cool- whether that be a pop of color purse, a loose tee, or white sneakers.”
Founder of Sol Studio & Host of The Shine Online Podcast
What's your personal style?
“Comfortable, minimal, boho, relaxed, with a pop of color.”
What are you currently wearing?
My go-to outfit is a comfy bralette and sweatpants from Aerie with a headband or hair wrap.
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“I love to wear my favorite Everlane tee with a statement pair of earrings from Arlo Jean, probably with the same sweat pants.”
Co-Founder & Chief Digital Brand Officer, Summersalt
What's your personal style?
“My personal style is casual, modern, comfortable and polished. I love being incredibly comfortable in jeans, a great pair of sneakers but with a structured sweater or shirt.”
What are you currently wearing?
“I'm wearing my Summersalt Joggers and a white T-shirt from AYR. The perfect at-home look but still somewhat pulled together!”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“My go-to outfit for big meetings is usually a pair of jeans or pants that I feel incredibly confident in, a white button-down, gold bangles, and a pair of heels or sneakers. I have quickly learned that being confident and comfortable is the most important in big meetings, as opposed to trying to fit a predetermined norm. I'm not one for formal business attire.”
Co-Founder & CEO, Summersalt
What's your personal style?
“My personal style is modern classic but with a twist.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Today, I'm wearing jeans and a black T-shirt with Summersalt's Throw-and-Go Duster—my go to for my work from home routine.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“For big meetings, I love wearing the perfect blouse and Summersalt's Perfect Wide Leg Pant (sometimes a blazer) with my favorite Sarah Flint heels.”
What's your personal style?
“Menswear-inspired, classic with a twist. I like to wear clothing that's well-tailored and made from substantial materials; I prioritize comfort and softness when I buy things. My typical outfit recipe is a monochromatic or neutral base with colorful and fun socks, shoes, jewelry, and accessories to spice things up.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Lately, the concept of getting dressed revolves around whether I have a video conference that day or not. On days that I do, like today, it's business up top, comfortable on bottom. I'm wearing a Thomas Mason men's button-down (I like to shop from the men's department for a perfectly oversized fit), a pearl necklace, Hanes boxers, and cashmere Comme Si socks (ultimate WFH luxury). It's very Tom Cruise in ‘Risky Business’ meets Grace Kelly in ‘To Catch a Thief.’”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“For big meetings, I don't really deviate from my everyday style because I want to feel like myself, comfortable. You can tell when someone has dressed outside their norm, and they exude discomfort; I try to avoid that feeling. My go-to is a navy cashmere sweater with tailored navy trousers and clean sneakers.”
Founder, Megababe and The 12ish Style
What's your personal style?
“Colorful and fun.”
What are you currently wearing?
“I am in Maine and currently am wearing Megababe x Day/Won Leggings and a J.Crew Tie Dye Sweater. On my face, I am masking with Megababe’s Le Tush mask, which is facial grade, so I can use it on my face!”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“My go-to look is a Veronica Beard blazer. For summer, I will pair it with a Katie Sturino x Stitch Fix dress and a Lele Sadoughi headband.”
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Hilma
What’s your personal style?
"I have actually never been asked to describe my personal style before, but I guess I would articulate it as casual but kind of modern? Is that a thing?! I am often wearing jeans and T-shirts but in varying degrees of nice. I will dress myself up or down based on accessories like earrings, shoes, and a blazer or sweater."
What are you currently wearing?
"Currently wearing old Acne Studio Jeans that I got seven years ago, an oversized Isabel Marant sweater that I love, and no shoes. I usually never work from home, but given today’s circumstances, that is obviously the new norm. For me, it is important to be really comfortable but to also not just be sitting in PJs all day."
What’s your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
"I am big on jeans, a crew neck T-shirt, a blazer, and a great flat or stacked heel. I keep my blazers for years (I even have one from when I was 16 and interning at Theory) and wear them over and over."
Brett Heyman
Founder & Creative Director, Edie Parker and Flower by Edie Parker
What's your personal style?
"My personal style is comfortable. But before this pandemic, I did have a better relationship with a waistband. Not so much anymore."
What are you currently wearing?
"I’ve been wearing knit sweat pants for the past ten days—mostly from Alexandra Golvanoff. I feel like I haven’t given up completely. Today, I decided it would be smart to put my jeans on to make sure they still fit. It wasn’t great, so I settled on my trusty pair of oversized vintage 501s. It’s a compromise. My hemp Edie Parker flower tee is warm and cozy, and my Elder Statesman socks make me feel like all will be okay in the world."
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
"I don’t have a go-to outfit for meetings. I’m pretty much always in vintage jeans and a sweater or blouse. But if I have to look a little more presentable, I’ll throw on some earrings and a kitten heel."
Founding Partner, Sol de Janeiro
What's your personal style?
“Casual and chic. I like my outfits to seamlessly take me from work to dinner out with friends or a date with my husband. I always wear jeans with a fun top and cute flats. I love making my outfits super colorful.”
What are you currently wearing?
“I am wearing Lululemon leggings with a fun and colorful T-shirt. While working from home, I need to be comfortable because my ‘office’ moves from the dinner table to the couch, to my bed.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“I basically wear what I usually wear and take it up several notches with high heels, a tailored jacket, and statement earrings and necklaces. Also, more eye makeup and more fragrance! I love working at Sol de Janeiro because we’re very colorful, which is exactly my personal style.”
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I Have Been Working From Home for Years—This Is How to Do It Successfully
“I totally use my phone as a procrastination crutch—it's incredibly helpful to just have it out of sight, out of mind.”
