10 Tips to Productively Work from Home

Make working from home not only more productive, but more enjoyable

It's no secret that this lifestyle means taking sacrifices for our husbands hockey career. Whether it's long distance to maintain our careers/school, or putting our careers on hold to be with them! We also know it's no secret that this lifestyle makes you get a little creative with potential revenue in ways that most don't experience or "understand". With this, comes absolute freedom to provide for our families and still get to be with them! With this, ALSO, comes absolute freedom to choose WHEN and WHERE you work... when you want or don't want - a curse and a blessing, yeah?! I've put together a list of helpful tips that have helped me and can hopefully help you transition into a more productive work day, from home!! 

1.) SET REGULAR HOURS/SCHEDULE

Although you're at home and you're your own boss, treat this as if you were to still go into work for set hours. Schedule ahead your starting time, your break times, your lunch time, and your ending time. YES, you do have the freedom to work whenever, and I encourage you to do so, as long as you're scheduling it out! It does not at all have to be 9-5, or 5 days a week, it can simply be whenever - JUST.SCHEDULE.IT! It will keep you more accountable, mark my words! 

2.) ROUTINE + CONSISTENCY

This one bounces off of the first one (for me at least)! I am a creature of habit and routine. I thrive when I have a set routine and am consistent! Which is why this bullet point is SO important in this lifestyle. Every move, every season, every off season looks SOO different and it can take some time to adjust and be consistent with a routine again, right? Setting a routine and being consistent with that routine will help you maintain productivity EVEN through big moves/season changes! 

3.) HAVE A DEDICATED OFFICE SPACE

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm totally typing this on my couch in sweats with a blanket covering me. But that's what I felt would work for me today and THAT'S OKAY! Buuuut, I do highly suggest having a dedicated office space that is not your bed or your couch so you're not tempted to take a little "10 minute snooze" yeah? :P I also am a firm believer of a change of scenery! Switch it up a bit at the nearest Starbucks, Dunkin, local coffee shop, literally just anything with wifi/proof of human existence and a good cup of iced coffee and you're golden!

4.) SHOW UP, GLOW UP

Like I mentioned above, treat this as if you are going into work when it comes to getting ready. I'm not talking full face, dress pants, and heels now.. I'm just saying to put somewhat of a face on, maybe your cute lounge set, or casual outfit, anything that isn't what you did or will be sleeping in! This too can lead to one of those "10 minute snoozes" if done too comfortably. Ya know! There's a saying "look good feel good" and working from home alone with no colleagues, or meetings to attend,  it can be easy to look *and feel* sluggish always - and we don't want that!! 

5.) SOCIALIZE

Again, bouncing from the above point, socialize!!! If you are home, schedule a face to face meeting with someone.. anyone!! Even if its for a short amount of time, it's good for the soul to not be isolated all day long! If you popped in to the local coffee shop, make conversation with the barista! (That way you both have work to do so it won't carry on too long!) Or the table next to you for a quick, but fulfilling, conversation! 

6.) STRESS-FREE ZONE

When it comes to that dedicated office space of yours at home, it really is important to make the space comforting - considering you will be spending quite some time there! If you're on the road and can't do much in regards to the given decor, spruce it up a bit with a small little plant, or picture frame! Something that will just make you happier to be in that area. This 100% goes for fun colored pens, office supples, markers, etc! Like we'll take all the excitement of simple things we can get when we're not in our "own" space! Sit by a window if you can to catch the rays, or enjoy the sound of the rain! Music and podcasts are just always a yes! Candles also make every space better and you know it!! 

7.) PLAN AHEAD

You can't create a schedule or set a routine if you don't plan your work in advance! Whether you do this for the week or the entire month, planning ahead is probably number one. You don't want to bank on "winging it" day by day, trust me! Create a content calendar, write to-do lists (my bible), plan for any appointments/games/trips etc so you're able to not only have that schedule, but to prevent being rushed or behind on deadlines! To-do lists and planners are my life. I cannot go a day without checking something off, or adding to it. *In real life I'm an event coordinator, specializing in weddings, so OCD planning is like, MY THING! I live by them, and will preach them. Make that list.. plan it out.. and if success doesn't come after that.. well then at least you don't lose your sanity while trying :P

8.) SET TIMERS

This is crucial in staying productive and not burning out! In order to get everything done that you need to do in the day, set a timer and MOVE ON. It's easy to get "stuck" on one project and start to neglect the others and that will lead to falling behind on your goals! Not to mention if you spend an absurd amount of time on something, what makes you think you'll be excited to do more of that next time?! We cant have that ladies!!! Set the timer, and move on - say it again - set the timer, and move on!!!! 

9.) SELF CARE

Eat and sleep right, and move your body. YES. This is very cliche!! But there is a reason it is said over and over again... it works!! You need your body to get you through the work day WITHOUT the excessive amounts of coffee, and still have the energy for your family. Meal prep your favorite healthy foods and snacks, set a timer for down time and schedule nightly and morning routines at the appropriate times, and get movin' and groovin! No need for intense workouts if thats not your thing, go for a walk/get some fresh air! Anything that will get you out of your chair and your juices flowin'!  

10.) TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR FREEDOM

What is your why? Why are you choosing to work from home? Is it to be able to spend more time with family? Is it to be able to get more done around the house? Is it because there is no commute or traffic holding you back from stopping at the gym before going home to cook dinner? Is it to be your own boss and make your own hours? Is it to have the freedom to travel more? What is your why? Whatever it may be, take advantage of that. To the fullest. If your why is because you want to spend more time with family - schedule that in. Is it because you want to do more around the house? Schedule small breaks to pop the laundry in/out, or start the crockpot. Is it so you're able to travel more? Schedule that in! YES it is important to work and get things done, but you cannot lose sight of your WHY. What wold be the point to choose to work from home to spend more time with your family, if you're constantly on your phone or computer working? Schedule schedule schedule, plan plan plan, LIVE LIVE LIVE!

I cannot thank you all enough for just being here, let alone reading our content we create for you each week! I hope this post was able to help you get motivated, create a schedule and routine, and be more productive while kicking a$$ working from home!

XOXO - B 

"A journey well shared is a journey well enjoyed"