The Art of Working from Home
Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out.
I love the stability and peace I’ve found in my new life working from home. As an introvert, I welcomed this new work-from-home lifestyle. But now, 20 months in, I’m finding that I miss connecting with others and working with a team. And I wonder how to bring the benefits of working from home into my life so that I’m thriving as a creative, community-minded woman.
How has it been for you? Here are things I’ve found that work to help me stay balanced and productive.
1. Prioritizing myself
When I start my day by taking care of myself (after getting my daughter to school), I’m more efficient with my work day. So, I’m generous with myself during my “me routine.” I like to start off with:
-Walking meditation in nature, art making/journaling or yoga
-Hot breakfast
-Leisurely shower
2. Creativity breaks
By creating everyday, through art making or writing, I stay connected with my inner creative. This part of me has so much to share with the world. And by honoring it, I feel connected to myself and my reason for being. I can help you connect to your creativity through 1:1 creativity coaching, art boxes for all ages, create with me videos.
3. Energizing my workspace
I love my workspace! It’s a little atrium overlooking a beautiful view of the tree tops, Puget Sound and our small town. It’s a place where I can dream and feel connected with the natural world. I adorn my art table with things I love like plants, orca art and positive affirmations. I love it so much that it rarely gets cluttered, and I keep the energy positive and inspiring.
4. Staying on task
Since I’ve started each morning, with my “me routine,” I’m usually ready to get to work and I stay on task. If I’m feeling distracted, I work in short bits of 40 minutes, then stand up and stretch. Sometimes I work at my counter top so I can stand while I’m working. I also stay organized by prioritizing my tasks and checking things off as I go. Trello, a digital organizer, really helps me keep track of multiple projects.
5. Celebrating progress
Once I finish a group of tasks on my list, I get up and do something. A quick dance to Cupid Shuffle (it works), a walk around the block, a visit to my garden, or make a cup of coffee/tea. After this celebration, I’m ready to get to the next project.
6. Making weekends stand out
I really try to make weekends different than the work-from-home week. This can be hard to do, since my workspace is always right there luring me in. But my daughter and I make lists of new places we want to go each weekend. This helps us enjoy family time together while having new experiences. When we’re out doing things in nature, we’re connecting and enjoying time together.
