Tips For Staying Sane While Working From Home

staying sane while working from home staying sane while working from home staying sane while working from home staying sane while working from home staying sane while working from home staying sane while working from home Working from home has it’s advantages and it’s disadvantages, like everything else. I’ve been working from home for over 4 years now, so I feel like I’ve finally found a method to the madness. Some days it’s easy, and some days it’s really hard. The hardest days are the days when Noah decides to not take a nap. Luckily those days don’t come often, and he tends to sleep for 2-3 hours when he does nap.

On days when I strictly work from home I’ve found the following are really helpful:

  1. MAKE A TO-DO LIST THE NIGHT BEFORE– This is beneficial even if you don’t work from home, but I find it really beneficial for me lately. I have so many things to get done lately that when I wake up in the morning it’s nice to have a clean list written out so I know exactly where to start. I like to keep this list on Evernote on my computer. It’s such a helpful app when it comes to making lists!
  2. SET UP A WORK SPACE– This doesn’t have to be a full-on office. If you do have space for an office you should definetly set one up, but if you don’t try to create a little space that you consider your office at home. Even if it’s just a tiny area, it will still help you focus when you go to that area. Sometimes I can be really productive working from the counter in my kitchen or on my couch, but I find that I’m most productive when I’m working in my office, so I’ve been forcing myself to work in there more often. During the day when Noah is awake I usually have to work from the main living area in our home so that I can play with him while I knock out some emails at the same time. When he is napping or is down for the night, I work in my office where I can really focus.
  3. TRY NOT TO WORK IN THE EVENINGS EVERYDAY- This one can be hard for me, because I’m so often working on the evenings during the week lately. On Monday this week I was just so exhausted. I had been sick for a week straight, and was getting no sleep at night because I was constantly blowing my nose or couldn’t breathe through my nose (dang flu!) I decided that I was going to stop working at 5 pm, and the evening was glorious. I didn’t check my phone once. I ended up going to bed early, reading, and falling asleep really easily. I may have to make this more of a thing, and shoot for a goal of 3 evenings of no work every week (if possible!)
  4. SCHEDULE DAYS TO WORK OUT OF THE HOUSE- Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you have to be at home everyday. On Wednesdays my sister watches Noah so Dylan and I are both out of the house doing photo shoots, going to meetings, and working from coffee shops. On Tuesdays and Thursdays Dylan stays home with Noah so I can go run errands, have meetings or work from coffee shops if needed. Having the extra flexibility is nice because it means I’m not stuck in the house everyday unless I want to be. I’m always so happy to come home to Noah even if I’m only gone for a few hours. It’s really refreshing because I can get a lot done, and I come home an even better mom.
  5. GET DRESSED- This last one is a bit of a no brainer; sitting around in your underwear doesn’t feel productive, ha. Honestly for me all I really need to do is shower, and put on something comfy. As long as I’m out of my pajamas we are in the productivity zone. I really like to work in yoga pants and a comfy top.

 

SHOP THE POST:

sweater// white jeans // open toed booties // sunnies // bag (sold out in this color, but linked another color)

Have anymore tips for working from home? Feel free to share them with me in the comments. I could always use a little help in this area! Thanks so much for reaching today you guys!

XO,

Lee Anne

27 Comments

  1. Jamie Beckham on January 18, 2017 at 9:06 am

    Totally needed this post!

    I don’t 100% work from home just yet, but Monday’s are my work from home days and sometimes I can find myself going a bit stir crazy!

    Love the tip on getting dressed. I totally tend to stay in lounge wear on my work from home days.

    xx, Jamie
    theblonderlife.com

  2. Anna English on January 18, 2017 at 9:34 am

    Such great tips babe! I need to work on #5! ha!

  3. Teylor Schiefelbein on January 18, 2017 at 10:59 am

    I follow @Marggiegentry_ on Instagram and she posted about working in “90 minute sprints” that I’ve found to be helpful. After that period I’ll go get a snack, or make coffee or run a quick errand – basically a short break that allows me to take a step back and then dive back in.

    • Lee Anne on January 18, 2017 at 6:56 pm

      That is such a smart idea!! I’m so much more productive in small time frames like that!

  4. Liz on January 18, 2017 at 11:12 am

    These are such great tips! For me, I definitely need to work on time management. It seems like I’m working non stop and have a never ending to do list. I also need to set aside time in the evenings to Znit work lol! And I find myself too busy to get dressed somedays, but it’s something I’ve been wanting to make a priority.

    Liz
    http://Www.lizzieinlace.com

    • Liz on January 18, 2017 at 11:13 am

      *not lol! Not znit haha!

