#WFAnywhere With Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger Kathleen Ensign

“My number one tip is to stay on your normal schedule.”

—Kathleen Ensign, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger

With so many of us working from home in 2021, your office may look different—and that’s probably a good thing. According to a recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Morning Consult, 86% of remote workers say that they’re satisfied working from home and only one in five want to return to the office. As an increasing number of employers adopt flexible remote-work policies to keep employee satisfaction high and keep up with the changing times, we’re launching our #WFAnywhere series in partnership with Alaska Airlines to spotlight how remote workers balance work and play while working from anywhere (#WFAnywhere). Ahead, Kathleen Ensign, the fashion and lifestyle blogger behind Kat Walks SF, shares her in-flight essentials for a safe and comfortable trip, her #1 tip for getting work done in a new environment, and more tips on how to #WFAnywhere.

Where are you traveling? Why did you choose this location to work remotely?

Maui, Hawaii. I have been working from my tiny San Francisco apartment (no fun) and dreaming of the beach. Hawaii is LITERALLY my dream destination.

What are you most excited about your destination and why?

I am honestly just excited to not be looking at the same four walls lol! The island has so much to offer and the BEACH!

Why is it important to change up your scenery after being in quarantine?

I feel like I am losing my mind. We can’t forget about our mental health!

What precautions are you taking before you leave to ensure a safe trip both while you’re traveling and once you arrive? What tips can you share? 

Hawaii has very specific travel requirements to enter. I had to provide a negative test result in order to travel to Hawaii. 

I also double-masked on the plane (KN95 mask and fabric mask), sanitized everything on the plane, and carried a ton of hand sanitizer.

What are your in-flight must-haves for ensuring your flight is as safe and comfortable as possible?

Honestly, comfort is key for me when I travel. I usually wear a matching sweatsuit and Ugg booties. If I’m comfortable, I immediately fall asleep.

Are you a work-from-the-air kind of person, or do you use this time to disconnect?

DISCONNECT! I fall asleep the moment the cabin pressure changes.

What’s in your carry-on? What are some things you plan on taking with you to ensure you’re prepared to work and stay safe while you’re traveling during COVID? 

I just purchased the AWAY Everywhere Bag and it is the ideal bag for staying organized and prepared for work travel. It has a place to keep my laptop safe and protected and a space for all my cords and chargers. I packed everything from my laptop, external hard drive, camera, lighting, chargers, etc.

“I wrapped my day a little early each day in time for a sunset walk on the beach.”

—Kathleen Ensign, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger

While being away from home as a remote worker is fun, it can also be challenging if you don’t plan. Can you share three tips for working remotely while traveling that set you up for success?

My number one tip is to stay on your normal schedule. 

Do you set up a “virtual office” in your hotel? How do you set yourself up for success to avoid/minimize distractions?  

I set up a mini virtual office in my hotel room. I was very fortunate to have a room with a desk and plenty of space to set up. The hotel I stayed at also coordinated cabana space so that everyone could be socially distanced by the pool. I worked from the cabana pretty much every day after breakfast. The cabana had plenty of workspaces and plugs for me so I was able to enjoy the pool and warm weather while working from the cabana.

What are some of the activities you enjoyed at your destination during your WFAnywhere trip?

I wrapped my day a little early each day in time for a sunset walk on the beach. On the weekend I took in the island hiking, running, and exploring.

Note: During COVID-19, travel restrictions are prone to change. Always check before departure and follow local guidance. Alaska Airlines is committed to your health and safety, learn more about Next-Level Care.

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Returning to the Office? 6 Tips to Help Make It a Smooth Transition

Photo: ColorJoy Stock

The day has finally come. You just received an email from your boss stating the official date employees are expected to return to the office. *Gulp.* Cue the mixed emotions.

Whether you're anxious or excited about the news, going back to the office is a big transition. Considering many people have worked remotely for about a year (or more), returning to a pre-pandemic workplace environment can take some preparation and mindset shifts. 

Here are six specific tips to help you prepare for the great return.

1. Limit the decisions you’ll have to make in the morning. 

Do you have those days where you just can’t decide on the right outfit? It’s not only overwhelming to make a lot of decisions before the workday, it can be time-consuming and mentally draining. It’s no wonder that some of the most notable business people wear the same outfit every day, eat the same things, etc. 

Though we don’t need to go to that extreme, it’s nice to prepare certain things beforehand to limit the morning decisions and stress. The night before going back to the office, plan your work outfit, prepare and pack your lunch, get your work bag put together, and make sure you have gas in the car and/or your public transportation pass ready to go.

2. Leave early. 

The return to work can feel like the first day of work all over again. Make sure to leave earlier than you usually would to reduce unnecessary stress. For those that have long commutes to work, traffic patterns may be different than they were when you were going into the office pre-pandemic. You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to commute and get your mindset right. 

On the topic of commuting, use that time to get inspired and motivated by listening to an energizing playlist or inspiring podcast.

3. Don’t forget headphones. 

After a year or so in your own controlled environment, being back in the office can bring some distractions. If you’re working on something that needs your undivided attention, wearing headphones can help signal to others that you’re in the work zone. Also, listening to your own music or favorite podcast can add a little joy and comfort to your day as you work.

As we go back to the office, it’s so important to incorporate actions that make you happy throughout the workday.

4. Explore flexible options. 

As employees return to the office, many workplaces are extending flexible work options to get acclimated again. Work options like continuing to work remotely a few days out of the week or flexible hours to decrease the number of workers in the office at once. This is your reminder to look into your workplace’s policies and accommodations for flexibility.

