Dressing Up When Working From Home
Guest Contributor: Katelyn SierraEvery woman has a story to tell. Some might be more similar than others, but we all decided to start working at home for a reason. A vast majority of new bloggers come from first-time mothers, while others (like myself) are seeking to make freelancing their full-time career. Whatever your drive may be, we’re all in the same boat.
There just seems to be one minor problem: keeping the boat afloat.
Let me explain. When working from home, we’re often numbed by the thought, “Since I’m home and not on a ‘real schedule’, I can take breaks whenever I want and procrastinate as long as I need!” This is the thought that torments you and brings your motivation level from 100 to 0 very quickly.
You’ll find yourself pushing back project dates, not reaching out to potential clients, and simply not doing what you decided to stay home for in the first place.
So, what can you do to inspire yourself yet again and get back into the swing of working in the comforts of your home office? We’ve got some tips for you just ahead.
4 Productivity Tips For Working From Home
Wake up early like you’re leaving the house
Just because your business takes place in the next room over doesn’t mean it’s less important than any ‘stereotypical job’.
Think about it; when you’re working for a school, retail or restaurant, whatever it may be, you’re expected to show up for work at a certain time every day. Sure, that schedule is subject to change, but regardless, why should your home business be any different?
Create a morning routine and ready yourself as if you were leaving the house. This includes:
● Setting an alarm (with minimal snoozing)
● Showering/General cleaning
● Making breakfast
● Changing your clothes
● Doing slight makeup (we’ll get into this topic next!)
Waking up early is generally a healthy habit to get into anyway, but it certainly helps with the beginning of a schedule! Not to mention that you can pursue more in your day if you wake up just a few hours earlier than normal. Especially for those that have children, I can imagine the limited time you have once your little ones are off to school. It’s only a matter of time before life and work collide again.
Utilize your mornings as far as you can stretch them. Sing a few songs in the shower, make yourself a healthy breakfast, and sit yourself down at your vanity. We’ve still got a few more requirements to get through before opening our laptops for the day.
2. Getting ready = MOTIVATION
I know how it feels to sit around in leggings with zero makeup on while doing absolutely nothing. It’s exhilarating. Yet at the same time, it can make you feel a bit lethargic and unbothered.
Since we’ve gotten into the rhythm of a morning routine, it’s time to follow up and put yourself together for the day. As hard as it may be, I need you to change out of your sweat pants.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to change into a complete business casual outfit! Just think for a moment: What do you have in your closet that’s comfortable and appropriate at the same time? Would you feel comfortable going out in public in the clothes you’re wearing right now?
If the answer is no, it’s time to change into something that makes you feel more ‘dressed up’.
Though I don’t prefer it, I know some people like to lounge in jeans- that can definitely help you feel put together! Or maybe swap your old hoodie for a nice sweater.
As far as makeup goes, this is really up to your personal preference. Although I feel comfortable going out in public with no makeup on, this isn’t to say that makeup doesn’t make me feel professional. If I were working a standard office job, I’d put on a bit of foundation and do my eyebrows for the appropriation of the dress code.
However, when working at home, I feel just as motivated with or without makeup. If you have a quick and easy go-to look that won’t distract you from your work, go for it! Just try not to spend hours doing that new eyeshadow technique you learned online when you’re only going to sit behind your computer screen all day.
3. Take Scheduled Breaks
This goes hand in hand with creating your morning routine. Do you remember earlier when we talked about how breaks don’t apply just because you’re at home? This is when your mindset should begin to shift into a more beneficial direction.
As a writer, I find it quite easy to schedule when and how I take my breaks. If I’m working on a client piece, I’ll finish the current subheading so that when I come back, I’m not left with the dreaded thought, “What was I going to write, again?”
Pick and choose the best stopping points for you. Maybe your goal is to reach out to two clients before lunch or get in touch with an existing business partner through video chat before taking your first snack break.
Do not overwork yourself, though! If you’ve dedicated yourself to finding those two clients, yet it’s getting late and you still haven’t eaten lunch, don’t feel guilty for stepping away. Your mental health and physical needs must come first. Don’t starve yourself over a few clients, they’ll be there when you come back.
Another point to remember is not to push yourself to finish a project in a set amount of hours. Creativity is often something that requires patience and procrastination. The best thoughts will linger in your mind during the night, in the shower, or even while walking your dog! If you’re stuck on a creative project that simply needs time, allow yourself to breathe and return to your keyboard when you’re refreshed and ready to write.
Taking a break is called ‘taking a break’ for a reason. When sitting down to eat, close your laptop. Switch your business profile over to your personal and relax for a bit. This is your time to unwind, so put on a show and destress for a minute.
4. Your at-home business is a real job too!
Set time aside yourself, maintain a productive schedule, and your income with thank you later.
To break it down, we covered 3 ways to continuously stay motivated:
● Get into a realistic morning routine
● Dab your beauty blender and change your sweatpants
● Take absolutely necessary breaks
Above all else, don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Be thankful you’re living a life where working from home allows a livable income, and you can stay with your dog all day. Take advantage of the snacks in your pantry and the slippers covering your toes.
When creating a schedule that suits you, you’ll find what you’re comfortable with. Play around with your job and see what times work best when it comes to waking up and taking your daily breaks. The natural workflow will kick in before you know it, and it’ll be as if you were never unmotivated at all.
**Feature image courtesy of A Lo Profile.
About Katelyn
Katelyn Sierra is a freelance writer and blogger located in Southern California. She specializes in content writing, ghostwriting and blogging for businesses and solopreneurs. Check out her blog, Katelyn Sierra, to learn more about her niche writing and how she can write for you!
Website: https://katelynsierra.com
