One thing that I’ve learned from working at home is that sometimes you just need to switch things up. There are so many distractions at home (laundry, dishes, people who know you are home & keep coming over, etc) that sometimes the best option for creativity is to get out of the house. It may look like packing up your laptop & gear or maybe just bringing your journal for some unplugged brainstorming, or even leaving the house without anything. I’ve found that all three of these things are good for me sometimes (and I’ve been leaving my phone at home more these days for just some unplugged time – it is wildly refreshing.) Here are some ways you can get out of the house, switch things up, and get back in work mode!
Go On a Walk
Sometimes the best thing you need is a walk around the block. Maybe the stuffiness of your office is getting to you and causing major writer’s block. Find a stopping point, get up, and walk out of your house. I found this to be helpful even when working in an office. The act of stretching your legs, getting the blood pumping, and breathing fresh air can get you ready to sit down and work again with new vigor. Plus if you are playing Pokémon Go, you might end up catching some new Pokémon along the way 😉
Get Lunch with Yourself
Instead of snacking on something while you work at your desk or rummage through your fridge for something to eat, treat yourself to a lunch meeting. Yes, you will be the only employee there but you’ll also be able to get a lot done and even clutter your brain. Stop by a cafe or deli, grab some lunch, and work from a new setting. When I worked in an office I loved lunch meetings! It was so refreshing to get out of the office and really see things a new way. Plus the treat of lunch was really rewarding & inspired us to punch away at a lot of big projects. Just because you don’t have an office doesn’t mean you can’t have lunch work meetings.
Grab a Treat
Yes, working from home means you have access to your whole pantry whenever you want but sometimes you just need a big glass of Sweet Tea. Don’t feel bad running out to grab yourself a little treat. Since you don’t have a commute daily, it isn’t even really a waste of gas money. Pick up a glass of tea and sit in an air conditioned building with your journal. Take a moment to get away, refocus, and enjoy a pick-me-up. I always love a great glass of sweet tea – it’s my jam!
If you are nodding your head along & thinking you need to make it a priority to get out a bit more to stay inspired then I’ve got more good news for you! Mark your calendars friends because McAlister’s Deli has some of the best sweet tea around and FREE TEA DAY is July 21st! This would be a great day for that lunch meeting with yourself or grabbing a large glass of McAlister’s Sweet Tea as a pick-me-up for your daily hustle. Also, you can enter to win $5000 when you submit a tweet, image or video using #FreeTeaDay2016 and tag @McAlistersDeli with why you want to win the cash! #winning
Thank you McAlister’s Deli for sponsoring this post.
I LOVE McAlister’s! Yum! I haven’t found one here near me yet, but I should definitely look that up.
Yes! Hopefully there is one near by for you to take advantage of for free tea day!
Ughs I am sitting here reading this post KNOWING I need to get out of my apartment and explore a bit. But since I just moved to a new city it’s so hard to have the guts to do it alone. That ice tea looks sooooo good though… haha
It is hard to do things alone! That is why it is good to work on something when you go out. Like bring some work to get down and find a new lunch spot or coffee house! You get out of the house, try new things, but have the comfort (and not awkward alone feeling) by bring work along too! You may even meet others while you are out 🙂 You’ve got this girl!
I love McAlister’s and just realized YESTERDAY that we have one here. BAHA.
hahahha! Let’s go on free tea day!!
I’ve been working from home for a year now and there are times I go extremely stir crazy! I’m still trying to find my balance. I think it’s really important to work out of the house a day or two each week. If only the mountains had wifi… then I’d be out there everyday!
Oh girl! Yes!!!! I’m all about finding non internet work and getting outside – like for pictures! Or just for my sanity 😉
I love McAllisters! Their mac and cheese is so good.
Oh! I’ll have to try that!
I have had intense cabin fever the last week. I’m done working until baby boy shows up (5 days!) and I’m finding it difficult staying motivated at home! I force myself to leave at least to grab coffee. I just wish it wasn’t so hot/humid. I would love to go on more walks. I know this will be important for me while on maternity leave too. I can’t stay home all day everyday!
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Yes! It is important to get moving! Cabin fever is the WORST!
These are great tips! I feel SO much better after taking a walk. Some fresh air does a body good.
Oh girl! Me too. Every time.
ohh! What kind of journal do you use?!
It is a moleskin!!!!
I can totally relate to this! I have been struggling to stay focused since working from home, but just getting outside or setting a designated lunch break has helped make me feel a little more sane 🙂
Yes! It is so helpful! Taking breaks is so important!
My favorite is walks… I need more exercise, haha! 🙂
Yes! And it just feels good to go on a walk and get your blood pumping!