If you have the option to slowly ease into going back to the office, it will definitely make the transition more comfortable.

5. Take your lunch break. 

Being back in the office can make it easy to fall back into old habits, like staying glued to your desk all day. We all love productivity, but you also need to take care of yourself. There’s nothing wrong with taking a mental break every now and then, whether you’re in the office or not. A great way to give your eyes and mind some rest is to close the computer and actually take your lunch break away from your desk. 

6. Practice gratitude. 

The last year has been emotional. Extend gratitude and grace to yourself. Not being in the office took some time to get used to, going back will surely take some time as well. As you’re adjusting back to office life, make sure to be kind to yourself and incorporate gratitude on the daily (I know you hear about gratitude a lot, but it really can help your mindset!). If you’re struggling with this workplace shift, focusing on the good things about it, like seeing your coworkers again, can help make it a more positive experience.

If you’re feeling anxious about the return to the office, for any reason, know that you are not alone. Take a deep breath, prepare in advance, and don’t be hard on yourself. You can do this!

“Not being in the office took some time to get used to, going back will surely take some time as well.”

—Abby Zufelt, Founder and Host of Working Girl Talk

About the author: Abby Zufelt is the founder and host of Working Girl Talk, a podcast that covers the latest business and tech news, specific career tips, and interviews with inspiring businesswomen. When she’s not podcasting, Abby oversees digital marketing at one of the nation’s top journalism schools and leading public media organizations. Follow @workinggirltalk.

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#WFAnywhere With Style Blogger Jessica Ricks of Hapa Time

“Find a place that will give you the revitalization you crave and need.”

—Jessica Ricks, Style Blogger

With so many of us working from home in 2021, your office may look different—and that’s probably a good thing. According to a recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Morning Consult, 86% of remote workers say that they’re satisfied working from home and only one in five want to return to the office. As an increasing number of employers adopt flexible remote-work policies to keep employee satisfaction high and keep up with the changing times, we’re launching our #WFAnywhere series in partnership with Alaska Airlines to spotlight how remote workers balance work and play while working from anywhere (#WFAnywhere). Ahead, Jessica Ricks, the style blogger behind Hapa Time, shares her in-flight essentials for a safe and comfortable trip, her #1 tip for avoiding distractions while working in a new environment, and more tips on how to #WFAnywhere.

Where are you traveling? Why did you choose this location to work remotely?

Cabo! Because I love Mexican food and warm weather.

What are you most excited about your destination and why?

I’m most excited to relax by the pool and beach while enjoying great weather.

Why is it important to change up your scenery after being in quarantine?

While I love being at home, changing up the scenery really helps me feel refreshed and inspired.

What precautions are you taking before you leave to ensure a safe trip both while you’re traveling and once you arrive? What tips can you share? 

I always research a place before I go there, and I feel like it makes me feel safer to know what to expect. Also, when you go to Mexico, always have cash! And don’t throw away your import paper that you get when you arrive, because you need it when you leave!

What are your in-flight must-haves for ensuring your flight is as safe and comfortable as possible?

During COVID times, an N95 mask makes me feel safest, but otherwise, I just have to make sure I have water, snacks, and hand sanitizer. 

Are you a work-from-the-air kind of person, or do you use this time to disconnect?

It depends, but I usually like to disconnect while flying. A good movie helps the time pass faster.

What’s in your carry-on? What are some things you plan on taking with you to ensure you’re prepared to work and stay safe while you’re traveling during COVID? 

Whenever I travel by plane, I always put my valuables in my carry-on(s), so I always have a travel tote in addition to a carry-on suitcase. My tote includes my reusable water bottle, AirPods, ID, credit card, cash, snacks, pen, an external battery and cable, and a thin scarf that doubles as a blanket. My carry-on suitcase includes all my work tools such as my camera, lenses, laptop, mousepad, and mouse. I mostly work on my computer so it’s nice I can work anywhere. If outside noise is distracting me, I just pop in my AirPods Pro and choose the noise cancellation option.

While being away from home as a remote worker is fun, it can also be challenging if you don’t plan. Can you share three tips for working remotely while traveling that set you up for success?

First, make sure WiFi is accessible wherever you’re am planning to go. Second, always be prepared with food—whether that means bringing your own snacks or researching whether or not you can buy some at your destination. And third, I make sure to not get carried away enjoying myself because having a successful work-from-home trip, to me, is really about having a good balance of fun and work.

Do you set up a “virtual office” in your hotel? How do you set yourself up for success to avoid or minimize distractions?  

I don’t set up a virtual office exactly… a desk is ideal, but I can work anywhere where I can be in the shade at the very least (but inside is the best environment for color editing). Sometimes I need a place (like a desk)  to set up my mouse next to my computer.  And I try to only travel with someone who understands I need to work or can agree on a time to get work done. 

What are some of the activities you enjoyed at your destination during your WFAnywhere trip? 

We took a private water taxi to view the famous arch and then to visit a semi-remote beach. We also got to do a little horse-back riding along the beach. 

Any additional advice or info you can share on working from anywhere as a remote employee or independent contractor? 

Find a place that will give you the revitalization you crave and need.

Note: During COVID-19, travel restrictions are prone to change. Always check before departure and follow local guidance. Alaska Airlines is committed to your health and safety, learn more about Next-Level Care.

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#WFAnywhere With Content Creator and Influencer Aysha Harun

"As much as I love working from home and having a flexible schedule, it’s so important to get outside and soak in some vitamin D, fresh air, and experience something new."

