I’m going to be brutally honest here. Working from home can be tough — and definitely not always as glamorous as it sounds. It’s something I’ve personally struggled with for years as I’ve adjusted to new living situations and work-from-home routines in different countries while constantly being on the go as a travel blogger.
But while I chose this life for myself, now more people than ever are being forced to work from home whether they prefer it or not. While I know many of you are trying to adjust to this new “normal”, maintain sanity and attempt to stay productive through it all, I thought I’d bring in the professionals (aka my friends and fave female biz owners) to share their ultimate tips for working from home so that you have a resource guide to turn to.
These ladies are true work-from-home veterans and have learned through trial and error what works best when it comes to staying efficient, productive and focused while running a biz out of la casa. Plus, they’ve got some great tips for increasing calm and joy and minimizing anxiety — keys to getting in that flow state.
However, all of these won’t work for everyone. Our brains work so differently, so don’t feel bad if you read through some of the advice and decide it’s not for you. Sift through the tips you like, test some out and adopt the suggestions that feel right for you — and feel free to share your own advice in the comments!
I hope you enjoy reading these tips on working from home as much as I did, and if you resonate with the women here, please show them support during this time and go give them some love on their websites or social media channels. I know it means a lot for every small business right now! Now without further ado…
30+ Epic Tips for Working From Home From the Experts
Michelle Halpern, Founding Editor of female travel blog Live Like it’s the Weekend (the one you’re on right now 😉 )
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Find a friend or work wife that you can check in with throughout the week. Working from home can be super isolating, especially if you run a solopreneur business, so it’s important to find community with people that understand what you do and help motivate one another.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
Plant babies! I have three different plants — a banana leaf, string of pearls and snake plant — that surround my desk and they help uplift my space when I’m stuck inside all day. You can find a ton of great plants on Etsy.
Favorite WFH Snack:
I make my own almond milk at home with the Almond Cow, and was recently trying to figure out what to do with the leftover almond pulp. I just made these No Bake Cookie Dough Protein Bites this week and replaced the coconut flour with almond meal and they were SO FREAKING GOOD.
Krista Williams, Co-Founder of Almost 30 podcast, Podcast Pro and ItsKrista.co
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Turn your phone on do not disturb! So key for group messages and to get out of the trigger, reply cycle. Also delete Instagram and other apps that can distract you from your phone. I do this most days and then re-download for an allotted time at 5-7 PM.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
BluBlox Blue Blockers (the only ones that actually cut out blue light and aren’t just colored lenses). Use code almost30 for a discount!
Favorite Way to Break From Work:
I have a trampoline that I bought from Amazon for like $30 and it is the BEST! I use it multiple times throughout the day when I need to break up my energy and get my blood going! It also helps for lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness and increasing circulation overall. It’s the BEST!
Candice Kumai is a classically trained chef and six-time, best-selling author, most recently of Kintsugi Wellness
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
My brain and body are a large part of my career, so it’s imperative I stay in good mental health and keep this ass and my abs in prime shape. To do this, I meditate with matcha every AM before I touch any electronics and I do not set an alarm; I wake at 6:30 AM to the sunrise. I also practice Tracy Anderson online every day for one hour.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
My matcha latte recipes — they keep my brain sharp AF!
Favorite WFH Snack:
My matcha cookies! You can find the recipes here.
Amy Seder, Photographer, Commercial Film Director, and Travel Blogger, at AwayLands.com
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Start every day by getting up early and going outside. In normal times, I schedule a Classpass class between 6:30 – 7:30 AM for almost every day I’m home. The external push to get up early means thats I never hit snooze and ignore my work out, and I’ve become a huge, huge fan of getting a good sweat in early in the morning.
Days when I don’t work out in the morning, I tend to just roll from my bed to my computer in pajamas, be much less efficient overall, and usually sometime around 2 PM realize that I still haven’t brushed my hair or changed into clothes. Starting every morning with a workout has become the most important part of my working from home routine, and has had huge benefits in my productivity and mental health.
In our current Coronavirus lockdown situation, I have been getting up and immediately going outside for a morning walk and/or run. Sometimes my partner and I will take a cup of coffee and go for a walk together, or I will head out and run a few miles, and then do a home workout later on in the day. There is just no better way to start your day!
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
Noise Cancelling Headphones! My favorite are the Bose 700’s.
Favorite Tunes to Get Work Done To:
Small Black – Limits of Desire. Loud enough to block everything out, upbeat enough to keep you going, but with indiscernible lyrics, so great for reading and writing. I used to listen to this on the subway every day in New York when I was reading books.
