I will be the first to say that working from home can be MUCH less glamorous than most may think. I have worked remotely for the past 5+ years, and just until recently, most people assume that a WFH lifestyle is SO amazing. And mind you, it most definitely has its perks. Since quarantine started for most of us, more and more people are not only getting to enjoy the flexabilities that come with this change, but also the struggles. Some of us work better with less structure and some of us tend to spiral into unorganized, anxious, stressful, unhealthy habits that bleed into all aspects of life. Whether that be spending time you should be working doing other things like cleaning that house you get to stare at all day, exercising, visiting with family, etc, if you’re like me, they can be very distracting! But IT IS OKAY. You CAN take these breaks to do these things, it’s, as they all say, all about balance. Here’s how I have managed to make this lifestyle into a successful career, and also enjoy the benefits that come with the flexibility.

**MORNING ROUTINE– I cannot stress this enough. In the very beginning, I was still living at my dad’s, I was only 23, and sleeping until 9am was a norm. Obviously, this was not going to cut it. Having a morning routine… that can and will vary within reason… is something that can make or break you. Get up. Wash your face, brush your teeth, answer those lingering emails before you’re supposed to start working that way when you are enjoying your coffee, you’ve already begun your work day. The littlest things seem to help me have a positive mindset. Making my bed, putting on a spontaneous video call appropriate top, they just make me feel most prepared. And it does not happen EVERY day, but my goal is “most” days.

**Forgive yourself – you are going to have days where you do not work as much as you’d have liked. You don’t need to apologize to anyone, your superiors have those days too. Just put the bad day behind you and don’t let it ruin tomorrow. For me,  that’s where the spiraling seems to happen.

**Plan – This is something I continue to struggle with! Some years I am great with this, other years, I am not. I have found, as most people who keep a planner with tell you, that they could not survive without it. Scheduling out your time the day before is very helpful. This should include your time that is not related to work, or else you could again.. spiral… but INTO your work rather than out of it. For me, that has never been an issue haha. I WISH I had the problem of work obsession, although I know those are not easy shoes to be in either.

**Take a break and GO OUTSIDE – Give your brain a break. I sit in the same room 5 days a week and stare at things in my home and my brain just starts to fog and the anxiety sets in STRONG. It is amazing what a 30 minute walk (since I’m currently 6 months pregnant) or run or even just a drive to the gas station for a small treat does for me.

And finally…

**Perception is everything – I lead into this above when I discussed forgiving yourself for the distracted days, but perception really is everything. I think the biggest mistake I see my peers make is being their own worst enemy. Scheduling a meeting with a superior to discuss your need for help in regards to motivation or struggle. In reality, upper management does not want to hear about how you are making change to stay more motivated, they just want you to be able to handle the ups and downs without engaging them and be able to FIND the motivation that is needed to get your work done.

Just do your best, and don’t let yesterday ruin tomorrow!

xo Katie