—Aysha Harun, Content Creator and Influencer

With so many of us working from home in 2021, your office may look different—and that’s probably a good thing. According to a recent poll conducted by The Times and Morning Consult, 86% of remote workers say that they’re satisfied working from home and only one in five want to return to the office. As an increasing number of employers adopt flexible remote-work policies to keep employee satisfaction high and keep up with the changing times, we’re launching our #WFAnywhere series in partnership with Alaska Airlines to spotlight how remote workers balance work and play while working from anywhere (#WFAnywhere). Ahead, content creator and influencer Aysha Harun, shares the destination she’d love to travel to right now to #WFAnywhere, her #1 tip for avoiding distractions while working in a new environment, and more tips on how to #WFAnywhere.

Where would you love to travel to right now to #WFAnywhere?

I’d love to book a trip to Hawaii! Who wouldn’t want to work beside a breezy window by day and take a leisurely stroll along a postcard-perfect beach by sunset? I’m also conscious that Hawaii has set high standards for COVID safety and is closely following CDC guidance for keeping visitors as well as locals healthy and safe, which is very important to me. I’m of the mindset that it’s important to travel safely and thoughtfully at all times, not just during a pandemic, which is something I think we’ll see more of in 2021 and beyond.

Why is it important to change up your scenery after being in quarantine?

Staying home during quarantine really took a toll on my mental health. I think as humans we naturally feel the need to be social, and personally speaking as an extrovert, I REALLY missed being around people. As much as I love working from home and having a flexible schedule, it’s so important to get outside and soak in some vitamin D, fresh air, and experience something new. Especially if you work in a creative field, it can be difficult to feel inspired when you’re always in the same environment. Switching up your scenery is good for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being and even a quick and safe weekend trip might give you all the inspiration you were craving while locked inside!

Where are you currently based while working remotely?

I’m currently based in sunny Los Angeles! Thankfully, I’m used to the work-from-home life as I’ve been a full-time content creator and influencer for nearly four years now. However, with the pandemic, things have definitely changed a lot and I’ve spent more time than usual at home due to in-person events and conferences being canceled.

What do you love about working remotely from Los Angeles? 

I used to live in Toronto, Canada so there is definitely a huge benefit to now working in Los Angeles. The fact that it is sunny and warm most days is the biggest bonus because my mood is directly impacted by the weather. I used to experience major seasonal-depression when living in Toronto during the long winter months because the sun was barely out and it was always too cold to leave the house. Here in L.A. the sun shines brightly into my home every morning and leaves me so inspired to create content. I also love that I can take my work to go and find a cute outdoor workspace all year round, whether that’s planning a fun photoshoot for Instagram or plowing through emails at an outdoor patio. The weather alone makes this a great city to work remotely, but having access to so many different activities on top of that takes it to the next level!

What are some of your favorite spots to work from or visit safely when you take a break from work?

There are so many places I love to visit on the weekly here in L.A. My favorite spot for a caffeine boost is Alfred’s on Melrose Place. I am a matcha-addict and they make THE best-iced matcha latte. I love grabbing my laptop and working out there for a change of scenery, and when I’m done, I love to hit up all the cute shops and boutiques along that road. 

My go-to for lunch is Taco’s Tu Madre in West Hollywood. The amount of times I’ve ordered from there during quarantine is a little embarrassing, but now that they’ve opened for dining, I love heading there with a friend and enjoying some tacos and mocktails on their gorgeous patio. They also have AMAZING vegan options so there is literally something for everyone. Highly recommend their crispy shrimp bowl, squash blossom taco, mango margarita, and the street corn, but everything I’ve tried there is 10/10!

Living in L.A. means having constant access to the gorgeous beaches so I love heading down to Will Rogers State Beach and getting some fresh air and steps in at least once a week. It’s a bit quieter than the other beaches and the paved boardwalk is so perfect for walking, running, or biking along the coast. I always keep a blanket in the back of my car, and anytime I need some relaxation, I love finding a quiet spot in the sand and watching the sunset. It’s been one of the main things keeping me sane this past year and allows me to reconnect with myself while enjoying the peaceful sounds of the ocean.

"Switching up your scenery is good for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Even a quick and safe weekend trip might give you all the inspiration you were craving while locked inside!"

—Aysha Harun, Content Creator and Influencer

What precautions should people take before they leave to ensure a safe trip both while they’re traveling and once they arrive? What tips can you share? 

I think it’s important to read up on the CDC guidelines for wherever you’ll be traveling to for the best and most accurate safety tips. Also, taking a COVID-test and monitoring your health before leaving on a trip is safe both for yourself and for others. I’d recommend getting tested as close as possible to your trip and having anyone that will be accompanying you do the same. If possible, avoid super crowded trips and instead opt for something more secluded like a weekend in nature, or a COVID-safe beach trip. Once you arrive, find activities that allow you to social distance from others like renting a boat or hiking, and ensure you’re still taking those cute-AF masks everywhere you go! 

When you travel for work, what are your in-flight must-haves for ensuring your flight is as safe and comfortable as possible? What recommendations can you share?

My in-flight must-haves include double-masking—usually a disposable mask underneath a cute reusable mask is my go-to. I also love to carry both liquid hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes to disinfect the area I’m sitting in and anything I’d potentially touch like the seat belt, TV-monitor, remote, window, armrests, etc. I prefer to have a meal before getting on the flight so I’m not removing my mask throughout, and I like to bring my own bottle of water with a straw to quickly hydrate when needed without having to use the in-flight food service. 