Jessie De Lowe, Co-founder of How You Glow, Manifestation Coach and Art Therapist at @jessiedelowe
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Create a sacred space. Light a candle or Palo Santo, add a crystal or some dried flowers to your work space and let some fresh air in if you can.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
Our How You Glow Yoga Mat makes me so happy. I actually set up my computer on the yoga mat and it becomes my calming office space for Virtual Manifestation Sessions — I move it out to the balcony when I take breaks to stretch and practice some yoga/ breathing.
Favorite Tunes to Get Work Done To:
“Lovely Day” by Alt J
Jessica Wright, Founder and Photographer behind the design-focused travel blog, Bon Traveler
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
I’ve worked from home with my husband now for seven years and my one tip is to create a quiet space for yourself. We’ve been really conscious to have boundaries and open communication that allows each other to be productive — I’ve even written a whole guide on it.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
I’m a huge fan of putting these slippers from Japan on, they feel like a warm hug!
Favorite Way to Break From Work:
Every day I go for a 4-5 mile walk around 2:30 in the afternoon. It’s one thing I look forward to and when I return, I finish up all the last details of work.
Quigley Goode, LA-based Creator @officiallyquigley, Educator, and Founder of Soulcial Media
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
A morning routine will make or break your productivity for the day. Find one that works for you and stick with it!
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
This killer water bottle from Amazon that helps motivate you to drink throughout the day!! It’s easy to forget to stay hydrated while working from home.
Favorite Tunes to Get Work Done To:
Anything Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Haim, Japanese House.
Arielle Vey, Photographer, Owner of Arielle Vey Print Shop, Co-host of All About It Podcast, and enchilada enthusiast
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Give yourself grace! If something doesn’t get done or even started, that’s okay. Make a realistic list the night before a work day and pepper in some breaks, take a walk, have a snack, and keep moving forward.
Another tip: Meal prepping has saved me! Making sure that lunches for the week are taken care of can really save time during my work day. It ensures that I have something healthy that’s ready for me which in turn, helps me to stay more productive and focused.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
Sweats from Richer Poorer! This set is the most comfortable thing I own and the colors are so good.
WFH Beverage of Choice:
My favorite work from home drink is currently the Trader Joe’s Spiced Chai Black Tea, with a splash of almond milk! It keeps me going and always feels special!
Tori Dunlap, Money Expert and Patriarchy Fighter at Her First $100K
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Virtual co-working! I love FaceTiming with a friend or collaborator and working together. It keeps loneliness at bay, and helps us to be on track and accountable.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
These Sony Headphones!
Favorite Tunes to Get Work Done To:
I love “HyperParadise” — Flume Remix!
Kelly Hill, UI/UX Designer, Web Developer, and Content Creator @kellyyhill
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Make sure to “hang out” virtually with your teammates/coworkers, which is as simple as sending them a message on slack asking them how their day is going. It’s easy to neglect your relationships with teammates while working from home — you do this without thinking in the office, quickly chatting about your weekend or upcoming plans, or just the latest Netflix series you’re watching.
You have to go out of your way to create these opportunities when working from home. Building a good “offline” relationship with your coworkers builds a better working relationship as you are more comfortable reaching out for help when you need, asking for advice, or letting them know if you’re behind because your communication is open.
If you only email or message your coworkers with work stuff, you condition everyone to think that every time you reach out they need to be “on”, or something is “due” which can spike anxiety levels subconsciously. Chatting often and checking in helps build your relationship and makes your whole team way more productive.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
Eucalyptus essential oil and this Vitruvi diffuser — it’s super energizing and helps wake you up/focus, but also relaxes you at the same time.
Favorite WFH Snack:
I love a simple smoothie because it can be healthy and filling (I always add spinach and peanut butter!) but easiest to eat while working.
Sara Toufali, Photographer, Interior Decorator, and Lifestyle Blogger of Black & Blooms
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Treat yourself to slow mornings! Develop a morning routine that makes you feel good and starts your day off on the right foot. For me, that’s making sure I don’t check my phone/emails until after I’ve done my skincare routine and coffee making routine. I take my time with both so that when I sit down at my desk I feel calm, rested, and ready to start work.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
Candles are a necessity for me when working from home! They just add that cozy, happy vibe to my work space, plus aromatherapy benefits! This one from P.F. Candle Co is a fave because not only is it gorge looking and smelling, you can repurpose it into a little plant pot when you’re through with it.