Photo: Lisa Fotios for Pexels
Given that many companies are implementing work-from-home policies to help flatten the curve and prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Create & Cultivate included!), we decided to reach out to some real work from home-office pros to find out how it’s done. Because, as enticing as working from home sounds in theory, it takes a surprising amount of discipline to stay productive and on-task with all the distractions that come with being at home (we’re looking at you, Netflix, pile of laundry, and sink full of dishes).
Ahead, six full-time WFH experts—spanning a senior fashion and beauty editor who’s been working from home for 7 (!) years to an editorial director who’s been working from home for 2 1/2 years to an acclaimed author who’s been working from home for just 8 months—share their tips and tricks for staying motivated and productive while working from home. Keep scrolling to find out how to establish a morning routine that will set you up for success and how to wind down and disconnect at the end of the day.
What time do you wake up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
I usually wake up between 6:15 and 6:30 am, depending on how many times I hit the snooze button. It's a habit I'm trying to break, but the first thing I do when I wake up is check my phone. My office's HQ is in New York, so by the time I get up, I've gotten a handful of emails and messages already.
Can you walk us through your morning routine? How does it set you up for a successful and productive workday?
I'll have my morning coffee, turn on NPR to listen to the news, and continue checking my emails and, yes, Instagram. I aim to get to the gym by 7:30 am unless I sign up for an earlier Barry’s or SoulCycle class. Checking my emails and my schedule and fitting in a workout in the morning put me in the best mindset for a successful and productive day. If I don't get a workout in, I'll spend the whole day thinking about how I'm going to squeeze it in later. I feel like it's my way of meditating and having "me" time before what's usually always a busy day.
“When you work from home, it’s easy to just plop onto the couch with your laptop, but I make it a point that the couch and the TV are off-limits during the workday.”
Do you have a dedicated workspace in your home? What helps you stay on task and protect your time from cleaning the house, doing laundry, or running errands while you're WFH?
I do and I think that's really important! When you work from home, it's easy to just plop onto the couch with your laptop, but I make it a point that the couch and the TV are off-limits during the workday. Making a to-do list and a rough schedule keeps me on task, as well as scheduling in breaks because realistically, I'm going to throw some laundry in or pick up some lunch. But as long as I allot myself a small window of time to do those things, then I don't feel guilty about it — it's just part of my schedule.
How do you prevent work burnout? How do you stay motivated and productive throughout the day?
After working from home for 7 years, I still struggle with this. It's really hard to disconnect at the end of the day from work because I work where I live! I really try to make an effort to turn my laptop off and not check my work emails after 6 pm, but I have to say, it's really impossible in the line of work that I'm in. But something I have gotten a lot better at is not working or responding to work emails during the weekend. That has really helped me avoid work burnout.
How do you wind down and log off at the end of the day? How do you separate your work time from your free time?
I make sure my laptop is out of sight! I take my dog for a walk, I cook, I have a nice, phone-free dinner with my husband, I call a friend. Separating work time from your free time is really about making a schedule for yourself and sticking to it, including when to stop working.
Nicole Lesmeister, Writer & Editor
WFH Experience Level: 3 years
What time do you wake up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
I wake up around 6:30 am. During this uncertain global situation, I’ve been trying to let myself wake up naturally and get all the sleep I need, but I go to bed around 10:30/11 pm, so my internal clock still gets me up at that time. The first thing I do is (avoid my phone for 30 minutes to an hour) scrape my tongue and do 5-10 minutes of oil pulling to deep cleanse, Ayurveda-style. Wellness truly begins in the mouth!
Can you walk us through your morning routine? How does it set you up for a successful and productive workday?
I then have a tall glass of warm water with lemon, because when you dehydrate overnight, your brain actually shrinks by 20%! Gotta lube up the ol’ noggin. I brew a pot of hibiscus tea or make a matcha if I’m feeling groggy and have a little quiet time with a book or just with my thoughts while I sip it, before I do some movement.
Depending on the day, I might do a HIIT or some yoga. I have a go-to flow, but when I feel like mixing it up, I’ll look up a Yoga With Adriene video on YouTube. She has a ton of really great free videos, and there are always video workouts on ClassPass you can do at home, too!
Moving in the morning is really crucial to me for feeling energized throughout the day and avoiding a wandering mind as soon as I open my computer. It gets the blood pumping and something about a good sweat first thing just makes me feel strong and powerful.
I do some vigorous dry brushing afterwards, hop in the shower, and make a simple breakfast– my favorite is soft scrambled eggs with some sautéed greens like dandelion and kimchi.
“I schedule little breaks, so I try to do a significant amount of work on something before I make an afternoon snack, or go to pilates, take a walk, or run to the grocery store. It’s all scheduled in, so I’m not wandering away from work on a whim.”
Do you have a dedicated workspace in your apartment? What helps you stay on task and protect your time from cleaning the house, doing laundry, or running errands while you're WFH?
I have a desk where I always start work, but after I take a pause for lunch I always find myself rotating to sitting at the higher bar area of my counter. I love the afternoon sun that seat gets; it’s a comfy perch and I feel productive there.
I rely on my daily planner from Oh Deer so much. It’s organized perfectly for me with an objective section, urgent section, list section, notes, and even a little space for doodles (!). I reference my Google calendar to see if I have any calls or meetings scheduled, and make a detailed list here right away, listing them in order from top priority to lowest priority of the day. I do this because I like to make an ambitious list that is still realistic, so if my day doesn’t go as perfectly streamlined as planned (they rarely do, right?) then at least the major objectives are taken care of.
