Working From Home Productivity Tips

This post is sponsored by UpBra. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The Blonder Life running! 

Hi friends! Today’s blog post is for all my working from home ladies! Or just maybe you’re curious about my morning routine as someone who works from home! I have been working from home for a little less than a year now, technically. While I am looking for a job I have been running my blog and online clothing boutique full time! Whether you work for yourself, or you are doing your job remotely working from home can come with some obstacles.

When I first started running my businesses full time I was waking up without an alarm, and kind of just doing whatever throughout the day! I am the epitome of someone who is Type A – so I really thrive on a schedule. But, in the beginning, I was really trying to live it up (haha) and kind of gave myself a break! So I didn’t have a schedule or anything in place. That was my first mistake. Working from home is so great, and definitely can make you a happier person! But with all of the freedom comes some challenges!

Once I realized I wasn’t being as productive as I wanted, I changed my mindset and set up a schedule. I wanted to share some tips for all my remote workers, and give you a little insight on my routine!

Make a to-do list every morning.

So this will definitely vary with each job. If you have a typical corporate job that you’re able to work remotely, you might have a set schedule and not need a to-do list. But, if you’re working for yourself your day to day can vary throughout the week. Every morning while I’m drinking my coffee I make a to-do list for that day! And on Monday’s I make sure to add important tasks into my calendar so I don’t forget anything.

Get dressed.

The most important thing for me to keep a regular routine is to still get ready as if I was going into an actual office everyday. I used to stay in my Pj’s for the majority of my day, or I would just throw on a T-shirt and Nike shorts. But, once I started actually getting ready and doing my hair and makeup and whole routine I really noticed a difference in my productivity! Something about being in real clothes and just being ready for the day makes you feel ready to tackle the day!

That’s where UpBra comes into play.

For the past month, I have been wearing the UpBra Convertible Bra. Being a convertible style, I am able to wear it with anything! And it has grown to become one of my favorite strapless bra’s that I own! Finding a good strapless bra is impossible, so I was so happy to find this one from UpBra! And bonus, that it has straps so I am able to wear it with almost anything. If you’ve been a reader for a while you know that this summer I partnered with UpBra to introduce their swim line to The Blonder Life readers. You can read that post HERE! As I mentioned in that post, UpBra is known for their activelift technology. If you are looking for a push-up bra of all push-up bra’s I 100% recommend checking out UpBra. You will not be disappointed. And if you are someone who is just in need of a good convertible bra, but maybe doesn’t want (or need) the extra lift you are able to control the amount of cleavage. This bra is really the first of it’s kind. It’s actually genius!

Like I mentioned above I used to just simply throw on a sports bra, old college tee, Nike shorts and call it a day! But now I actually get completely ready! Real bra and the whole shabang!

Have a dedicated space to work

This is key for any working from home situation. There are already so many temptations around you, including a couch so it’s vital to have a real office space. Including cute touches makes it more inviting, and you’ll actually want to go to your desk each morning! Also, change it up sometimes! Whether it’s going to a coffee shop, or even just your kitchen table it can be nice to give yourself a change of scenery.

Get some fresh air

Every day I make it a point to get outside. Most days this looks like me taking Quinn on a walk, but if I’m not feeling like it or can’t take the time away I’ll bring my laptop outside and work from the patio! Being cooped up all day alone isn’t good, so get outside.

Give yourself grace

The beauty of working from home is that you are in charge of your own schedule! You’re the boss, and whatever you say goes! Sometimes the distractions will get to you… and you shouldn’t be too tough on yourself! I will feel so guilty if I spend 15 minutes watching a YouTube video instead of answering emails. Give yourself grace! Sometimes you just need a break!

Make lunch/ coffee plans every week

The one downfall to working from home is just how much time you spend alone. Working an office job allows you to be social! Even if you aren’t just chatting away with your coworkers you’re still around people all day, and most likely talk with someone on your lunch break. Make it a point to schedule a lunch or coffee date every week! This could be tough if all of your friends work normal 9-5 jobs, but I bet you could find someone! Even if it’s just traveling to a friends office during their lunch break (I do this all the time!) find someone!

Know when to clock out.

This is something that I’m still working on, and honestly will probably never be able to do. Just being honest. But, try to stick to a schedule and “clock out” when it hits a set time. This is tough for me because as a store owner and blogger social media is a big part of my business. So, even when it hits 5 PM I still have to be active on social media and checking emails! But I do make it a point that once it hits around 5 or 6 pm I only work in the form of being on social media! I won’t do anything store or blog related on my computer, or at my desk.

Thank you again to UpBra for sponsoring this post, and working with me again!