Still working from home?

 

Even at home a mama needs a coffee break

Are you still working from home?  My company is on a hybrid schedule splitting the work week between home and office.  Like all things, working from home has its pros and cons.  For me, the two things I have loved are my kids finding me at home when they come from school and cutting back on my commute.  A couple of years ago, we made a move to live out in the suburbs and this created a long commute for me.  The days I work from home mean I get to reclaim that commute time for myself.  Nevertheless, after a long time of working from home, life can feel drab, not to mention the “Rona-pounds” that most of us have packed on.  But since we must live with it for a little longer, here are five things that I do routinely that make my days pleasant and productive. 

 

 

 

Get up and get dressed:  I have found that keeping a routine of getting ready for the day just like any other work day, helps to focus my day.  At home, I tend not to wear makeup, except a little lip gloss.  I like to style my hair and I never miss to wear perfume.  Catching a whiff of my perfume scent as I go about my day just perks me up.

Schedule it: The day before, I make a list of the items I want to get done while home.  These tasks include work tasks as well as home tasks that I would like to take care of while on a break.  For example, make a call, throw in some laundry, take out dinner items to thaw, etc.  In the morning, I schedule out the tasks, assigning them a time slot on my day for when I will work on them.  This focuses my day and gives me a sense of accomplishment as I check off completed tasks.  Without a plan, I find one can either be under productive or over work.

 

 

 

Plan my meals: As many people have discovered, working from home can wreck havoc to your waistline. If not intentional, working from home can turn out into munching all day long. Deciding meals at the beginning of the day keeps me from uncontrolled snacking.  I set a time when I will have breakfast and lunch. I tend to have breakfast later in my day, but I make it tasty and satisfying. Having something satisfying as a first meal keeps me from the constant reaching for something sweet. I have a sweet tooth which is my weakness.

Quench your thirst:  I find that for some reason at home I tend to forget to drink water.  Often, thirst masquerades as hunger.  To stay off the constant snacking, I keep my water tumbler beside me and fill it up every time I leave my desk. 

Coffee made with the french press

I also love a good cup of coffee; it is a great pick me up.  Our Keurig has been acting up so I recently got a French Press, and I must admit I love the coffee it makes.  I grew up in Kenya surrounded by coffee farms.  Kenya produces an aromatic delicate type of coffee called Arabica that is not bitter tasting like other coffees.  Occasionally, friends who have recently visited Kenya gift me a bag of coffee.  I have also been able to purchase Kenyan coffee in Starbucks, whole foods, central market and even on Amazon.  Kenyan coffee is great in the French press.   I got my French press on Amazon for about $30 bucks. Here is a link for it:  https://amzn.to/3rgGDDQ

 

Get Moving:  Incorporating a workout on my days working from home has helped me keep my energy up.  On days I go to work, getting a workout can be difficult.  Working from home can be a gift as the time spent on your commute can be repurposed for self-care.  Ideally, I prefer to do a workout earlier in the morning before the start of my day, but I also enjoy going to a Pilates class at the end of my workday.  I find doing workout videos or running up and down stairs works well for me as I am not good at going to a gym.  Besides working out, being intentional to get off my desk and walk around the house for a few minutes keeps my blood flowing and helps you stay alert. 

Kids at home: I have to say, it is a whole different ball game with home schooled children.  I currently do not have children at home as my school district allowed the kids to go for in-person learning back in the fall.  In the spring, when Covid first got the schools shut down, we had the kids at home.  My husband and I shared in the home schooling and homework.  Typically, I would work in the morning then help the kids in the afternoon and he would be able to work on his stuff in the afternoon.  That was tough.  I feel for parents still having to supervise remote learning kids while working from home.  But all in all, having a schedule ultimately is the way to go.  And do not shy away from asking for help from a partner, family and neighbors.  These times call for the entire village to parent the kids.

I would love to hear your tips for staying productive at home.  Do share on the comments below. 

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