Are you working from home due to coronavirus? Or are you new to working from home because of a career change? As an artist I have had lots of different chapters; solo art studios, work from home, group studios, you name it! Every situation has involved a lot of self-discipline to strike the balance between art, business and life. I’m far from perfect, I break my own rules! But here are the 6 tips that keep me on track and that I find really helpful to be productive & healthy while working from home.

1.     Create a separate workspace

If you take the office to your lounge, then lounge in your office, everything starts to blur together. This can make you feel restless, guilty or uneasy when you’re resting, and then distracted and unmotivated when you’re working. Creating a separate place for work helps to shape your day and keep you focused.

2.     Wear ‘work’ clothes

Put on a comfortable but (slightly) presentable outfit. It’s amazing how this changes your attitude and speed while working from home. My favourite work-from-home pants are skinny jeans (…I know that sounds uncomfortable but they’re actually lined with thin cotton fleece, and they have an elastic waist; so they look presentable, feel comfortable, but aren’t as sloppy-comfy as track pants). Find what works for you! The other thing I swear by is indoor work shoes. I wear my AllBirds inside when I work and they don’t go outdoors. Dubbed “The worlds most comfortable shoe”, they’re the perfect balance between comfortable and practical; made of wool with the sneaker structure. Not an ad, just a fan! I’ve collaborated with Allbirds in the past and think they’re a great brand with epic products. When your work pants & shoes are on you are less of a couch magnet!

3.     Daily Planner

I designed this daily planner through natural iteration, figuring out what kicks me into productivity. Here’s how it works; write all your tasks down and then number them in a priority list, giving you a clear plan for your day. Starting is the hardest part, the fortyonehundred Daily Planner makes it easier. Tip – make the first few steps simple and quick so that you get motivated by crossing off tasks. You can buy the fortyonehundred Daily Planner here – nice stationery helps your productivity too! Make the list achievable, and make sure you finish them all by the end of your workday.

4.     Take care of yourself

It’s important to maintain decent sleep, eat healthy food at regular times and get your body moving. Your brain functions best when you look after yourself; mind, body, soul. When I wake up, I try not to look at my phone or computer for the first hour so that I can start the day on my own terms. I go for a walk, make coffee & breakfast, do some yoga, get changed into work clothes, draw or paint, and only after those calming activities I then get to my emails.

5.     Develop some end-of-workday rituals

It’s all about differentiating work time & home time …within the same house. At the end of your workday, you could implement changes such as lighting some incense, play different music, changing the lighting, or switching into a different set of clothes. My friend who is a photographer keeps little bottles of essential oils in her car and by her desk. Every time she finishes a photoshoot or finishes an edit she sprays the oils. Triggering her olfactory senses to signal the end of the workday and allow her mind to decompress.

6. Take micro-breaks

Micro Breaks make such a difference! I learnt this from my mother who is a physiotherapist. Micro-breaks are about breaking up the sedentary periods with movement. Every time I need to dip my paintbrush in paint, change pen sizes or open a new program on my computer, I use those moments as reminders to take a micro-break. Stretching my arms overhead, extending my spine, loosening everything up, then getting back into my work.

Extra tip: Figure out how to incorporate your pets!

When you are new to working at home, pets can be a major distraction. My little dog George loves to be close and I could easily spend the entire day with him without doing anything else! We have found a great solution - I figured out that if I put a blanket or sheepskin on my desk he absolutely loves it. He feels like he’s involved and I get my work done. It’s a win-win.

I wish everyone all the best during these uncertain times

Here are some colouring pages if you’d like to relax and ease your mind.
Click here for your 3 free digital downloads