One thing I make sure to do so that I avoid being distracted by errands and house tasks is to add them to my list if I need to do them. I decide what day I can squeeze them into or what day it makes the most sense, and stick to a day and time that I do them.
How do you prevent work burnout? How do you stay motivated and productive throughout the day?
I set tiny goals for myself, or little deadlines throughout the day. Like, “Let’s do a chunk of this client until noon, and get it done” (or a ¼ of the way done, depending on the project size and deadline, etc). I also schedule little breaks, so I try to be done with something or do a significant amount of work with something before I make an afternoon snack, or go to pilates, take a walk, or run to the grocery store. It’s all scheduled in, so I’m not wandering away from work on a whim.
I also cut myself off from working too late if I have a day in which I start work early, which is ideally most days. When you WFH, it’s easy to feel like you work a 15 hour day when you don’t account for or schedule in the typical distractions… but even in an office no one works eight full hours. About five true, solid, productive hours a day is typical for the average human.
If I have a deadline that day, I might work a little later, but essentially I give myself a cut-off time to make dinner and that lights a fire under my own a$$ to get what I need done at a decent time (5 or 6 pm) so I’m not burning out my retinas with blue light into the evening. No one is producing pure gold after dilly-dallying on their computer all day and into the evening anyway. My clients deserve my best self.
How do you wind down and log off at the end of the day? How do you separate your work time from your free time?
Carving out that cut-off time to prepare a nutritious but thoughtfully tasty meal is my ultimate act of self-care (and love language to my S.O.). It’s meditative, resetting, and gives me unwind time after to rest and digest so I can sleep well and be productive again the next day! Sometimes I’ll start my to-do list for the next day in my planner if I’m feeling juiced about it, but most often I just prep the kitchen for the next morning, set out my tea, fill the kettle. Stuff like that.
Depending on the intensity of the movement I did in the morning, I’ll usually try to take a little walk after dinner or some light stretching or foam rolling. Being a writer requires a lot of sitting, so making sure I move my body in intervals throughout the day keeps me from feeling tight and weighed down by my own poor posture (lol working on it) and gravity.
Because my S.O. and I have our shows we like to watch together for some cuddle time on the couch, I always make sure to read a little before bed in some warm light. Gotta allow the eyeballs some non-screen time so that my circadian clock can recalibrate! About 30-40 minutes is lovely, but sometimes it only takes me 15 to drift off.
Kelly Dawson, Freelance Writer and Editor & Editorial Director, Semihandmade
WFH Experience Level: 2 1/2 years
What time do you wake up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
I wake up around 7:00 am. My alarm is on my phone, which has been a habit I've been meaning to break for a while. But I do keep my phone on the opposite wall, away from my bed, so I have to get up to turn the alarm off. The first thing I do when I wake up is open my blinds, open the window, breathe in the fresh air, and make my bed. Yes, I make my bed every morning, and I do think it helps me start the day on a good note.
Can you walk us through your morning routine? How does it set you up for a successful and productive workday?
Ideally, my morning routine goes like this: I have breakfast, which is shorthand for I drink a strong cup of coffee with food. I watch a few minutes of CBS This Morning while I eat, change, and then do about a half-hour or so of stretches, weights, or cardio—I alternate the days to make it more fun. After that I get dressed, which is always an interesting topic for people who work from home. I know that it's usually perfectly fine if I wear sweatpants, but for the most part, I pick out an outfit, do my hair, and maybe put on makeup. It's nothing that doesn't take 10 minutes or so. I find that if I don't get dressed, I'm not as focused.
Do you have a dedicated workspace in your home? What helps you stay on task and protect your time from cleaning the house, doing laundry, or running errands while you're WFH?
I have a desk that I work at every day, and I work between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, give or take. I think the thing that really helps me stay on task is a day planner. Every night before shutting work down I write a to-do list of all the things I need to accomplish for the next day, and I split it into columns. The left side is for the big stuff I have to do—write a story, do an interview, whatever—and the right side is for all the smaller things to get out of the way, like emails to send. I do the hardest ones on the list first, while the caffeine is still flowing, and then move on to the easier ones. I try to keep the list reasonable so that I don't feel panicked about completing everything. And to be fair to myself, whatever doesn't get done carries on to the next day. The goal is to keep from scrambling on Friday, which thankfully hasn't happened yet. I should say that most of my work-from-home schedule is on a weekly basis, which is why I can play with things a little.
As for email, I only check it at the start of the day, before lunch, and then right before I close up shop. I usually pretend I don't have a TV after breakfast, and I keep my phone either off or out of sight unless I'm using it for work. If I didn't do this it would be a slippery slope into Bravo and Instagram binges.
I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing to do laundry at home during "work hours" if you can swing it. I sometimes use it as a great gauge of time. For instance, like most people, my inbox is a never-ending black hole of notifications. But, I know that my washer takes about an hour to do a standard load. So that's how much time I give to answering emails before throwing things in the dryer and moving on to actual work. The same thing goes for cleaning and errands. If I'm stuck on something, I clean for a bit, run a fast errand, or go for a quick walk. That helps me think things through without staring blankly at my computer or scrolling some site. I still do that, I'm not a robot, but I try to be very aware of how I spend my time.
