There’s such a luxury in working for yourself but on the days I’m working from home I start to go a little stir crazy by noon and the productivity just decreases thereafter. (I keep telling my guy it’s time for that dog! I need someone to talk to! Ah, Sacramento is too slow for me! I need help! I need more friends!). Some weeks I think I’ve got this whole working from home thing all figured out but last week, when the sun was shining–I couldn’t be bothered with any kind of screen / technology. But it was more than that, the isolation got to me and before I even realized why, I had spiraled myself into a low un-creative funk.
Deciding to focus solely on freelance projects and working more from home (in a smaller town) was the best decision for my guy and I although over the past 2 years it’s been quite the adjustment for me. As much as routine bores me I’ve found it’s so important to have some kind of consistency in the week–which might just mean coffee while browsing my emails at home at least 2-3 days a week. Taking projects in San Francisco, spending quality time with girlfriends, my evening glass of red wine, exercise (I’ve been into yoga these days–namaste!), lots of sunshine and music are all key to a productive week (and happy me). Here are a few of the tricks that help me stay productive when working from home–and since it’s a constant on-going, I’m-still-very-much-figuring-out-this-freelance-life situation, I’d love to hear any of your suggestions!:
1. Wherever you work, make your space bright and pretty–surround yourself with greens and blooms! Clean and de-clutter! These pretty pink ranunculus were leftovers from a brunch I hosted last weekend (and this is only half of them–I have the rest sprinkled all around!). They were such a mood lifter.
2. Solo dance parties. Another instant mood lifter. This is definitely something I never had the luxury to do when working a corporate 9-to-5 (such a bummer!). I’ll take mini breaks when my favorite songs come on–giving me an excuse to step away from the computer and burn some of my caffeine-high off. Vance Joy, James Bay, Hozier and Lorde Pandora stations are all my favorites for chill working tunes. Any others I should add to my list? I have music playing 24/7 around our place, and especially when I’m in the shower.
3. Eat lunch outside. I’ve been forcing myself to sit quietly while eating rather than at the computer or reading the newspaper. Our little unkept backyard makes me so happy, and I especially love the hint of pink in this corner. Very excited for warmer spring days!
4. That bright afternoon light! Another instant mood lifter… making me giddy for the first spring in our house. I’ve been switching up where I work from (like this sunny window seat) and not sticking to my desk all day if I don’t have to.
5. I laugh at my girlfriends who are easily distracted and tempted to clean when working from home–I wish that was my problem, at least it’s productive! I find instead, I’m distracted and just plain unproductive. So to keep myself on task and focused, I time myself. I give myself deadlines and certain times for checking emails. (Disclaimer:–I’m not great at this but when I check my email only couple times a day as opposed to sitting with my inbox open all day I’m 100 times more productive.) I’m also guilty of checking my email on my phone and forgetting to respond which only leads to stress and missed projects. Another new trick which has been helping me so much!–stop creating super long to-do lists. Instead I now prioritize 2-3 high priority items for the day and schedule them on my calendar. This way if they’re in my cal I’ve allotted time and will be sure to get them done.
6. Cancel as many meetings as possible. If you’re freelance you end up packing in more coffee dates than necessary. I found that I was running around town and driving back and forth from San Francisco without anything really to show. Cutting out the unnecessary and switching as many coffee and lunch dates to phone calls or emails cuts down on everyone’s time. And thus you can enjoy that sunshine!
7. Lastly, rewarding myself with a walk outside or yoga class once I’ve finished a deadline or have gotten through those high priority items on my check-list is key.