Favorite Way to Break From Work:
I started working from home full time in November and I made it a goal to start cooking my own meals! So my fave way to break up the work day is to take a full lunch break, same way I would if I was working out of an office. I put on music and get in the cooking zone. It’s my hour to de-stress and have a lil fun putting together a plant-based lunch.
Kiersten Rich, Founder of the Award-Winning Female Travel Blog, The Blonde Abroad
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Time blocking is key. Break up an 8-hour work day into 30, 60, 90 or 120-minute blocks (whatever you think you need for a given task). Once you assign a project to a block, stick to it. Use that block solely for what it’s intended for and don’t get distracted. It is KEY to efficiency and getting ish done!
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
For how digital my business is, I still have to have a paper planner. There’s something about putting pen to paper that helps me remember my calendar. It also feels really good to physically cross off a checklist! This is the planner I use.
Favorite Tunes to Get Work Done To:
Like Michelle, I’m a music junkie! I have a million playlists, but I’ve been loving “Blinding Lights” by the Weeknd to get my day started. 80’s synth-pop is my love language.
Betty Nguyen, Former Corporate Executive turned World Explorer and Founder of travel company, Nomoon
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Working from home, I definitely miss human encounters and connections. However, I keep myself sane by connecting virtually. My advice: take a break and go on virtual coffee dates, host cyber Happy Hours with friends, or play online video games with strangers. Use a video platform (e.g. Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp, etc.) and have fun. Your mental health will thank you for it!
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
If you have a laptop and prefer working on the couch (like I do), then I recommend getting the LapGear Home Office Pro.
Favorite Way to Break From Work:
I’ve been watching and finishing up Star Wars Clone Wars (finished 126 episodes) and Rebels. This is my very nerdy side and I am proud of it.
Siff Haider, Founder of lifestyle blog, Icing & Glitter and Co-Founder & CEO of Arrae
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
In order to ensure I’m productive and hit the ground running, I make sure I do three things in the morning:
First, I set the alarm early, like I would if I were physically going to an office for work. Between 6:30 – 7 AM for me.
I journal and meditate before starting work to control any feelings of anxiety, and I have a no phone rule until post-meditation.
And lastly, I get dressed and do my hair and makeup just like I would if I were going into an office! Doing these three small things sets me up for success because I feel like I’m showing up for myself like a real boss.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
WFH Beverage of Choice:
I have to have a bulletproof coffee every morning. I intermittent fast, so my bulletproof coffee keeps me focused and satiated until my first meal.
Cassie & Shay, Co-Founders of Bucketlist Bombshells, helping women ditch 9-5s and start their dream online business.
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Batching, or doing all of your similar tasks in one chunk, is a huuuge time-saver! So, say you want to write and publish four blog posts each month. In the beginning of the month, write (or batch) all four at one time. That way, you know that it’s done and you don’t have to worry!
Personally, we like to batch all of our weekly Zoom meetings on Tuesdays. This way, we don’t get pulled away from our work throughout the week, and we can be focused, pay attention, and make our meetings as valuable as possible!
Fun fact: It takes about 20 minutes to get fully into a task after being interrupted.
So, if you’re jumping around and multitasking, you’re not nearly as productive compared to focusing on one task at a time! Just think, every time you switch to a different task, it’s going to take you a good 20 minutes to get focused.
How much time have you been losing and how much time can you save by sitting down and completing all of your similar tasks at one time?
Ultimate Work From Home Necessities:
1. Full Focus Planner: For personal daily tasks and goals (take $5 off your purchase with code LLITW).
2. Nespresso Milk Frother: Want to know the secret to a fluffy cappuccino at home? It’s this, right here! We bought this milk frother and never looked back.
Favorite Tunes to Get Work Done To:
Favorite tune right now is “Sunday Best” by Surfaces
Alicia Lund, Elevated casual living, style + motherhood at Cheetah is the New Black
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
I shared all of my working from home tips in this post recently (Working from home while maintaining a sense of self). My main tip for working from home is feng shui your house! A clean, clear workspace, mood and vibe (music!) does wonders for my mood, creativity, and productivity.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
I love drinking something cozy when working – either coffee or tea out of my favorite Alex Marshall mug.
Favorite Way to Break From Work:
Go for a walk through our neighborhood while listening to a podcast (I’m currently loving Brené Brown, “Unlocking Us”), OR play with my babies (Rex and Willow)!
Elana Jadallah, Photographer, Marketing Strategist and Environmental Advocate at ElanaLoo.com
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Set clear boundaries as to when your work day ends – create a to-do list of your three essential tasks you need to get done the next day and then if you can, close your office door or put away your laptop out of sight.
