The hardest part about working full time on your blog is
working from home. At first when you tell people your working office is your
bed/ small office from home it sounds ideal. That is until the motivation drops
you haven’t seen anyone in a week and you’re constantly having naps because
your bed and dressing gown in just so comfy.
After doing this for over four years I feel like I’m a pro
at working at home. Although I still have those days where I can’t help but
binge a new Netflix series, but that’s inevitable, that’s just who I am. The
most important thing about working from home is to have a great balance.
Between working hours and time for yourself.
I’ve found that having a clear working schedule helps keep
me motivated and productive whilst after that I hardly even look at Instagram.
Here are a few tips I’ve learnt to practice over the years
to help keep me on top of everything.
Set regular working hours and days and stick to
them
Personally, I like to do a 9-6/9-5. It’s the same hours that all my
friends do so I am able to fit in with their working schedules too. It’s also a
great way to feel like you’re the same as everyone else. Holding yourself
accountable to your working hours helps you really switch off after 6pm.
Find a reason to get out the house
When I’m not
attending events or shooting new outfits, I find it a huge struggle to get out
of the house. Although my work can be carried out with a laptop anywhere I much
prefer working at home because it’s just so much more comfortable. And then
before I know it, it’s been three days since I last left the house and
interacted with the outside world. Make sure you head out at least once a day.
Whether that be to go to the local coffee shop/ pick up some milk it doesn’t
matter. I find my biggest excuse to get out of the house is to visit the post
office. There’s always something that needs to be picked up or sent out. But if
you can’t find a reason, simply go for a walk around you streets/ local park. Getting
fresh air will do you the world of good, and once you get back you’ll be able
to get straight back to work with a clear head.
Make your bed get dressed in the morning and
have a good breakfast
When I was working a normal
9-5 I always found myself in a rush. Having to get ready, have breakfast,
catch the train all to be on work on time was stressful, and I’d end up rushing
out the house without making my bed and putting on the first pieces of clothes
I could find. Now that I’m not spending hours of my day travelling, I have more
time to do these. I can have a proper breakfast, I can make my bed and I get
ready for the day ahead. I’m not suggesting you wear a suit and sit at home,
but getting out of your pyjamas is a great way to put your mind in the working
stage. Get out of super comfy clothes and put something a little more rigid on.
I tend to put on a pair of stretch jeans and a top/ jumper on and since doing
this, I have noticed that my mind-set has changed and I’m ready to work.
Although it’s so easy to stay in your pyjamas all day (I mean they’re super
comfy and warm) it’s not a great habit to keep you motivated to work.
Open a window
This one is super simple, but
effective. Open a window; get fresh air into the house and you’ll thank
yourself you did when it’s time for bed. Having fresh air circulate your home
is something that you should constantly do. Especially if you find it hard to
actually get out the house.
Take days off.
The great thing about
working from home is having the freedom to be able to do what you want when you want. This may sound really counter
intuitive considering everything I’ve listed above. But there’s such a thrill
that you can take a day off when you want. And sometimes you need it. I like to
take days off liberally, and I usually spend these days with my boyfriend,
family or friends with babies (as they are usually the only ones off of work).
I always make sure that I’ve finished anything urgent before I take these days
off and that the next day I make up for it, but it always does wonders to my
mental health. Having the chance to just say I need time off is so important.
If you find yourself struggling working at home, I hope
these tips work for you as much as they have worked for me. I’d love to hear
what you do to stay motivated and sane
working from home.