When you're in charge of your own work schedule, you can—and should—be flexible. But that flexibility has to have boundaries so that you don't get distracted. If you're more of a morning person, then get up earlier: It'll mean every afternoon can feel like a weekend. If you're more of a night owl, sleep in: It'll mean you can have slower mornings. But tell yourself that you're working, you're not just hanging out at home, and you need to plan accordingly. Of course, I'm saying all of this without children to worry about, which will obviously add a layer of complication to everything. As far as my universal advice goes, just try to be kind to yourself as you figure it out, and do your best to be intentional. I started my work-from-home life as a morning person, spent some time as a night owl, and now I'm in the middle. There are some days that completely get off track, and that's fine too. You'll get back on track tomorrow.
“The thing that has really helped me successfully work from home, minus a day planner, is my community of office and freelance friends. I check in with them daily, and we either tackle a work problem together or just send funny things to each other. ”
How do you prevent work burnout? How do you stay motivated and productive throughout the day?
The thing that has really helped me successfully work from home, minus a day planner, is my community of office and freelance friends. I check in with them daily, and we either tackle a work problem together or just send funny things to each other. That helps me feel like I'm not in a little bubble, even if the messages come in little bubbles. On the good days, I'm motivated and productive because I'm really into the work I'm doing and it's all coming together. On the bad days, I motivate myself with things like, "Ok, if I finish this task then I can have some candy or read the new magazine that came in the mail." There's also something to be said about not checking something off my to-do list. Only I would know, but that's enough of a motivator for my type-A personality. If you need someone to hold you accountable, my community also has "motivation buddies." We pair off, and our buddy knows what we need to accomplish and our ideal timeline. Then we check in with each other on how the project's coming along and what kind of support we need to make it happen.
Work burnout is a real possibility when instead of an in-the-flesh boss, there's just this omnipresent feeling of a boss. That feeling can give you the idea that you have to answer all the emails and do all the things right this second, because this omnipresent "boss" can feed off the guilt and anxiety you have about being at home. First off, working from home is still working, and it doesn't need to be qualified. Working from home is worthy of respect, and it's how a third of the American workforce made its living before the pandemic. At this moment in time, joining our ranks is keeping everyone safer. If you look at working from home as "less than," then you run the risk of wearing yourself out because you're trying to prove that you're just as productive as someone in an office. And we all know a certain someone in an office who makes that thought untrue.
When feelings of burnout happen to me, I've learned to just let it happen. I try to do the things I have to do for the day, but the rest, I put on pause. No one is going to get mad at you if you don't respond to their email right away, and when you do, it will still find them well. Shut your computer down, keep your phone off, and lay down for a while. Then, call a friend and tell them how you're feeling. Then, make some nachos. Then, listen to a happy song. Maybe two happy songs, depending on what you need. If it's small-scale burnout, it'll pass. If it's big-time burnout, don't be afraid to seek professional help, if you can.
How do you wind down and log off at the end of the day? How do you separate your work time from your free time?
This is a tough one for me, because if I'm writing and in a groove then I don't want to stop. But the honest answer is: I get hungry. I usually stop working when I need to eat dinner. I make a note of where I wanted to go with whatever thought I was working on, and then sign off. Sometimes I'll write after dinner, usually if I'm on a deadline. But usually once I leave my desk at night the work day is over. Lately I've been trying to separate work and dinner with a cool-down walk in between, so we'll see how that plays out in the coming weeks.
Another honest truth is that it's tough for me to balance work with free time! I've tried to be better about it since the start of this year, but I fail at it a lot. If there's a quote that's in my head whenever I do fail, it's what Toni Morrison's dad told her when she was struggling at her first job. He said, "Go to work, get your money, come home." Home is where the work is, so it's complicated. But home is where life is, too. And right now, when everything feels uncertain, I'm trying to remember to "come home" to my life mentally and physically. I need the balance probably more than ever.
Kamari Chelsea, Strategic Media Consultant
WFH Experience Level: 1 1/2 years
What time do you wake up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
Typically, I tend to wake up around 7:30 am. If you're working from home with your partner (as I am), it's essential that you try to get on the same page with wake up times to avoid feeling envious or lazy when you see your partner sleeping in.
The first thing I do when I open my eyes (or sometimes even before) is repeat an affirmation of gratitude to myself. When you're self-employed and always hustling to make things happen, mental health is more important than ever. It's critical to start your day being thankful for what you already have so that you aren't overcome with a "lack" mentality (especially during these times).
Can you walk us through your morning routine? How does it set you up for a successful and productive workday?
8 am: My morning routine firmly begins at 8 am because any later makes me feel like I've missed opportunities. I start the day with a hot shower, skincare routine, and picking out a cozy work-from-home look that is presentable enough for any video conferences I may have scheduled. Then, I make a two-minute commute to my office.
9 am: I created a mediation and yoga corner in my office for when I need breaks, but I also use this corner to do a morning meditation and stretch. I set a timer for 10 minutes or play Jhene Aiko's Trigger Protection Mantra for its sound healing qualities; after this, I typically feel safe and ready for what the day may bring.
9:10 am: I make a quick protein-packed breakfast for myself and my husband (usually eggs and a Vanilla Super Coffee). On Fridays, I used to cheat and drive straight to the Starbucks drive-through. Lately, I've been making my own "Starbucks" moment at home using my favorite plant-based coffee mixes.
9:30 am: I log on and feel ready to take on the day!
Do you have a dedicated workspace in your home? What helps you stay on task and protect your time from cleaning the house, doing laundry, and running errands while you're WFH?
One of the best investments I have made since I began working from home is converting one of the rooms in my house into a dedicated office space! It allows me to feel like I have a place to go every day to work and a place to leave when I need to separate work from my home life. I close the door to my office when I'm done for the day or on weekends, and I get to have my own life, away from the energy of work.