I work at home with my significant other, Aaron, and we have for almost five years now (wild!). I would recommend creating space in your day for alone time. I usually get up earlier than he does and love my quiet time in the morning. He loves to surf or listen to a podcast on a walk.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
Chemex & Coffee Sock! I love to start my morning slow, most days with a matcha latte, but other days I love pour over coffee because it requires attention and a little time. It brings me into the present moment and awakens the senses!
WFH Beverage of Choice:
Bulletproof Coffee or Matcha with adaptogens (to help with stress relief) – here’s my recipe!
Jaclyn Johnson — Your internet work wife over at @createcultivate and @workparty
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Move around — work from bed, the desk, the kitchen table, whatever. I think moving around re-motivates me and gets me in a good state of mind.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
AirPods are a miracle product right now, coupled with hot water with lemon, Year & Day Candles and our peloton bike.
Favorite Tunes to Get Work Done To:
I’ve been listening to this playlist on Spotify — it’s relaxing and energizing at the same time
Lesley Murphy, TV Personality and Creator of travel blog The Road Les Traveled and LimitLes Intentional escapes
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Fill up a large water bottle, bring it to your desk and work as far as you can from the kitchen. Don’t work in the same room as your partner or roommate. Your distractions will go up and your attention span will go down.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
This InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser.
Favorite Way to Break From Work:
My own IG Live yoga sessions every week day at 9 AM PST. Such an amazing start to the day by opening up the hips, chest, back…getting my body ready to WFH!
Alyssa Ponticello, Photographer, Recipe Developer and Founder and Creative Director of the lifestyle site Runway Chef
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
My best tip is to have a clean space. A clean space makes for a clean and peaceful mind so you can be present, let those creative juices flow and focus on your work.
Another tip is having a morning routine that covers your mind, body and spirit, so things like gratitude journaling or reading, movement and a nourishing breakfast and meditation.
Batching and time blocking is essential for me to be productive when working from home. It allows me to focus on one task at a time, be productive, but still get proper breaks in.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
I can’t live without my At-A-Glance planner (so basic, but so efficient for breaking things down and getting them done) and my Welly water bottle to keep me hydrated.
WFH Beverage of Choice:
An oat or coconut milk latte with cinnamon and maple syrup, and water with mint and lemon.
Sarah Royall, Tropical Addict, Happiness Enthusiast & Human Being. She is the creative behind SALTY LUXE
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
GLAM UP: Get out of your pj’s as soon as you wake up and get ready for the day, particularly when working from home. This will help you to be way more productive and generally feel better!
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
Sea salt scented natural Australian candle from PALM BEACH.
Favorite Way to Break From Work:
To break up my days, I’ve started a daily workout routine with the Salty community ~ come join us daily for some no equipment necessary workouts!
Audrey Rivet, Montreal-based Freelancer in Content Creation and Graphic Design @audreyrivet
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
I wish I had the perfect work from home tips as I am a full-time freelancer, but unfortunately I’m no role model. What usually helps me is putting an alarm to the same time everyday (except weekends!), take a shower, cook breakfast and then attack my bucket list.
What really helped me normally was to work from my favorite coffee shops, so since I cannot do it anymore I try to set a specific place in my apartment where I only work. I think it helps me delineate work from my personal life.
I also force myself to take some breaks, go out for a quick walk (while being extra careful) and eat. My work days are a little bit shorter than they used to be and I don’t feel guilty at all about it; we’re all affected by this crisis and our concentration capacity is obviously not at its best.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
My Vitruvi Stone Diffuser. Honestly this is my favorite thing to keep me calm and create a cool atmosphere.
Favorite Tunes to Get Work Done To:
I actually created a Spotify playlist of my favourite songs! I’m linking it here so you can all enjoy it 🙂
Becky van Dijk, Founder of We Are Travel Girls and Travel Girls Getaways, Blogging Coach and Educator at Becky van Dijk
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Working from home can be challenging for some people. It can be hard to stay focused, maintain productivity and to not get distracted. It can take 23 minutes to recover and refocus after your brain is distracted so it’s important to minimize these interruptions.
My No.1 tip for doing this is to hide your phone! Seriously, this is one of the best ways of ensuring that you stay focused on the task at hand. If your phone is within your eyesight whilst you are working you are likely to pick it up without even knowing why you did. Try placing it behind your laptop or putting it on the other side of the room and see what happens!
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
Time Doctor is an essential tool to have on your computer to keep you focused on one project / task at a time. It’s also helpful to see where all your hours are going and to optimize your time or outsource.
