Five Tips on Working From Home

Maybe you’re new to this “working from home” thing, or maybe you’re well-skilled in it. While working from home can pose lots of perks, there are definitely challenges that can arise if you don’t set yourself up for success.

The company that employs me is designed to work wonderfully for remote employees because the company is based in India. So, I’ve worked from home on and off for roughly five years now. However, I know this isn’t everyone’s case or experience. I hope my tips will help you have some peace and clarity through this time and beyond. 

Now, let’s get into my top tips in being productive while working from home:

1. Make a routine.

2. Get dressed.

3. Set the stage.

4. Make to-do lists.

5. Move around.

MAKE A ROUTINE

It’s easy to roll out of bed, and immediately start checking your emails (perhaps you do this anyway). But, go make a cup of coffee or tea. Layout your day. Time batching can really help. Set time for breakfast and lunch - even if it means adding a reminder to your calendar. It’s easy to have the day slip away from you when you’re not in your normal work environment. Keeping a routine keeps the chaos at bay, and ensures you are addressing all your daily responsibilities.

GET DRESSED

I will admit it’s very easy to be tempted to stay in pajamas all day. But, I’ve discovered that actually getting dressed - even if it’s not your normal professional attire - does make a difference in my energy level and overall mood. It definitely tells my brain - it’s time to be productive. Pajamas tell my brain - relax, unwind, close your eyes, or binge watch 153 episodes of Gilmore Girls. At least the act of changing into something else signals my brain for the start of something new — a transition into work time! 

SET THE STAGE

Maybe you are fortunate enough to have an office in your home. But, for many people, I realize that might not be the case. A dining room or coffee table will do. We are fortunate to have an office, so Kyle is using that while I’m downstairs at the dining room table. Basically, it’s important to have a dedicated work space. Having what you need at arm’s reach is key to keeping you focused and in your work. Put on some good music that will up your productivity - for me that’s Jazz, Bossa nova, or acoustic covers. Sometimes I even listen to nature soundtracks - especially thunderstorms. And, I’m always down for a podcast - especially when I’m doing menial tasks. Read about some of my favorite podcasts here. Make sure you have some water, pens, a notepad...you know, all the things you need to get the job done. 

MAKE TO-DO LISTS

This is something that I live by - no matter where my “office” is for the day. I get big satisfaction checking things off a list. It helps me stay on task when I can visualize the items I need to get done. Maybe you want to break up your day by deadline - morning / afternoon deliverables. Or, perhaps it makes more sense to answer all emails within a certain time window and then, focus on larger tasks like creating presentations, assigning project tasks, etc. There’s really no right answer here. You’ll have to see what works best for you. But, writing down a game plan first can be helpful!

MOVE AROUND

Ok, I’m just going to tell you straight, it’s very easy to turn into a couch potato when working from home. If there was ever a time to make sure you’re reaching your step goal, it’s when you work from home. My watch sends me reminders 10 minutes before the hour to ensure I get all my steps in. Do yourself a favor and don’t ignore it. Take a walk with you dog. Your dog will enjoy it, and it’s good to get fresh air and sunshine. Maybe a living room dance party with your significant other or roommates. Here’s a good playlist to kick it off.

Personally, I’ve just started the 21 Days to Toned on FabFitFun TV (found on their website if you’re a member). However, even if you don’t have access to this content, there are plenty of free videos on YouTube. The point is,… you need to move! You’re not as likely to move as much because you’re not walking to and from conference rooms, the coffee shop, or the work cafeteria. So, the more you move the better you’ll feel, and the more productive you’ll be!

do you have any other tips? If so, tell me in the comments.

---

Keeping Your Jewelry Safe + Clean

You may not know, but I worked in fine jewelry sales in college. My cousin, Melinda Sanders, and her husband, Rick Sanders, own Sanders Jewelers in Gainesville, Florida. It was a fascinating experience, and a job that I truly loved going to each day. I mean what girl doesn’t love getting to wear all the diamonds and sparkly things as part of her office uniform. Yes! I could wear whatever I wanted in the store on my shift. So fun! Not to mention, it’s where my engagement ring was made.

Cleaning your jewelry and getting inspected was something we took very seriously at the store, and we made it a point to educate every customer that walked in the door. Why? Jewelry gets more wear and tear than you might expect. Not only do things look less sparkly over time, but the integrity of the piece can deteriorate without proper care too. 

I can’t count on my hands how many times customers would almost brag on certain pieces
of jewelry that they “never take off”.
Friends, this is nothing to brag about!

Here are some jewelry rules to live by:

• Get your jewelry (especially rings) inspected every six months. 

  • It’s possible to knock your ring too hard on something and bend prongs and loosen stones. Diamonds are especially tricky when they get loose because they are so tough. They can actually “cut” their way out of a setting if they have the ability to move around - even if it’s only a tiny bit.

• Do not workout in your jewelry.

  • See above! It’s so easy to bang and snag your rings, bracelets, and necklaces on equipment. Metal and gemstones are only so strong. They aren’t meant to be worn in the gym. There are so many great silicone band options if you feel like you need to have something on your hand while you’re hitting the weights. My personal favorite is by enso.

• Do not sleep in your jewelry. Take it off before you go to sleep. 

  • Necklaces are especially susceptible to wear and tear if you’re sleeping in them. The links rub together and wear down more quickly over time. This makes you more likely to lose a necklace or charm that you cherish. 

• Do not swim in your jewelry. 

  • Weird things can happen - even if something is made of a precious metal like silver, gold, platinum, rhodium, etc. It’s never a good idea to introduce your jewelry to chlorine. I’ve seen gold turn milky and lose it’s shine.

  • Pearls should never be submerged in water and are considered much lower on the hardness scale. 

• Jewelry should be the last step of your “getting ready” routine.

  • Why? A lot of people end with perfume/cologne, and topping your jewelry with chemicals can cause them to tarnish or become damaged. 

Here are some jewelry cleaning options - and just note: the best is just taking a trip to your jeweler because they have a professional ultrasonic cleaner and steamer - which hands down is the most sparkly option! 

For your diamonds - Mix warm water (not boiling) with a few drops of dish soap. Brush with an old soft-bristle toothbrush. Yes, it’s that simple, and this is the safest method unless you’re taking it to your jeweler. Using baking soda or vinegar can be abrasive and acidic to the metal and stones. You definitely wouldn’t want to use that on anything porous, plated or soft. 

For your sterling silver - I spoke to my bestie, Miriam, owner of Diamond Leaf Jewelers and brain behind my engagement ring. And, she suggested using a cleaning cloth specifically for sterling silver. I don’t use any sort of polish or liquid cleaners. Just a little elbow grease, and with one of these cloths, any tarnish should wipe right off! She recommended the brand called Haggerty’s - which you can snag off Amazon.

Hope you found this helpful, and that it helps keep your jewelry sparkly and safe!