Being Productive at Home

A few months ago, I started working at Anthropologie as a stylist in their bridal department. I absolutely love my job and getting to meet new ladies who are getting married every time I am there. However, I only work 3-4 days a week, which is actually perfect because as some of you know I have a couple of side gigs I have been working on. I run a direct sales business with Beautycounter, and this little website here! Not to mention hobbies I like to indulge in on my "off" days. Hobbies such as food developing and food writing (there are SO many recipes I just forget or don't have time to post, that's ok, we don't always have to show each other everything!!), reading, and photography.

Another main reason I love being at home is because I love working on, investing in and just being in our little apartment. One of my main priorities in life is to make our home a restful place for Tim and myself. I personally like things really clean and organized and when the home get out of hand, I find that it keeps both of us from being productive. I am so grateful for days to spend time at home, working in my home and making it a haven for Tim to come home to.

The other day I was thinking about some of you, some of the girls I personally know who are working on a business at home or stay home with their kids or who maybe have a similar schedule to mine. I thought it would be fun to share some tips I have to stay motivated, on task and organized during my days here. This is what I do, and I always love hearing more advice so please do share!

My tips for working at home:

Make a list the night before
1. I find that one of the most helpful things for me is to make a list of tasks or goals for my day. However, sometimes I go to bed at night with all these "to-dos" in my head and when I wake up in the morning, they are not as fresh anymore. I decided a long time ago to start making my list for my day, the night before I have a day off. It also helps clear my thoughts before bed because I am an over-thinker and sometimes it is hard to shut my brain off and go to sleep.
Start the day reading
1. Nothing helps me focus my mind more in the morning than sitting down with a cup of coffee and reading the Bible or a devotional book. Just focusing my mind on something and someone other than myself makes for a super intentional day. If you are looking for an amazing devotional that really challenges your thinking, I definitely recommend "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. I have loved this one for years and made it my new years resolution to read it every day this year! Its incredible.

Setting a time to exercise
1. Whether it is doing 10 push-ups a day, going on a walk, or doing a full fledged workout, exercise is so essential for our bodies. I know everyone already knows this, but I definitely make this a priority on my days off. Lately, I have been loving going on walks in the morning around our neighborhood. During the winter time I hate to miss my 7:00 am yoga class at our gym. Another workout I do on days off are the BBG program by Kayla Itsines, her workouts are short (28 minutes + 4 rest minutes), you get results in a couple of weeks and feel really strong!
Deep clean at least one room in the house every day off
1. This way, no room goes neglected for too long. I like to rotate and fully clean at least one room in the house on each day that I have off and then if I cannot get to every room, I tidy the others to maintain. I am always blown away by how dusty and dirty wood floors and furniture gets! I also kind of re-decorate the room I'm deep cleaning and throw trash away, that room always feels so fresh and so clean!

A few more things I keep in mind throughout the day...

Drink a large glass of water and warm lemon water first thing in the morning
Stay off phone (as in Instagram and emails mostly) from 8am-8pm. (I am not perfect at this but it is always the goal)
Make a beautiful breakfast or lunch

I hope some of the tips are helpful to you and also remind you of the value of taking care of the place we spend the most of our time!!

XO Kait