I also recommend apps such as Forest, Self Control, AntiSocial and StayFocusd for people who get distracted easily. Forest actually plants real trees once you earn a specific number of coins!
WFH Beverage of Choice:
PG Tips Tea (I am British afterall!) — or if I am feeling healthy, lemon, turmeric and ginger with hot water.
Carley Rudd, Travel Photographer, named one of the top travel Instagram accounts to follow by Conde Nast Traveller @carleyscamera
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
I always burn a stick of palo santo wood at my desk before I begin work. This simple routine helps me get into the right headspace.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
Aside from the palo santo, I’m a sucker for stationery and pens. These have been my go-to for a while.
Favorite Tunes to Get Work Done To:
I’m much more productive when I’m working to music. The last song that got me in the zone: “Le Coeur Au Bout Des Doigts” by Jacqueline Taieb. I studied French for years and love a good 60s French pop song 🙂
Selena Taylor, Photographer and Blogger behind Find Us Lost
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
I start my morning off by writing down 3-5 things I’m planning to get done and 3-5 things I’m grateful for, and then drawing or writing for a few minutes. I don’t check my phone until after I’ve done this and had my morning coffee.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
I love Rifle Paper Co., and I’m currently using these floral notebooks for my morning routine and to take notes throughout the day.
WFH Beverage of Choice:
Oat milk latte in the morning, kombucha in the afternoon.
Samantha Wennerstrom, Founder of the lifestyle blog Could I Have That?
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Working from home can be tough! I love creating work blocks throughout the day, for example for 2-3 hours I only write or answer emails. I get so easily side tracked that I try to be disciplined in where my brain goes.
I also make sure to stop and eat! It’s pretty easy to get carried away and forget to be drinking water/snacking, etc. One last tip, set the mood! Light a favorite candle or put on a good playlist.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
An Appointed notebook. I love the spiral binding, option for blank or lined pages and linen cover. Having a notebook that feels special gets me excited to jot down ideas.
Favorite Tunes to Get Work Done To:
I love listening to Stan Getz jazz radio on Pandora. It’s my favorite music to play when I need to get a lot done. There’s something oddly calming about it!
Christina Galbato, Luxury Travel & Lifestyle Influencer and Online Educator at @ChristinaGalbato
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Know when to turn off. When you live and work in the same space, it can be hard to create boundaries between the two activities. It’s really easy to jump back into work at 8 PM or just never put your laptop away (I’ve definitely been guilty of this!).
Choose the time of day that you will shut down your laptop, ideally a similar hour to when you left the office. At that time, wrap up what you’re working on, put your brain elsewhere, and switch into your personal routine — getting a workout in, cooking dinner, reading a book or catching up on Netflix.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
The Full Focus Planner is a life-saver when it comes to staying organized with my personal and professional goals and daily to-do’s.
Favorite WFH Snack:
Carrots and lemon hummus, or Smart Sweets! I could eat the sweet fish all day ?
Lauren Meeker, Adventure Travel Photographer, Travel Blogger, and Social Media Strategist at Voyage & Venture
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Daily to-do lists are more important than ever. My favorite tool is Asana to keep my projects organized and on track.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
WFH Beverage of Choice:
I’m a religious alternator between black coffee and LaCroix. Hydrate and execute!
Mel Vandersluis, Content Creator, Entrepreneur and Parent to 13 plant babies. Founder of MoreOfMel.com and @mvandersluis
Must-Try Work From Home Tip:
Use the Pomodoro technique. It’s not for everyone, but I love it! I downloaded an app called “focus keeper” and it does the technique for you. Keeps you focused for 25 minutes straight.
Ultimate Work From Home Necessity:
A planner. Whatever works for you. I’ve tried at least five. What I ended up loving was a simple Moleskin lined notebook. Something easy to toss in my purse. I love it because I can create my own system inside. Everyone works so differently, so you need to find a planner that works for you.
Favorite Tunes to Get Work Done To:
I’m really sensitive to binaural sounds. So when I really want to get work done I look up one on YouTube for “focus”. There are no lyrics it’s just sound. ️
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Have your own great tips for working from home? Share them in the comments below!
Planning a trip right now? Don’t miss my go-to websites for booking everything from flights and tours, to accommodation and more:
- Booking.com for the best hotel deals
- World Nomads for flexible travel insurance
- VRBO for awesome rentals
- Skyscanner for finding the best flight deals
- Hostelworld for budget accommodation
- Rentalcars.com for easy car rentals
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