Are you a work-from-the-air kind of person, or do you use this time to disconnect?

I personally love disconnecting from everything while up in the air. Instead, I take that time to tap into my faith, meditate, sleep, listen to music, or simply look out the window and snap pics of the dreamy clouds!

What are some things you take with you to ensure you’re prepared to work (ie. can set up a virtual office when you arrive)? 

I always travel with my MacBook, charger, and Air Pods so I can set up shop anywhere. I also always take my external hard-drive because, as a YouTuber, I always need the extra storage space. Given that I’m always creating content regardless of where I am, I also travel with my Canon M50 camera which is much lighter than my DSLR that I use for more professional videos and photos but still delivers amazing quality. I always carry an extra battery for an easy switch-out and also a mini tripod for both my iPhone and camera. If I’m feeling fancy, I also have a small portable ring-light tripod that can easily fit in my carry-on. It may seem like a lot, but I can usually fit all of this into a small section of my carry-on and I always ensure I have room for it because the content doesn’t stop for anything!

While being away from home as a remote worker is fun, it can also be challenging if you don’t plan. Can you share your top three tips for working remotely while traveling that set you up for success?

My top three tips for working remotely while traveling are:

1. Communicate with someone on your team that you’ll be working remotely. Even if you think it might not be important to let them know because you’ll “still be working,” anything can happen and it’s better if someone knows why you’re not answering those emails or calls right away like you usually do! 

2. Make note of any timezone changes. Even if it’s just one hour, that hour can really throw off your entire day. Plan ahead and make sure your calendar accounts for the timezone change so you don’t end up accidentally showing up to (or missing) a Zoom-call an hour after it starts!

3. Designate a certain number of hours for work and try to get as much done within that timeframe so that you can still enjoy your travel. There’s no point in working remotely if you’re just going to stay indoors all day and not experience the environment you’re in. Go beast-mode for a couple of hours and then go out and have some fun outdoors!

Do you set up a “virtual office” in your hotel? How do you set yourself up for success to avoid/minimize distractions?  

I personally don’t set up a virtual office due to the type of work I do. I’ll usually answer emails in bed or at the hotel/Airbnb desk and get outdoors to create content. I also try to utilize different parts of my hotel room or temporary-home for fun travel content. For example, the bathroom for fun “get ready with me” videos or travel skincare routines. I also do a lot of my work on my phone so technically the world is my office (as long as I have a charger!!).

"Designate a certain number of hours for work and try to get as much done within that timeframe so that you can still enjoy your travel."

—Aysha Harun, Content Creator and Influencer

What are some of the activities people can enjoy when visiting your destination during a WFAnywhere trip?

• Beach day - Head to one of the many beaches in L.A. and enjoy the view! My favorite thing is driving down Pacific Coast Highway and taking in the gorgeous ocean view as you head down to Malibu. One of my favorite beaches down there is Point Dune. Grab a friend and plan a fun photo-shoot or just sit by the ocean and enjoy the sunset! I also really love Will Rogers State Beach and Manhattan Beach (great restaurants nearby).

• Hiking - So many amazing trails in L.A. for some outdoor workouts! The go-to for me is Runyon Canyon as I’m not quite an experienced hiker yet. I love the paved road and the view at the top makes it all worth it. For an ocean-view hike, I’d recommend Los Liones Trailhead. Be sure to take a mask with you as they still require them to be worn! For anyone wanting the classic Hollywood Sign pictures, talk a walk through Lake Hollywood Park and the surrounding areas for an unobstructed view of the iconic sign!

• Melrose Trading Post - One of my all-time fave Sunday activities is heading to the Melrose Trading Post in Fairfax District. It’s an outdoor market filled with small businesses and you can find really dope vintage tees, jackets, denim, furniture, jewelry—you name it! They also have some really great food trucks and stands inside—my fave is the Poke and Lemonade stand! I’ve found some really unique pieces there and it’s great to support small businesses at times like these.

• Shopping - Of course there are some amazing shopping destinations in the city and who doesn’t love a little retail-therapy after work? Hit up Rodeo Drive for a more bougie, upscale experience in Beverly Hills. Melrose for a more street-style and vintage vibe, La Brea for all your Hype-Bae aesthetic needs, and Third Street Promenade right by Santamonica Beach for more main street stores.

• FOOD!! - If you’re a foodie, L.A. is the place to be. There are so many amazing restaurants in the city whether you’re in West Hollywood, DTLA, Koreatown, Hollywood, or Santa Monica. My suggestion is to head to Yelp and look at what is in your area, but definitely try and experience Mexican food in the city because Cali does it best! Some of my faves include:

  • Tacos Tu Madre

  • Dave’s Hot Chicken

  • Elephante

  • Sugar Taco

  • HiHo Burger

  • Sugarfish

  • C&O’s Trattoria 

  • Leo’s Tacos Truck

  • Jeni’s Ice Cream

  • Malibu Seafood 

  • Jon & Vinny’s

Any additional advice or info you can share on working from anywhere as a remote employee or independent contractor? 

Work hard, and play harder! Life is too short!

Note: During COVID-19, travel restrictions are prone to change. Always check before departure and follow local guidance. Alaska Airlines is committed to your health and safety, learn more about Next-Level Care.

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#WFAnywhere With Content Creator and Digital Marketer Coco Bassey

"It can be tempting to work long hours when you’re not commuting to and from work every day, but it’s so important to remember that you have a life outside of work too."

