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.

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Austin Holiday Bucket List

So, you’re staying in town this holiday season? Great! We are too. Honestly, in the past year, I think I’ve taken more flights than ever before. Last year at this time, I was in India for work. So, I’m really looking forward to a cozy (read: lazy) Christmas in our new home.  My parents are going to join us in Austin for Christmas, and I’m really looking forward to having them here.

However, we can’t sit in the house for a whole week. So, I decided to curate a list of things to do while they are here, and maybe they’ll be helpful for you nd your family & friends too.   

• Trail of Lights

  • Now until December 23rd, Zilker Park transforms into a sea of magical Christmas lights. If you prefer less crowds, I’d suggest going through the week. There are still a few days left that offer FREE general admission. 

• Mozart’s

  • Now until January 5, 2020 - Mozart’s Coffee Roasters puts on a spectacular light show - with over 1 million lights. Admission is free and the show runs daily from 6:00 - 11:00 pm. We’ve never done this one, so it’s at the top of our list this year. 

• Miracle Bar

  • Miracle bars pop up all over the country this time of year, and if you’re looking for something festive - this is it! Desiring cocktails that are decked in holiday cheer? Try the Snowball Old Fashioned or Run Run Rudolph! Located at The Eleanor (The Roosevelt Room) downtown. Last year we visited a Miracle bar in our hometown over the holidays, and it was a great place to hang out with friends.

• Blue Genie Art Bazaar

  • Are you still holiday shopping? I have barely started. But, this is a great place to buy gifts made by local and regional artists! It is open now through December 24th! And, I have my eye on it for stocking stuffers with an Austin twist!

• A Christmas Carol @ Zach Theatre

  • There’s just something about seeing a show at the theatre that says HOLIDAYS to me. Even though it was never an annual tradition in our household, those are some of my favorite memories I look back on. There are still seats available for many of the showings of the classic performance — A Christmas Carol.

• Flower Vault Holiday Installations 

  • Maybe you haven’t taken any family photos this year? Well, you’re in luck because Austin has the perfect Instagram (and holiday card) worthy backdrops to take photos. The installations change from time to time, but right now there are tons of great holiday backdrops. Located at The Domain - open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Ticket information is on their website.

• Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

  • Ok, so this isn’t covered in garland and lights. But, I thought this would be a fun way to get out of the house and explore. Located just south of Austin in New Braunfels, the ranch is 450-acres of protected environment for all sorts of animals. You drive through in your own vehicle and come nose-to-nose with many of them. I’m really looking forward to this - have you done it?

I snagged this last idea from my friend, Dana, and it’s something you can do no matter your location. It starts with making Christmas cookies, hot cocoa in to-go mugs and then driving around your own neighborhood
to look at all the beautiful lights.

I’m interested to know if you have any Austin holiday traditions, especially if they are ones I didn’t mention here. Let me know in the comments, and feel free to pin the graphic below to keep handy!

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