How to Work from Home like a Pro

By Sonia Wilkinson

​Yes working from home has its benefits .. staying in your pyjamas all day, avoiding the morning rush of traffic and chaos, getting to share your office space with your bestie, I mean dog. But the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.  Staying at home comes with its own myriad of challenges.  You may feel unmotivated, socially isolated or unsupported in your career.  Unless you have your own personal cheer squad, it can feel lonely meeting your targets without having anyone to share your wins with.  You only have to answer to yourself and it’s not like you have a team in the loungeroom ready to help you brainstorm for your next big idea. 💡
 
 But for me, the pros by far out way the cons.  Having the luxury to create my own schedule, take lunchbreaks on the beach and practice Yoga any time of the day is immeasurable.  Not saying I haven’t had my own set of challenges.  After spending almost my whole working career in an office or clinic, it’s taken practice, experience and a strict routine to get where I’m at today .. and to be honest,  I’m still learning.
 
So if you’ve been talking to the plants, scrolling endlessly through Instagram or tearing up at your desk, here are my top tips on how you can make your work from home life greener than the other side.  ✨
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1.    Set your alarm and get up early 
You may not need to start work at a certain time but trust me, sleeping in does not equal a productive day.  Setting an alarm and giving yourself a start time helps to make sure you go to bed at a decent hour and allows for routine.  I set my alarm for 7am, shower, eat breakfast, meditate on my intentions for the day then aim to be at my desk by 8:30am with an oh so yummy Chai by my side. ⏰

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2.    Write a to do list 
If you’re freelancing for multiple businesses or working on many projects at a time, it can get pretty overwhelming trying to remember all the things you have to do in that day.  My advice is to buy a pretty notepad or ten, preferably recycled, and write down all the tasks you need to complete in that day.  I also recommend writing down your goals for the week on a Monday morning and ticking them off as you go. Not only does this help you to get organised, but accomplishing tasks may help you to release the ‘happy hormone’ dopamine. 📝


​3.   Keep calm and have a breakI
I know you have lots to do and potentially not enough time to do it, but you need to have a break.  Even if it’s just for ten minutes.  Drink water, make a turmeric tea, nourish your body with a healthy snack or why not go for a walk and get some fresh air. You are not an indoor plant.  Sitting for long periods of time is harmful for your health and it’s very important you get up and move that body gal!  👯‍♀️​

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4.    Schedule time to be social 
Did you know one in four Australians are lonely? Working from home can be a lonely existence.  As humans, social interaction is vital for our physical and mental wellbeing.   Make sure you schedule time throughout the week to be social.  Have lunch with a friend, book in coffee dates with clients, or why not sign up for a local meet-up group .. from Yoga to networking there are plenty to choose from.  Find  your local meet-up here. 💬

5.    Spread your wings 
You’re not a tree, you have legs and I’m guessing you also have a laptop.  Working from home doesn’t mean you’re necessarily refined to your desk.  If you’re looking for more social interaction why not take your laptop to the local café, library or a co-working space such as the Karma Collab Hub.  Not only will this get you out of the house, but you never know who you might meet .. a new client, an inspirational Entrepreneur or perhaps a hot Barista.  The opportunities are endless. 🧚🏽‍♀️  ​

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6.    Celebrate your wins 
At the end of the week make sure you give yourself a pat on the shoulder for all the amazing things you’ve achieved.  You may feel like you haven’t done enough, that you weren’t good enough or you may think you failed, but trust me you are doing a great job!  Celebrate your end of the working week by writing down a list of your wins.  They don’t’ have to be award winning, it might simply be that you got a great review, had an article published or you managed to work the 30 hours you’d committed to. Remember to always be kind to yourself and remember you’re doing the best you can. 🎉 💜

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If you found these tips helpful or you have some other ideas you'd like to share please post your comments 'to the left to the left, everything you write in the box to the left'.  I’d love to hear your feedback! xoxo