This way, during my business hours, I am unable to see laundry, the kitchen, television, or any other distractions. And, when I'm watching Netflix or unwinding with a glass of wine, I don't have my laptop and work notes beckoning me to come back to work.
Separation is a huge aspect of maintaining your mental health when working from home. Even if you find a corner that's set apart from your personal space (not in your bedroom), it will make all the difference by creating structure.
“When you’re self-employed and always hustling to make things happen, mental health is more important than ever. It’s critical to start your day being thankful for what you already have so that you aren’t overcome with a “lack” mentality (especially during these times).”
How do you prevent work burnout? How do you stay motivated and productive throughout the day?
Admittedly, when I first started my business, I burned out pretty hard. I was continually working because I felt the pressure to be "on" since my life was now intertwined with my work. Then, I had a conversation with my Dad and he gave me great insight. He said, "If you earn $100,000 in business, but work 100 hours a week, you're essentially making less than $20 an hour with no benefits." I realized then that I have to value every hour of my life because time is our most precious commodity. It was then that I realized to start capping my hours on specific projects based on the rates I was charging. If you're a full-time salaried employer, this should be even easier—set a rule to shut the computer by 6 pm at least three days a week. You'll be giving yourself an instant hourly raise!
To stay motivated and productive, I use standard systems, including a whiteboard with my daily to-dos. I break them up and task myself with achieving half before lunch and half after lunch. I'm strict about being on “Do Not Disturb” during peak working periods, and I'm BIG into not checking email constantly. Inbox zero be damned!
How do you wind down and log off at the end of the day? How do you separate your work time from your free time?
I love a glass of wine and a trashy reality show as much as the next girl! But first, as soon as I log off, I try to do something physical like spinning, walking, or lifting. This helps burn all the energy of my workday off my body.
Then (and this is admittedly a bit counterintuitive), I guzzle water, take another shower, and wind down (or shall I say, wine down) with my husband by cooking dinner. We rarely eat out, and cooking is a creative task that allows me to feel like I have moments in my day to look forward to doing whatever I want and being super inventive!
Amanda Montell, Writer & Author of Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language
WFH Experience Level: 8 months
What time do you wake up? What's the first thing you do upon waking?
Really late. I've become a night owl in this WFH phase of my career (it's like I'm on Hawaii's time zone now) so I find myself working best between the hours of 3 pm and 10 or 11 pm. I don't get to bed till maybe 2 am. I wake up around 10:30 am, peel myself out of bed, brush my teeth, wash my face and hands (!!!), and guzzle a coffee.
Can you walk us through your morning routine? How does it set you up for a successful and productive workday?
My morning is pretty leisurely. Because my job (writing books) is very solitary with little collaboration and few hard deadlines, I get to set my own pace. As it turns out, that pace requires a lot of warming up. Unless I have to interview a source early in the morning, I start my day with coffee, a small breakfast, hanging out with my dog and two cats, and checking my email/socials. Then, I put on a fresh set of clothes (still loungewear, it's more of a symbol that the day has begun), plug my laptop into my monitor, and review the day's tasks.
I'm not big into fancy to-do list apps or color-coded schedules—I keep track of everything I need to do for the day in my Google calendar, and I keep my to-do list really streamlined, so I have maybe two or three big work tasks for the day (e.g., write pages 10-13 of the book, pull quotes from the latest interview transcription, call my agent). I never crowd my to-do list, because that feels like I'm setting myself up to fail. My morning routine is all about creating this sense of "I can handle today, today is going to be chill," and approaching it from that relaxed place rather than an anxious one, and usually I wind up being way more productive than I meant to.
“I never crowd my to-do list, because that feels like I’m setting myself up to fail.”
Do you have a dedicated workspace in your apartment? What helps you stay on task and protect your time from cleaning the house, doing laundry, or running errands while you're WFH?
My porch, my couch, or my dining table, where I have a big monitor that I can easily set up and takedown. I never work from bed. I'm embarrassed to say I'm kind of messy and hopeless around the house, so the urge to procrastinate by doing laundry or dishes is pretty easy to resist, haha. I'm lucky to have my dream job—I'm genuinely obsessed with writing books—so to my great fortune, self-motivating isn't all that hard. Long before I was getting paid to do this work, I was doing it anyway.
How do you prevent work burnout? How do you stay motivated and productive throughout the day?
I'm very gentle with myself! If I need a break, I take it. Just like I know eating junk food in moderation won't ruin my body because I generally eat pretty healthy, I know that in the end, having "lazy" workdays will get balanced out by having spurts of hyper-productive days. If I have really terrible writer's block, I get up and take a walk or read a few pages of a great book (in the same genre as the one I'm writing, so I don't cross-contaminate) as a palate cleanser.
When you transition to working from home, there's an awkward period where you're always questioning if you should be getting more done, but after a week or so (sometimes more, sometimes less), you start to find your groove. And of course, it's different for everyone. My old roommate who worked from home was most productive between the hours of 7 am and noon. My partner has all these time management apps he swears by. At a point, you just have to ignore the prevailing wisdom and figure out what works for you.
How do you wind down and log off at the end of the day? How do you separate your work time from your free time?
I normally see friends at the end of the day for happy hour or dinner. Wine typically marks the end of the day for me, haha. But again, I'm fortunate that my work is something I love and would be doing either way, and I actually think that in our current age, strict work-life boundaries aren't necessarily the most realistic or productive for everyone. I'm 28 and have no kids... why should I stop working at 6 pm if I'm on a roll? If I'm motivated to write for an hour at midnight, I let myself. I know my work situation won't be so flexible forever, so for now, I just let myself be sort of loosey-goosey. So far, it's working out well.
