How to Create the Perfect Work From Home Environment

Coronavirus has changed the game in more ways than one, including how (and where) many of us work. For some of you, this may be the first time you have ever worked at home and the adjustment isn't always a smooth one.

Not to mention, you might have even more distractions if you have kids and/or a spouse who are quarantined at home with you. Luckily, I've worked from home for several different roles over the last couple of years and I'm sharing my favorite tips!

1. Work from home ≠ work from bed

Everyone may not have an extra room to use as an office in their apartment or home - that's okay! But try to establish a designated place as your "work zone." The only rule? It can't be your bed.

When you wake up in the morning, you need to move from your bed to your designated work space. This tells your brain that it's time to shift from rest mode to focus mode. I promise your sleep schedule (and your boss) will thank me!

2. Change your clothes

But Jasmine... one of the only perks of this quarantine is not having to get ready every day! I get it. You don't have to put on a full face of makeup or a pair of jeans, but remember what I said earlier?

You have to help your brain realize that after you wake up you're shifting from rest mode to focus mode. Even if you just change out of your sweatshirt and put on a new pair of leggings - that counts! 

3. Surround yourself with reminders

I'm a visual person, so having reminders to look at really helps my productivity. Here are some of the things I have around my desk:

• Motivational quotes: Whether it's "Stop Half-Assin' It" or your favorite Bible verse written on a sticky note... do what works for you!
• Proof: There are days that our brains tell us "I can't do this" or "This is impossible." Give yourself a visual right next to your work space that reminds you this isn't true.

Try things like... your Salesperson of the Year 2018 award, photos of you giving a keynote speech, print out an email from the client complimenting your work, etc.

• Goals: After a while, our work and personal lives all start to blend together when we're working from home. Have your work goals in a place you can see them every day to help keep you on track and hold yourself accountable!

4. Clear desk, full stomach, can't lose

For the love of God, clean off your desk already! You don't have to be Marie Kondo organized, but at a bare minimum try to stack your relevant papers together into piles and throw away/shred anything you don't need. 

P.S. I never start working without three main food groups on my desk: water, caffeine and a snack. That way you don't have to keep getting up when you finally get into a good flow. 

But for some people, getting up for snack breaks is a big help. Try it each way and see which one works best for you!