  5. Erin on January 18, 2017 at 11:24 am

    Great tips! I love working from home, but I do make a point to get out of the house a few times each week so I can still have adult conversations and interact with others. 🙂
    erin | sandsunandmessyuns.com

  6. Sierra on January 18, 2017 at 11:35 am

    I love this! I started working from home in August, when I moved to Austin and it’s been a journey figuring out how to stay motivated! I love your tips, especially writing down your to do list! I like to write down my goals at the start of every day so that I can stay focused throughout the day and know that at the very least, I want to get A B and C accomplished.
    It also helps for me to set aside a “power hour” where I shut off my phone, don’t check emails, don’t check social media etc.

    I definitely agree though, getting out of the house is important! Thanks for your post 🙂

    • Lee Anne on January 18, 2017 at 6:55 pm

      I need to implement power hour, such a good idea!!

  7. Melissa on January 18, 2017 at 1:11 pm

    Loved these tips…staying organized is the key!!! Gorgeous photos too!

  8. JeeYoung on January 18, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    Totally agree with your list! I just finished off my den office space and now I get so excited to work every morning, instead of just lounging on the couch or setting up shop at the kitchen table! 🙂

  9. Lauren on January 18, 2017 at 2:22 pm

    planning my day the night before makes a huge difference for me. It makes me plan the day out more effectively. 🙂

  10. Bella on January 18, 2017 at 2:43 pm

    These are really great tips, I find it hard to stay focused while working from home because there is always something else to be done. Its something I really need to work on.

  11. Laura @ Walking in Memphis in High Heels on January 18, 2017 at 3:19 pm

    These are such a great tips. I think I’m getting out of the house every once in a while is so good for productivity!

  12. Stephanie on January 18, 2017 at 5:06 pm

    I’ve been looking forward to reading this post all afternoon! I totally love your tips, girlfriend! For real, it’s so important to have your own work “space” and to get out to work more often. Currently I’m sitting in my very favorite coffee shop doing work, and I’ve already gotten way more done being here than I typically would at home – no distractions! Also, getting dressed is a great tip haha. It’s easier to be lazy if you stay in lazy day clothing – though I sometimes fudge it and wear yoga pants with cute tops since they’re comfier 😉

    Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com

    • Lee Anne on January 18, 2017 at 6:55 pm

      Yes!! We are totally on the same page! Glad you got out to your favorite coffee shop 🙂 xoxo

  13. courtney on January 18, 2017 at 9:13 pm

    So many great tips and such a cute outfit!

    La Belle Sirene 

  14. Krysten on January 18, 2017 at 10:56 pm

    The working in the evenings one is hard for me because it is one of the only times that I can work. I stay at home and work and also watch my son all day. So I basically get before he wakes up, when he’s taking a nap, and when he goes to sleep to work. But I’ll start working on it!

  15. Anna Cobbs on January 18, 2017 at 11:06 pm

    These were great tips! I feel like the days I’m home I feel crazy and am often so unproductive!

  16. Jessica Sheppard on January 18, 2017 at 11:07 pm

    I always make a to-do list the night before…helps me clear my mind before I sleep! Also, I need that bag in my life. The end.

  17. Jenny on January 18, 2017 at 11:26 pm

    I’ve only been working at home for a few weeks but I’m going to need to start going to a coffee shop or something for a change of scenery haha.

  18. Alexandra Mucenieks on January 19, 2017 at 1:35 am

    Amazing outfit and great tips.

  19. Leah Goldglantz on January 19, 2017 at 5:51 am

    I work from home as well (full time blogger + full time mom/wife). It’s definitely difficult finding balance, but reading this helped! I definitely take advantage of my daughter’s nap time aka ‘nap time hustle’

  20. Stephanie on January 19, 2017 at 9:21 am

    Loved reading these tips! Adore your cold shoulder top!

    xo, Steph
    http://www.UrbanBlonde.com

  21. Lexi on January 19, 2017 at 9:22 am

    I work from home too, and these are all such great reminders. It definitely helps me to change the scenery and work from somewhere else some days. <3

  22. Liz on January 20, 2017 at 8:58 am

    I used to work from home on a pretty regular basis. I couldn’t agree more with the advice to get dressed. It makes a huge difference to your approach to the day.

  23. Stephanie // A SPARKLE FACTOR on January 20, 2017 at 1:38 pm

    Yes girl, these tips are everything! You really do need structure to keep yourself sane! BTW– love this look so much! The black and white, so sleek, those booties are adorbs and I’m loooving that cold shoulder sweater!

Leave a Comment





SUBSCRIBE

Get on my mailing list!

Every post straight to your inbox.