—Coco Bassey, Content Creator and Digital Marketer

With so many of us working from home in 2021, your office may look different—and that’s probably a good thing. According to a recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Morning Consult, 86% of remote workers say that they’re satisfied working from home and only one in five want to return to the office. As an increasing number of employers adopt flexible remote-work policies to keep employee satisfaction high and keep up with the changing times, we’re launching our #WFAnywhere series in partnership with Alaska Airlines to spotlight how remote workers balance work and play while working from anywhere (#WFAnywhere). Ahead, content creator and digital marketer Coco Bassey shares the destination she’d love to travel to right now to #WFAnywhere, her #1 tip for avoiding distractions while working in a new environment, and more tips on how to #WFAnywhere.

Where would you love to travel to right now to #WFAnywhere?

I’m currently manifesting a work trip to Hawaii. After enduring a New York City winter while working from home, I’m dreaming about warm, sandy beaches and a carefree uniform of high-waisted shorts and crop tops. I’m also mindful that Hawaii has put safe COVID regulations in place to encourage travelers to be respectful of both the islands as well as their communities, which is crucial not only during this period in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic but year-round, too.

Why is it important to change up your scenery after being in quarantine?

Before COVID, I was always on the go and traveled for work at least once a month! As much as I welcomed the change of pace during quarantine, I think I can speak for everyone who lives in a small N.Y.C. apartment: we’re ready for a change in scenery as soon as it’s safe to venture out and do so! If you’re someone who loves exploring new places, travel can feel therapeutic. It’s one of the few times I truly feel motivated to put down my screen and just experience a new place for what it is.

Where are you currently based while working remotely?

I’m currently in New York City and working from home in my apartment. As scary and unsure as everything was last year when COVID kicked off, there honestly is no other place I would rather be during this time. I moved to New York from Atlanta at the beginning of 2020, right before quarantine became an everyday part of our lives—and I really love that I have so many more options to stay physically active in N.Y.C. since I’m no longer tied to my car or stuck in a not-so-pedestrian-friendly city.

What are some of your favorite spots to work from or visit safely when you take a break from work?

I’ve really enjoyed exploring my neighborhood on foot over the past several months—whether it’s walking or biking down the West Side Highway, trying new restaurants 

What precautions should people take before they leave to ensure a safe trip both while they’re traveling and once they arrive? What tips can you share? 

It’s super important to research your destination: what hotels, travel methods, and activities are safe for visitors, especially if you don’t speak the language. Understand that as a tourist, you’re a visitor, so approach every situation with respect for the country or city’s cultural norms without attempting to impose your expectations on others.

And also, for the love of God, NEVER accept a ride at the airport from pesky solicitors that come up to you and harass you with price-saving offers! They’re not official taxi or Uber drivers, and you are putting yourself at risk by getting into a car with a complete stranger.

When you travel for work, what are your in-flight must-haves for ensuring your flight is as safe and comfortable as possible? What recommendations can you share?

First and foremost, I always make sure I have my noise-canceling headphones and charger closeby. If it’s a long-haul flight, I also have healthy snacks and a mini skincare kit to remove my makeup and apply a nighttime moisturizer before I fall asleep. Airplane air can be super drying, so it’s more important to keep my skin happy! And of course, especially now, a pack of disinfectant wipes is an absolute must so you can give your seat the Naomi Campbell wipe-down treatment before settling in!

Are you a work-from-the-air kind of person, or do you use this time to disconnect?

I’m 100% for disconnecting while traveling. Of course, that’s not always an option—but working on the plane isn’t always my favorite, so when I have to, I make sure I’m prepared!

What are some things you take with you to ensure you’re prepared to work? 

The #1 thing I always do when I’m traveling overseas is make sure my phone and credit cards are set up for international travel. You never want to come home to crazy surcharges from overseas usage! It’s also important to look up what kind of electric adapter I need to travel with so that I can use my personal items (laptop, charger, etc.) in another country.

I also have a mini tripod that I travel with so that I can set up my smartphone for Zoom calls when I’m on the go!

"If you’re traveling to a different timezone, make sure you account for that when scheduling meetings so that you’re not running late, caught unawares while out and about, or logging into your meeting at the wrong time!"

—Coco Bassey, Content Creator and Digital Marketer

While being away from home as a remote worker is fun, it can also be challenging if you don’t plan. Can you share your top three tips for working remotely while traveling that set you up for success?

1. Make sure you set up your workstation in your hotel/Airbnb—and make sure that place is NOT your bed! Working in bed can become such a bad habit, and it's a great way to lose track of time. Suddenly it’s 5 PM, and you’re still in last night’s PJs. No bueno!

2. If you’re traveling to a different timezone, make sure you account for that when scheduling meetings so that you’re not running late, caught unawares while out and about, or logging into your meeting at the wrong time!

3. Having a work-life balance is still important. Sometimes working remotely puts me in the bad habit of working literally all day into the night, since I’m not physically commuting to and from work. I always make sure have a start and stop time, so that I can remember to log off and take care of myself too.

Do you set up a “virtual office” in your hotel? How do you set yourself up for success to avoid/minimize distractions?  

Yes, I do! If I have a lot of calls during the day, I always make sure to hang the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door so that I don't get interrupted during my meetings. And I also make sure to set up my virtual office at an actual desk, as opposed to working from a couch or bed. It’s so important to keep your work and personal selves separate!

What are some of the activities people can enjoy when visiting your destination during a WFAnywhere trip?

