Working From Home For The First Time? Us too. Here Are Some Tips From A Very Familiar Pro:)

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the feel good flash makeover reveal (a.k.a. my favorite thing i did all year)

Us EHDers are officially working from home, until further notice. Which we are very grateful for. We know that working from home is a luxury, especially right now. But just because we can work from home doesn’t mean we know how to work from home.

I mean hello! Our comfortable beds are RIGHT THERE, the TV is just begging us to turn on our favorite mindless show, and you know the fridge probably has a magical new treat inside if we open it just One. More. Time. But as long as we get to work from home, work we must.

So in a moment of genius (and selfishness to get to talk to one of my favorite people in the world), I remembered that EHD alum Arlyn used to work from home regularly, and loved it. So I immediately shot her a text asking her to graciously give us some WFH tips. This post is for ALL of us. Let the showering of wisdom begin . . . .

photo by zeke ruelas | from: time to get organized folks…



Were there any big challenges going from an office to your home?

Truthfully, I LOVED working from home, but it was a much easier transition for me because two of my coworkers—and best friends—were transitioning to freelance work right around the same, so I had a built-in support system. I do remember a period early on where they were both out of town for several weeks and I found myself feeling a bit depressed and lonely. Right around then was the time I made a rule for myself: Leave the house to work somewhere else, anywhere else, at least 1 day a week (ideally 2). Just being around other humans is incredibly impactful to your mental health! 

Translating that for today’s situation, setting up a time for a phone date or Facetime with a friend or family member will undoubtedly help you feel more connected in a time where we need to keep our physical distance. I know it has helped me.

What did a typical day look like? Did you have a set routine that helped you focus?

YES! Routine is everything when you work from home. There were times I slept in a little, but I tried to get up early enough to “get ready,” meaning freshening up, changing OUT of my pajamas (even if it was just into other comfy clothes, but this process was crucial to me), making my coffee, making some breakfast and settling into my desk. I often ate breakfast at my desk while I was catching up on emails and frankly, that time in the morning, sipping my coffee at my desk was the best part of my day. 

I also spoke to my little brother this past weekend and since he got his degree online, I asked him for some tips. These were his go-tos:

He preferred eating a solid meal before starting his work, filling up an extra-large container of his favorite beverage (so there’s less of a reason to go back and forth to the kitchen, aka distraction), and set scheduled breaks. He was also big on sticking to his scheduled workday. Meaning you can either adhere to an “end time” or a “last task.” Arlyn agrees that this is important. The lines between working from home and being at home can easily get blurred.

photo by tessa neustadt | from: sara’s office reveal



Did you always make your bed?

Ha, no. If I lived in a studio where my desk was near my bed, yes I would have. I lived in a two-bedroom condo at the time, and my desk was set up in an open area of my living room, so my bed was never tempting me! 

I asked her this because I have heard this can really help with being productive. I also had a friend tell me one that you should always put on shoes when working from home, so you won’t be tempted to get back in bed. Now you absolutely do not have to do any of this but if you are struggling, it could help.

Did you change into “work clothes”?

Yup! Again, even if it’s just a comfy T-shirt and leggings, do it. It made me feel better, but also, and maybe this is controversial, but I think it also made Charles (my then fiance, now husband) feel better. He didn’t leave the house with me in my PJs and come home to me in my PJs, braless, disheveled. Ha! If things were flipped, I wouldn’t have liked coming home to him in PJs either. 

Did you set up a specific “office” area in your home that made you feel like you were in work mode? Or did you change locations throughout the day?

I HAD to have a proper workspace. It’s easy to just plop down on the sofa, or bring your laptop into bed, but I work best with a large monitor, in a real desk chair. When I got to “my office” (a part I designated in my living room near a window!), it was work time. If I just lounged in bed with my computer, I know I wouldn’t have been as focused.

Obviously Arlyn had time to prepare for her WHF area. But, the takeaway for the majority of us is to just designate an official workspace, even if it’s just your dining room table. It can help you focus and set boundaries.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: a home office makeover with threshold removable wallpaper by target



Did you do any stretching throughout the day?

I did all kinds of things, though mostly dance. I’d go through periods of time when I’d take “dance breaks.” I’d put on a song I liked (I was in a big Ed Sheeran phase at the time), and just get up and dance furiously for one or two songs, then sit back down. It lifted my mood, made me move . . . I recommend it to everyone!  

I will absolutley be doing this:)

Was there anything on your desk that made your workspace happier?

Yes! I got a pretty desk, a nice gray leather office chair, put up some art on the wall nearby, had a shelving unit I styled (it had my printer down at the bottom), and a blue leather mousepad that said “extraordinary” on it in brass embossing. I still love that thing!  

Again, Arlyn had time to make an official set up, but if you expect you will be working from for a while and want to purchase office furniture, they’re lots of furniture companies that are still able to ship. If you are interested head here for some of our favorites. But if you can’t or don’t really need to, you can also just add something that makes you happy onto your “desk” to brighten your workday, like a candle or photo. Also, never forget the power of a little plant