Kelsey Clark, Freelance Writer & Content Strategist
WFH Experience Level: 5 months
What time do you wake up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
Despite my best efforts, I am still not a morning person. I usually wake up around 8 or 8:30 am (unless I'm going to a morning workout class) and check my email first thing. Coffee and water are immediate seconds!
Can you walk us through your morning routine? How does it set you up for a successful and productive workday?
I've only been freelance for five months now, so I'm still perfecting my morning routine. There's definitely an art to it—it can be incredibly difficult to maintain self-discipline when you're WFH.
Right now, I wake up, check my email, and drink coffee in bed or on the couch, then either shower or complete some sort of small grooming routine (i.e. wash my face, brush my teeth, brush my hair, etc.) depending on when I'm planning to workout that day. I think it's important to stick to a grooming ritual, even if it's as simple as brushing your teeth and splashing cold water in your face. In my experience, this signals to my body and brain that it's time to wake up.
From there, I apply my skincare/makeup and get dressed. If I'm staying at my apartment, I usually skip makeup and apply some fancy skincare—I've really enjoyed treating my skin to serums, masks, etc. during the day since I don't have to worry about layering makeup on top.
As far as my outfit goes, it's honestly leggings and a sweater, which is something I want to work on—I very much believe that what you wear influences your mood! If I'm going to a coffee shop (not right now, obviously), I usually wear very light makeup (i.e. tinted moisturizer, boy brow, mascara) and my standard jeans, ankle boots, and a sweater/T-shirt/turtleneck. I'm based in Detroit now, but most of my work is still based in New York, so in-person meetings are few and far between (i.e. I rarely have to worry about dressing up).
Routine aside, I aim to be actively working and starting the day's tasks by 9 am with the rest of the world! As much as my night owl self would love to work a 10-7 or 8, I think it's important to be online with everyone else; I feel anxious otherwise.
“I totally use my phone as a procrastination crutch—it’s incredibly helpful to just have it out of sight, out of mind.”
Do you have a dedicated workspace in your apartment? What helps you stay on task and protect your time from cleaning the house, doing laundry, or running errands while you're WFH?
Unfortunately, my apartment is too small for a dedicated workspace (I'm moving in a month and can't wait to have a desk!). I do find that I'm more productive if I'm able to head out to a coffee shop, even for just a few hours, but obviously that isn't an option right now. Keeping myself on-task is an ongoing battle, but I have found a few tricks that keep procrastination at bay:
I generally leave Netflix/music off, unless I'm doing something more visual like sourcing imagery where I'm not bothered by distracting sound.
Reward myself with small treats, i.e. when you finish this piece or send all these emails, you can make tea or check Instagram. Small victories!
Allot a certain amount of time for each task, i.e. I'll do email outreach until 11 am, then work on this piece from 11 am to 3 pm and the source market from 3 pm to 6 pm, etc. Even if you don't finish each task, it's important to move onto the next or else you can quickly feel overwhelmed/behind. If you stay on task #1 all day, it's easy to feel like your day was a failure.
Reserve certain time slots for any errands or small chores you want to do, i.e. at noon I'll take a lunch break and do the dishes. Or when I commute home from this meeting or outing, I'll stop and grab groceries, etc.
Honestly, hide your phone. I will literally put it in another room or throw it on the other side of the couch, as crazy as that sounds. I totally use my phone as a procrastination crutch—it's incredibly helpful to just have it out of sight, out of mind.
Change your scenery after a while, even if it's just moving from your couch to a chair, or your bed to the couch, or your couch to your friend or significant other's couch.
How do you prevent work burnout? How do you stay motivated and productive throughout the day?
It's definitely hard to separate work from your personal life when you work for yourself. While I do work the occasional Sunday, I try my best to enjoy my weekends to the fullest and allow myself to take time off and relax just like everyone else. I also have direct control over how much work I take on and which projects to prioritize from a financial perspective, which is really nice. I've had a few months where I was drowning, and the next month, I was able to tweak my schedule a bit to avoid total overwhelm.
For me, just knowing that everyone else is still working and grinding it out is strangely motivating. I made the choice to go off on my own, and I want to hold myself to the same standards as everyone else in the traditional workforce. It's important to me and my self-esteem to work hard and still feel like an equally productive member of society, even if I'm working from my couch. I want to succeed at my own venture, and I have direct control over that outcome. There's no part of me that decided to go freelance so I could be lazy or sleep in, you know? If anything, the pressure and motivation to succeed are amplified.
How do you wind down and log off at the end of the day? How do you separate your work time from your free time?
This can be difficult depending on workload, but I think having an after-work activity definitely forces you to log off and signals the end of the workday. For example, my significant other usually comes over after work, so I'm forced to log off and begin my evening wind-down. This can even be as simple as going to a workout class, going to the grocery store, hanging with your roommates, grabbing a drink with a friend, making dinner for yourself, etc. Just some sort of hard stop. These post-work activities also serve as motivation to get your work done throughout the day—i.e. I want to be able to grab drinks with this person, so I'm going to make sure I get all my work done.
6 Tips for Creating a Productive Work-From-Home Environment
Become a boss at working from home.