Exploring any city on foot has always been one of my favorite activities, even before COVID, so luckily, it’s still an option now! Outdoor activities are great too, so I always make sure to check those out as well. And of course, if the weather allows, outdoor dining is always an option!

Any additional advice or info you can share on working from anywhere as a remote employee or independent contractor? 

Enjoy the flexibility. It’s one of the best things about working remotely! I love that I can run personal errands, or even grab coffee with a friend, in the middle of my workday if I need a break from my computer screen. It can be tempting to work long hours when you’re not commuting to and from work every day, but it’s so important to remember that you have a life outside of work too and you need to prioritize it for your mental health!

Note: During COVID-19, travel restrictions are prone to change. Always check before departure and follow local guidance. Alaska Airlines is committed to your health and safety, learn more about Next-Level Care.

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#WFAnywhere With Lifestyle Blogger Jennifer Henry-Novich

“2020 was hard on all of us, and it’s been a balance of finding a new normal and doing things safely.”

—Jennifer Henry-Novich, Lifestyle Blogger

With so many of us working from home in 2021, your office may look different—and that’s probably a good thing. According to a recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Morning Consult, 86% of remote workers say that they’re satisfied working from home and only one in five want to return to the office. As an increasing number of employers adopt flexible remote-work policies to keep employee satisfaction high and keep up with the changing times, we’re launching our #WFAnywhere series in partnership with Alaska Airlines to spotlight how remote workers balance work and play while working from anywhere (#WFAnywhere). Ahead, lifestyle blogger Jennifer Henry-Novich, shares her in-flight essentials for a safe and comfortable trip, her #1 tip for avoiding distractions while working in a new environment, and more tips on how to #WFAnywhere.

Where are you traveling? Why did you choose this location to work remotely?

We had a work trip that required us to be in Palm Springs and we’d been putting it off all of 2020, but it finally came time to escape from quarantine and get it done! 

What are you most excited about your destination and why?

Palm Springs has been a long-time favorite of mine for girls’ trips and Coachella. I love enjoying the pool days and warm evenings! But now that we are in different times, it’s nice to be able to get a change of scenery from working from home and be able to take care of our real estate project work under the palm trees and blue skies. 

We were most looking forward to spending time in our beautiful Airbnb and lounging in the pool and hot tub, ordering takeout at some of the best recommended Palm Springs restaurants, and taking a drive out to Joshua Tree for some socially distanced hiking in nature. 

Why is it important to change up your scenery after being in quarantine? What precautions are you taking before you leave to ensure a safe trip both while you’re traveling and once you arrive? What tips can you share? 

2020 was hard on all of us, and it’s been a balance of finding a new normal and doing things safely. Prior to traveling, we self quarantined and tested to ensure we wouldn’t be exposing anyone on our flight, as well as self quarantining and testing following our return. I was really impressed at Alaska Airline’s commitment to safety and sanitation (i.e. HEPA air filters, passenger spacing, cleaning, etc.) and that’s ultimately why we felt comfortable traveling at this time. To maintain safety, we don’t mess around with masking up! We even doubled up on them as I’ve heard there is added protection from doing so! Once inside the airport, we avoided busy areas and didn’t eat or drink to keep our masks on. 

What are your in-flight must-haves for ensuring your flight is as safe and comfortable as possible?

It’s funny to see what my in-flight must-haves would have been in 2019 versus now—but here we are! A comfortable mask (I prefer the surgical masks over cloth), hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, blue light glasses since I’m spending time reading on my phone, and noise-canceling headphones to reduce aircraft ambient noise.

Are you a work-from-the-air kind of person, or do you use this time to disconnect?

Given our flight to Palm Springs was approximately one hour, it’s hard to get set up and get too much work done. I’m more of a disconnect and enjoy the view out the window type of traveler. 

Being in an airplane is one of the few times when my phone notifications are not going off so it’s actually a nice break. If I’m not window gazing, I like to read books on my phone (currently reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear) or use the time to look through my photos on my phone.

What’s in your carry-on? What are some things you plan on taking with you to ensure you’re prepared to work (ie. can set up a virtual office when you arrive) and stay safe while you’re traveling during COVID? 

I’ve become a very good travel packer from my previous consulting days (working at Deloitte and Ernst and Young) and always bring a rolling carry-on to avoid an extra trip to baggage claim (unless I’m traveling for a longer trip and need to bring more). 

My carry-on includes my work-from-anywhere office:

• My work binder, which includes all important papers I need for in-progress projects, mail to handle, notes—basically anything I need to do work that doesn’t live inside my laptop or phone. I’ve learned the hard way how important it is to be organized with papers so I always keep this binder up to date with things I need to handle.

• My planner, which serves as my to-do list, weekly agenda, and notebook all in one

• Laptop and charger

• Phone and charger

• Apple Watch and charger

Since that’s all I need to work from anywhere, we’re able to hunker down in our Airbnb and keep our projects moving while keeping safe.

“If I know that I want to enjoy the pool at our Airbnb house but the sun is gone by 4 pm, I’ll plan my meetings and workday accordingly.”

—Jennifer Henry-Novich, Lifestyle Blogger

While being away from home as a remote worker is fun, it can also be challenging if you don’t plan. Can you share three tips for working remotely while traveling that set you up for success?

1. Make a plan for each of your days the day before. At the end of each of my days, I’m planning out what I’m doing tomorrow. I’m checking what calls/Zoom meetings I have the next day and at what time, I’m adding must-do items to my to-do list and slotting them in time blocks

2. Block your time for work versus personal. If I know that I want to enjoy the pool at our Airbnb house but the sun is gone by 4 pm, I’ll plan my meetings and workday accordingly. Maybe it’s blocking 12-2 pm for fun in the sun and 5-7 pm is focused work time with no distractions, before dinner!

