Working Remotely.

When I think back to a year ago, I find myself amazed at how abruptly life can change with such little notice. We had no idea that this virus we were beginning to hear about would soon take the world by storm and change almost every aspect of our daily life. Today, I am thankful to see the faithfulness of God through it all – the hard, the changes, and the unexpected blessings that came out of it.

One major change that the pandemic brought for many people was the shift to working from home. While we may all have a variety of opinions on the matter, I would love to share some tips and tricks I have discovered that make your “work from home” experience the best it can be, if you are still in this situation!

• Choose your home office carefully. This is definitely the most important part of working from home! You will use your time much more productively if you designate one specific space in your home as your “office.” Make sure you choose a place with minimal traffic throughout the day with less exposure to household noises, to help keep distractions at a minimum.
• Consider your lighting. Lighting in a room is one thing that is often overlooked, but I have found that it subtly affects your mood and home atmosphere. Natural lighting is the best way to go, if possible. Working near a window can help keep you focused and lift your spirits throughout the day. You may want to consider getting a lamp for your desk as well.
• Use a chair you love. You will be spending a lot of time sitting in your chair, so make sure it is comfortable! You can go the traditional desk chair route if you’d like (there are lots of great options!) or use a chair you already have and add a throw blanket or a small pillow for extra support and comfort! 
• Declutter. Our brains reflect our environment. If we are working on a desk that has pens and pencils scattered and disorganized papers laying around, we will probably struggle to focus and think clearly as well. Now that your office is only steps away from your living room, bedroom, and kitchen, clutter in those areas may affect your focus too.
• Accessorize intentionally. Although it’s good to keep your workspace simple, it’s a great idea to thoughtfully choose a few accessories to complement your space – maybe a candle in a scent that you love to keep you cozy as you work, or a plant to bring some energy to the space and spark some creativity.

Ultimately, effectively working from home will take on a different form for each person. The goal is to create a home office that best suits your needs personally. Give yourself some grace as you figure this out, as some trial and error is necessary as you figure out a space that can help you thrive as you work from home! I also have had many clients who have spent so much time in their homes in the past year, that they have been itching to “unlock new doors” elsewhere. If this is you, or if you have any other questions for me, please give me a call at 309.229.8831.