By now, the majority of us are starting to get the swing of things since COVID-19 left us working from home. We’re about a month in and no longer feel the need to run to the pantry every 5 seconds – we are pushing that 37 second mark. AKA we’re pretty much at pro status.

By this point, you’ve learned that doing something as simple as putting on jeans in the morning can amp up your productivity. Yay for you!!

Truthfully, the jeans trick is my favorite hack of all productivity hacks because who doesn’t like looking cute?? However, soon the issue arises that the effectiveness of simply getting dressed in the morning will ware off.

Maybe you haven’t ran into that issue yet or it’s possible that the pantry visits are already becoming more frequent and the Instagram scrolling is taking up more time than you’d care to admit.

Trust me when I say you are not alone!

For the last two years, I’ve been crazy enough to take on the task of starting my own business + running said in-home business while taking care of my three children, my many pets, my type-A need for a clean household and a messy as heck husband.

I would absolutely be lying if I told you that my productivity hasn’t had it’s moments of going MIA but for the most part, I’ve relied on simple tricks that have helped me fuel the get-shit-done fire.

Things like:

• Making the bed in the morning
• Having a morning and nighttime routine to turn “on & off” the brain
• Creating a schedule that includes work, play, lunch ,etc
• Having a dedicated work area
• Scheduling something fun to look forward to once the workday is finished

These simple tactics don’t take up any extra time in your day and more impressively…

They WORK!

Let’s get into them, shall we??

Making Your Bed-

Yes, making your bed will actually amp up your productivity. Don’t ask me why, this fact-based lady can’t back this one up with much. I can say this though – out of all the successful entrepreneurs and business people I’ve met – every single one has said the same thing, making your bed is a game changer!

Morning & Nighttime Routine-

I’ll probably be showing my age here but since I’m a mom of three, I can’t help but have an example that has to do with my kids. Bear with me! I promise, you’ll get the point soon.

Each one of my kids has a morning and bedtime routine. Every single day we repeat the same steps to introduce them to the day and to welcome them into a restful sleep.

Whenever things don’t go as planned – aka one of my kids wakes up late, trips over the dog and claims they’re dying – their whole day is thrown off. Same goes for bedtime. If for whatever reason the bath, book and lullaby don’t come to fruition – Cody and I are up at 2AM questioning why we decided to have three kids.

Routines SAVE MARRIAGES – or just, you know- your productivity.

Here’s why: creating a morning routine wakes up your brain in a peaceful manner while a nighttime routine will aide in turning off your brain. These routines can be only 5-10 minutes. It’s not the length of time that matters but what happens in that time! It should be the same every single day.

Now, if you aren’t already practicing both habits, I highly suggest you give it a go for a week or two. It will take your brain a few days to get in it’s groove but once it does, you’ll be singing my praises!

Creating A Clear Schedule-

To go along with creating a morning and nighttime routine, creating a clear schedule will help you break up the monotony of your day. Break out your calendar or pull out your Time Blocking Schedule (shameless plug) and write down a time for all the tasks you’d like to get done. Something like the schedule I’ve written below can do a world of difference.

• 6 to 6:30 – morning routine
• 6:30 to 7:30 – workout
• 7:30 to 8:30 – breakfast + dishes
• 8:30 to 9: shower + get dressed
• 9 to 12 – work
• 12 to 1 – lunch + walk
• 1 to 5 – work
• 5 to 6 – Zoom happy hour
• 6 to 7 – dinner
• 7 to 9:30 – catch up on household stuff while watching junk TV or listening to your favorite podcasts
• 9:30 to 10 – bedtime routine

You can make it as detailed or minimal as you’d like! All that matters is that the schedule works for you.

Having A Designated Work Area-

Simply put – you wouldn’t eat in a bathroom stall nor would you cook dinner in your laundry room. Try being honest with yourself when thinking about working from your bed. Keeping spaces separate is a MUST and while your bed is real comfy, it might not be the best choice.

Pro tip: it’s really NOT.

Have a specific chair that you sit in for work or make a makeshift desk – something minimal will do the trick! Stick to working in just that spot and you’ll be surprised by the magic that can happen.

Scheduling In Some Excitement-

Remember when your happy hour date with your girlfriends after work motivated you to finish up work and get the heck out of dodge? The same principle is going to apply when working from home.

Schedule in some FUN and I swear, you will be motivated to get that work DONE.

Maybe you want to do a virtual happy hour with your friends or maybe your idea of fun is getting to have some alone time while taking a bubble bath. I’m not here to judge, whatever it is, use your schedule (the one that we talked about earlier!) to schedule in some fun!