3. Be realistic about what you can achieve while traveling. I’m notorious for making a to-do list 20 items long and in reality, I just can’t get it all done with the things that pop up in the day. If you’re working away from home, factor travel-related fun into your schedule. When I’m home, it’s no big deal to reheat leftovers for dinner—but in Palm Springs, I want to shut down my laptop, pick up amazing take out from a local restaurant, and enjoy the beautiful home I’ve rented. 

Do you set up a “virtual office” in your hotel? How do you set yourself up for success to avoid/minimize distractions?  

100% yes. I’m not a person that can effectively work from bed or the couch so it’s important to me to set up a dedicated workspace. I like to spread out on a desk or dining table and have my laptop, projects binder, notebook, and phone to get in the zone. I love to play music in the background to keep me focused.

What are some of the activities you enjoyed at your destination during your WFAnywhere trip? 

• Enjoyed local restaurant takeout in our beautiful backyard

  • This is the house we rented.

  • Amazing brunch food from Grand Central Palm Springs.

  • Sandfish Sushi for a unique twist on traditional sushi.

  • La Bonita’s for authentic Mexican tacos.

• Outdoor hiking at Joshua Tree; we did the Ryan Mountain Trail hike and Barker Dam Nature Trail

• Morning coffee runs at Ernest Coffee - we loved trying their pistachio rose latte!

Note: During COVID-19, travel restrictions are prone to change. Always check before departure and follow local guidance. Alaska Airlines is committed to your health and safety, learn more about Next-Level Care.

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9 Secrets to Working Remotely From Your Apartment—and Loving It

Photo: Vlada Karpovich for Pexels

If working from home has become your new normal, then you’ve probably come to the same realization that we have: Working from your bed in your pajamas just isn’t cutting it anymore.

Maybe you’ve started missing the office and wearing blazers (and, dare we say, heels?!), but there are plenty of perks to WFH if you do it right. It’s all about creating the right environment, ditching distractions, learning what works for you, and finding your productive streak.

Working from home presents both advantages and disadvantages for any telecommuter, but for those of us who live in an apartment, telecommuting has its own set of challenges. Consider the following tips and tricks to turn your place into a work environment where you can get the job done.

1. Carve out a cozy workspace.

Apartments in cities tend to be tight on space, which can cut down on the available areas where you can work uninterrupted.

The most important thing to do before you start working out of your apartment is to think about where you plan to situate your home office to conduct business effectively. Identify potential workspaces that lie outside regular traffic patterns. Working at the kitchen table might be fine if you live alone, but if you live with a spouse or roommate or have children, you need a place away from the action.

For example, rethink your underused rooms. Consider using a small guest bedroom, place a cubicle panel or screen in a corner of your own bedroom, or modify a walk-in closet to accommodate a desk and bookcase. Wherever you set up your office, you’ll need to make sure you have excellent Wi-Fi and cell phone service in order to conduct business—so a room in the center of a brick building might not be conducive to your productivity.

2. Decorate your space.

Just because your space is small doesn’t mean you have to skimp on decorating. Turning your own quiet nook into a place with personality can increase your desire to be there for long hours. Hang your favorite photos or works of art, bring in plants, or add knick-knacks and keepsakes.

Studies have shown that certain colors have a direct effect on our mood and productivity. When painting, papering or choosing furnishings for your space, keep these ideas in mind:

• Blue is seen as calming and helps with concentration.

• Yellow and orange can stimulate creativity and make you feel good.

• Light green can be soothing, denoting a connection with nature.

• Red can provide a boost of energy.

• Purple is often associated with wealth and wisdom.

3. Learn how to deal with distractions.

Nothing zaps your productivity faster when working from home than having to respond to distractions. Whether you have kids running in and out, a spouse looking for their favorite shirt, or the neighbors in the apartment above practicing their tap dancing skills, dealing effectively with distractions is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

To drown out barking dogs, traffic on the street, or even your roommate streaming a marathon of their favorite Netflix show, choose noise-canceling headphones that help you focus on the task at hand. Before you sit down to work, turn off noisy appliances or hang a fiberglass blanket over the door to block out noise. Plan ahead for conference calls or phone conversations with potential clients, or make sure to schedule them for times when you know you will be alone.

4. Store inventory off-site.

If you have a business that requires inventory and you don’t have space at home to store the merchandise, consider renting a storage unit. The extra space you’ll find after moving unnecessary items to storage can make it easier to stay organized and keep your personal belongings separate from items required for work.

5. Dress for the office.

While it may be tempting to sit around in your pajamas all day when you work from home, it can help to treat your remote work like traditional employment by wearing designated work clothes. Getting up in the morning and getting dressed for work helps you separate your private life from your professional one, further preparing you mentally for your job.

6. Identify a specific scent with work.

Another way to distinguish time to work from personal time is by designating a specific scent for work. Burn a candle, turn on a diffuser, or even wear perfume during your office hours.

7. Invest in productivity tools.

Make your home office feel more like a traditional office space by investing in appropriate supplies. Choose a notepad and pens—and perhaps even a computer—designated solely for work. Keep in mind that office supplies qualify as expenses related to your home office and are usually deductible at tax time.

