Ahhh, the “work from home” (WFH) life . It’s every woman’s dream, right?

well…

I know it sounds like a dream come true but as someone who has worked from home for herself for over a year, I’ll let you in on a secret. It CAN be a dream…but it CAN also be lonely, and distracting.

When I chat about my work, I often hear “you seem extremely self motivating” and am frequently asked “how do you stay motivated while working from home?” And let me tell you- I have my tough times too! BUT over the past year, I’ve developed a few tricks to staying engaged, inspired, and SANE while working from home! And because you’re likely working from home right now too, I figure what better time to share my tips with YOU?

1. Make a schedule

Hot tip: there’s a reason our daily work lives revolve around a schedule…it helps us stay on task and get things done! If you’re working from home, do yourself a favor and create a schedule. I know it can be tempting to sleep late and stay in your pjs ALL DAY, but set an alarm and GET DRESSED (maybe in a cozy but cute set like this one from Style N Motion?)! This helps to signify to your body and brain that the day is starting. And to stay on track throughout the day, map out your tasks HOUR BY HOUR. I know, that sounds like A LOT, but an hourly schedule will hold you accountable and make you feel accomplished as you cross items off your to-do list!

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2. EAT

When I first started sharing my daily schedules on Instagram stories (excluding my breaks), a nurse friend remarked “girl, you need to eat!”

But oh girl…don’t worry, I eat!!! Breakfast, lunch, and maybe even a healthy snack in between!!! There is a reason breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, and a healthy lunch will definitely pump you up for the rest of the day, too! The KEY to a balanced work from home lunch? Map it into your schedule and STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER! Whether at your table or sofa, be sure to step away from your work during lunch to truly give your body and brain a rest. And if you’re able, step outside too! I personally enjoy lunch on-the-go and a walk around the block.

And speaking of rest…

3. Take a break

While recently chatting with a friend, we discussed the importance of a “mental break” from work. Whether it be 10 minutes or an hour, breaks are necessary for success. Be sure to schedule a break into your workday! I know, it can be SO easy to consider a long scroll through Instagram as your break but GIRL you and your mind deserve MORE! For me, an hour for lunch to simply relax, catch up on a chore or two (so I’m not tempted during the work day), and calling a friend or family member is JUST the break I need!

What is YOUR go-to tip for working from home? I know we’d ALL love to learn yours tricks in the comments below!

And don’t forget to shop this cute and cozy set (and many more) online at Style N Motion! For reference, I’m wearing a M/L.

And GIRL, if you want MORE of THIS (this being a community of women inspiring and empowering you RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE while you go after your DREAM life), join Ditch the Clique COMMUNITY today!

*all photos and clothing courtesy of Style N Motion.