Photo: Polina Zimmerman for Pexels
Working from home. It sounds great in theory, but it actually takes a lot of discipline to establish a routine that makes working from home productive and fulfilling. Given that many companies are currently implementing work from home policies to help flatten the curve and prevent the spread of COVID-19, I feel compelled to share my tried-and-true tips for creating a productive work-from-home environment.
As someone who’s been freelancing and working from home for the past five years, I’ve gone through all of the ups and downs WFH life can present—from feeling lonely and needing to talk to someone to needing to get out of the house and take a break (while practicing social distancing, of course). Scroll on for my tips on how to create a dedicated work space, set office hours, eliminate distracts, and more.
Create a Dedicated Work Space
Find a place in your home that you can dedicate to work. This will be different for everyone, and while I highly encourage having a desk, a dining room table or breakfast bar are great substitutes.
I don’t recommend your workspace be on your couch or on anything where you can recline. While I love being on my laptop and having my feet up on my couch, I am never as productive as I am when sitting upright.
When choosing a space for work in your home, try to find an area that has the following:
Natural light
Quiet
Minimal household distractions (dirty dishes in the sink, children’s toys on the floor, etc.)
Find a space that you can check-in for work and check-out for everything you’d typically do while at home.
Set Office Hours
As a freelancer, it’s incredibly important to have office hours. Not only to manage client expectations but to give yourself structure.
Setting office hours should empower you to develop a routine for yourself like you typically would if you had a 9-to-5 office job. You’d wake up in the morning, enjoy your morning cup of coffee, maybe squeeze in a yoga class before you get dressed, and head to work. The same should be taken into consideration when you work from home.
Freelance life is supposed to allow you to do all of the things you want to do with your time. Don’t let it create an opposite effect where you convince yourself to always be on and working just because you’re able to do it from the freedom of your own home.
Eliminate Distractions
It’s so important to eliminate any distractions from your home that would take you away from getting work done. For me, I need my home to be clean - period. If the home isn’t tidy, I’m not focused.
Other distractions I try to eliminate are:
Mindless social media scrolling. There’s a difference between taking time to engage on social media to benefit your business and spending 20 minutes scrolling through videos of pigs taking a bath. Cut the scroll!
Noise. If noise distracts you (or a lack thereof), plug in your noise-canceling headphones or put on some white noise to help you regain focus.
Pets. I have two dogs who can be very needy for attention. They sleep for most of the day, but every now and then they have a tendency for loudly playing with each other while I’m on client calls. When that happens, or if I think it could happen, I put them in their beds in our master bedroom and shut the door. It’s never for long and it helps calm them down - and helps prevent me from having to apologize to a client for the squeaky toy noises in the background.
If you find yourself being distracted by a common theme throughout your days, find a way to eliminate that distraction so you can stay focused and do your best work.
Get Out of Your PJs
We all have days where we want to stay in our PJs, but it’s important to get out of the jammies and into something that says, “my day has started.”
Most of the time I will change out of PJs and into activewear or comfortable denim. I’ll wash my face, brush my teeth and hair, put on some CC cream and deodorant, and then get to work. It’s a small effort that makes a big difference.
Talk To Someone
One of the biggest things I didn’t realize about working from home is just how lonely it can be.
You are by yourself all day and unless you have clients who love phone calls, most of your correspondence will primarily be done through email. It’s important to talk to someone; anyone. Make time to pick up the phone and call a relative or an old friend. Schedule calls with people in your network so you don’t lose your conversation skills.
I realized a change in myself probably around my second or third year of freelancing, where I would struggle with conversation because I just wasn’t having any. I’d either talk too long or too fast, have difficulty forming sentences, and just felt awkward. This is not me.
Now I talk to everyone.
I am not shy when it comes to conversation and make an effort to have a casual chat with just about anybody I come into contact with throughout the day. That’s people I pass by when I’m walking the dogs, the barista at Alfred’s, Anthony who does my nails at Olive & June, Mary who delivers our mail… AN-Y-BOD-Y.
Get Out of the House
How many of you working from home and reading this typically don’t leave your house during the workweek? 🙋 I get it.
Your home is your office and your office is your home, but it’s still important to get out of the house every once in a while. Keep yourself active and engaged with things happening in your community so you can get out of your PJs, talk to somebody, and enjoy those office hours! (You like what I did there?)
It’s important to get outside and break away from work so you can actually stay engaged in work.
When I spend hours on my computer without any breaks my mind becomes fatigued, and I become less productive. So I’ll take the dogs for a longer walk, do a workout class on my balcony, or take my laptop to the coffee shop down the road and just take in a bit of new scenery to help adjust my internal boss mode.
So if you’re feeling uninspired or having trouble getting anything done, give yourself a break and get out.
About the author: Audrey Adair is a seasoned freelance communications professional and founder of The Scope, a platform providing resources and community to freelancers and the self-employed. Connect with The Scope on Instagram and join their email list to receive your free resource, The Freelancer Starter Kit.
This story was originally published on March 5, 2019, and has since been updated.
3 Things To Consider Before Becoming A Digital Nomad
Choosing to work and travel the world is now easier than ever.
It seems like everywhere we look, more and more people are choosing to become digital nomads and embracing the #workfromanywhere lifestyle. While the thought of living and working on the road is what a lot of people aspire to do, it’s important to realize that once you take the leap, it isn’t all just sangria on the coast of Spain (although that is an added perk).
When you’re thinking about becoming location independent, either working remotely for a company, freelancing, or realizing that your current business simply requires an internet connection and a good cup of coffee... it’s important to remember these three things:
Slow Travel Is Sustainable Travel
When you’re starting this new chapter of your life, odds are you’re going to want to book a ticket around the world and head to a different country every week. Heed my advice: slow travel is sustainable travel.