The same is true for software. Countless apps and online services are available to help home workers with correspondence and communication, scheduling, collaborating on tasks across multiple projects, or measuring productivity to make sure you’re keeping up. Marketing software can help you enhance your client interactions, and accounting software can help with tracking time and expenses.

8. Give your day some structure.

Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you can’t implement some structure in your workday. Use your peak hours effectively. Consider the time of day when you are most alert and use that time to accomplish your biggest goals. Schedule work time and try to avoid personal activities (or at least relegate them to designated breaks).

At the end of the day, power off your electronics, turn off your work phone and move away from your desk or work surface. Also, avoid taking your laptop to bed to work or working from the couch. This can make it harder to separate work time from personal time and unwind later.

9. Communicate with colleagues.

If you are working for a company, be sure to communicate regularly with your colleagues. This can help you remain connected with company goals and stay up to date on any progress made for team projects. Regular dialogue with co-workers also reminds you that you’re a part of a team and keeps you from feeling isolated.

Working remotely can provide numerous benefits for employees, companies, and even clients. It also can be mightily challenging when space is limited. Take advantage of the work-at-home opportunity by setting up an optimal space, figuring out what keeps you motivated and connected, and sticking with it until each day’s work is done.

Written by Laura Gayle of BusinessWomanGuide.org.

This post was published on January 5, 2019, and has since been updated.

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Ask an Expert: How to Unite a Remote Team During the COVID-19 Crisis as a Small Business Owner

We’ve been spending a lot of time at Create & Cultivate HQ discussing how we can best show up for and support our community during this uncertain time. Community is at our core, and connecting with others through one-of-a-kind experiences is what we love to do. While the world has changed, our mission has not. We’re committed to helping women create and cultivate the career of their dreams, which is why we’re proud to announce our new Ask an Expert series. We’re hosting discussions with experts, mentors, and influencers daily at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm PST on Instagram Live to cure your craving for community and bring you the expert advice you’ve come to know and love from C&C. Follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram, check out our Ask an Expert highlight reel for the latest schedule, and hit the countdown to get a reminder so you don’t miss out!

Photo: Courtesy of Sonja Rasula

Small businesses everywhere are stepping up and doing their part to help flatten the curve, canceling events, shuttering offices, and implementing work-from-home policies in order to help contain the alarmingly rapid spread of the coronavirus. Of course, by now (read: week two of #WFHlife) we all know that the transition between working from the office to working from the home office (a.k.a. the dining table, the couch, or even the bed) is easier said than done.

For helpful tips on how to unite a remote team while working from home during the COVID-19 outbreak, we tapped none other than small business owner and serial entrepreneur Sonja Rasula, the founder of Unique Markets and The Unique Space, for the latest installment of our Instagram Live series, Ask an Expert. Read on for Rasula’s tried-and-true tips for boosting morale as well as productivity while managing a WFH team. If you missed the conversation, you can watch it in full here, and be sure to tune into our next Ask an Expert conversation on Instagram Live.

How can I unite my remote team digitally and keep them inspired?

“The first thing that you have to do is implement structure. If you have daily meetings or check-ins, those still need to happen. Now more than ever, it’s important to check-in and have face-to-face meetings through Zoom, Face Time, and Google Hangouts to stay connected.

The socializing aspect of work is so important. If you use Slack as a communication tool, create a channel called ‘The Break Room’ or ‘The Water Cooler’ for your team to share stupid memes to share photos of their desk as a way to create a social human connection beyond work. Because it’s not all about work.”

How should I adapt my leadership style to help my team feel positive and optimistic?

“Being positive and optimistic yourself is really important. You set the bar. Even if you are freaking the eff out on the inside, you need to be as cool, calm, and collected as you can for your team.

That said, full transparency is important. Once in a while, letting your team see how you’re feeling is really important because they need to know you are not a robot, you are a human being.”

My business is really hurting financially right now and I’m struggling to see the silver lining. How can I thrive as a founder and keep the lights on?

“Figure out your digital presence. There are no excuses now, it’s all about your digital footprint, so start that podcast, send that newsletter, start that blog. Utilize the free technology that’s available (social media, blogs, etc.) to expand your digital footprint.

We’re all at home, we’re trying to make shit work with what we have, and we are not superhuman. We can only do what we can do, and then you have to let go. Try your hardest, but recognize that now, potentially, might not be the time. Just relax, pause, reevaluate, and think about business differently.”

About the Expert: In 2008 Sonja Rasula self-funded her first business, Unique Markets, by risking her entire 401k retirement savings. Thankfully it worked! Her innovative, modern pop-up marketplaces have taken place around the country including Los Angeles, San Francisco, N.Y.C., and Austin! Nike, Airbnb, Madewell, and Adobe are some of the many brands to tap into Sonja’s entrepreneurial mindset and creative consulting. She was named “1 of 30 Women Entrepreneurs Changing the World” by fashion mogul Eileen Fisher, and Los Angeles Magazine awarded her 1 of 10 of L.A.'s Most Inspiring Women in their annual issue about women in Los Angeles.   

Tune in daily at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm PST, for new installments of Ask an Expert. 

Follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram, check out our Ask an Expert highlight reel for the schedule, and hit the countdown to get a reminder so you don’t miss out. See you there!

I Have Been Working From Home for Years—This Is How to Do It Successfully

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.

Sara Tan, Senior West Coast Fashion & Beauty Editor, Bustle

WFH Experience Level: 7 years

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.

Up next: 10 Women Who Have Your Dream Job on How They Fight Burnout, Stay Motivated, and Get Re-Energized for Work