If being a digital nomad or location independent is something you want to keep up for a while, make an effort to be in one place for 3 to 4 weeks at a time so you can truly make the most of your experience.
Being on the road takes time and energy, but when you’re fully immersed in a place for around a month, there are endless benefits. You’ll be able to feel settled, create a routine, and most importantly be able to be present instead of worrying about the next plane ticket you have to buy or when the next train leaves.
When you opt for slower travel, it also allows you to become fully immersed in the culture you’re in. When you’re in a new country or city for 4 to 5 days, you’ll only just scratch the surface of what it has to offer.
Learn How To Work Smarter, Not Harder
Don’t believe the Instagram hype. Being a digital nomad doesn’t mean that you’ll be on the beach in the Amalfi Coast all day long or ziplining through Guatemala from sunrise to sundown. While these new experiences might be part of your journey, don’t forget that you’ll still need to work to pay the bills (and lattes).
Choosing to work from anywhere will force you to work smarter, not harder. With new experiences, people, and places at your fingertips, you’ll learn how to get the essentials done in less time so you can enjoy where you are.
A few ways to keep things under control especially when starting out....
When planning your travel, think about where your team or clients are based so that you don’t have to work odds hours. Let’s be real, conference calls at 2 am in Thailand isn’t ideal.
Create a new schedule that allows you to still respect your ideal working hours while you’re on the road so you can stay balanced and happy while still checking off items on your to-do list.
Consider spending “off-peak” hours exploring so that you aren’t stuck behind a computer all day long. If you’re traveling through Europe and your team is in the U.S., consider taking the morning hours to get to know your new city so that when everyone else is headed into the office (6 hours later) you’ll be readily available without regret.
Find Community That Fosters Deep Connection
“Why do I need to find community? I have my friends and family at home as my support system.”
While that may be true, one of the things that connects us as human beings is shared experiences. When you start life on the road, you’ll find yourself longing for real connections with others who are on the same path. Loneliness as a location independent worker is real.
While you’ll meet a lot of new people, it’s important to go the extra mile to foster relationships that aren’t just surface level.
Many people who work and travel choose to stay at coliving spaces exactly for that reason. Coliving is an up-and-coming trend where you live and work with other like-minded people for a period of time, normally between 2 - 8 weeks.
Something I’ve seen time and time again at one of the leading coliving spaces in Europe is when you’re in a place that offers both personal and professional development, you seem to connect on a deeper level. Sharing a space and certain experiences with others positively impacts life on the road and creates long-lasting friendships.
Choosing to work and travel the world is now easier than ever and such a rewarding experience at the same time. Be sure to do your research before you get ready to take the leap and remember that slow and steady wins the race. You want to make the most of your digital nomad experience and when you set yourself up for success before even leaving home, you’ll have that much more of an opportunity to thrive along the way.
Sienna Brown is an entrepreneur and expat thriving on the coast of Spain. Her mission is to teach others how to build a life that they love. She’s the founder of Las Morenas de Espana, a platform teaching women of color how to move abroad and thrive. She also leads business development at Sun and Co., one of the leading coliving spaces in Europe. Follow her on Instagram @siempregirando and reach out sienna@siempregirando.com
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If You're Struggling From the Work From Home Blues, Read This
Work from home, be happy.
Working from home—that is the dream, right? A recent study found that 80 percent of workers reported higher morale when working from home. But we know this isn't always the case.
Working from home can be filled with creative freedom, independence and ownership over your career. It can also be isolating, and many content creators have admitted to struggling with the “work-from-home blues.”
Don't fret yet. Follow these six work-from-home tips and you will be well on your way to a happier, healthier work/life balance.
GET DRESSED
Staying in your pajamas all day? Not great for tackling the WFH blues. Pretend you have a meeting every single day. Get dressed, do your hair and make-up and make yourself a cup of coffee.
CREATE A SPACE
Even if you don’t have a dedicated room or studio in your house, you can still create an inviting workspace. Make sure this space is quiet and free from distraction. It’s also important to make your space a real workspace—it should be the place that you go to work on your business, not a place where you chat on the phone with your bestie. Creating a distinct place will help you distinguish between work time and play time.
GET OUT
Even if you have a dedicated work-from-home space, it can sometimes feel isolating to be alone all day. Go work at a coffee shop, library or co-working space. Even if you only make small talk with the barista, you’ll feel less like a shut-in.
GET MOVING
When you work from home, it is easy to fall into the trap of working all the time. Try scheduling breaks into your daily routine, and make exercise of the upmost importance. Whether you start your day with Pilates, go to spinning at lunch, or end your day with a walk around the block, exercise helps jump start your creativity and gives your brain a break.
BE SOCIAL
Reach out to fellow content creators or anyone that you know who works from home. Schedule weekly lunch dates, coffee meet-ups or even happy hour sessions. Remember, you want to schedule leaving the house and doing social things so that you don’t feel isolated.
Reach out to fellow content creators or anyone that you know who works from home.
CLICK TO TWEET
FOLLOW A SCHEDULE
One of the best things about working from home is that you get to create your own schedule. Still, all that freedom can often cause you to procrastinate or get easily distracted. Real Housewives marathon, anyone?
To combat this, stick to a schedule during the week. Wake up at the same time every day, exercise, schedule weekly meetings, and you’ll be happier, more creative and more productive.
What are your WFH tips? Share with us in the comments!
The original version of this article appeared on IPSY .
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