1) Start with Prayer
I started working from home while being a full-time mom to my littles. Even though it was only a few hours a week there were days when capturing those few hours seemed almost impossible. My family still expected me to be available to them whenever they needed me. I felt pulled between two worlds.
The thing that helped me most was adding a morning prayer time to my day. I know it seems counter-productive to add another thing to an already busy schedule, but taking time to pray before my household woke up helped align my To-Do list with God’s plan. #Ifgathering
When I specifically asked God to look at my daily To-Do list, he highlighted the things I can release with grace and gratitude and re-focuses me on the things he wants in my day. I feel confident in the direction my day is headed and know that he’s using even the smallest household tasks for His glory.
2) Use the Timer on your cell phone.
This has single-handedly helped me avoid productivity-zappers (aka. scrolling Facebook.) I give myself a time limit for each item on my To-Do list and set my timer. I know exactly how much time I have to get it done and I crank away at it! #christianwomeninbusiness
Setting a time limit allows me to shoot for completing a project while avoiding distractions. It also helps my family. They understand when they can and can’t expect my full attention and I can realistically tell them when I’ll be available.
Not only that but setting a timer helps build mini-successes into my day. Every time I finish my work before the timer goes off, I cheer!
3) Cultivate your Space
I like to have a different location for each of my daily activities. The sunny front room for morning Bible study, breakfast and lunch in the kitchen, work in the office and exercise in the basement. When I really need to get my creative juices flowing, I make a cup of tea and set myself up in the dining room where I can look out the window for inspiration.
I also like to add fragrance to my workspace to connect me intentionally with my goals. For example, every month I choose a new essential oil for my workspace. This month, I’m using Bergamot essential oil by Young Living. Bergamot is extracted from the peel of the bergamot orange. It has a light citrus scent with floral notes that help to elevate my mood and alleviate stress. I add a few drops to my diffuser at the start of each workday, signaling that I’m ready to get things done. #ylathome
4) Get Up and Move
Did you know that one of the most important things we can do for our health is to stay mobile? In fact, researchers have found that 10 - 60 minutes of movement a day can boost our mood and make us happier. [i]
I try to get up from my desk hourly to stretch or walk around. My massage therapist recommends a chest stretch that's really helped my back and shoulders, especially when I spend a lot of time at the computer. I slowly lean into an open doorway with my hands on the outside of the doorframe. By gently moving into this stretch and pushing my chest forward for about 30 seconds, I get an easy release in my back and shoulder muscles.
5) Connect with Like-Minded People
It’s so important to build relationships. Thanks to the internet, there are many ways to do that. Move out of your comfort zone and embrace new ways of connecting. Be the light on social media by posting encouraging words for friends, family, and co-workers. Or, try your hand at making Facebook/Instagram Stories or scheduling a video and sharing it online.
You’ll want to explore new alternatives to meeting in person. Zoom is taking over as the preferred choice of online meetings for many businesses. If you haven’t tried Zoom yet, get up to speed by
joining us for our next monthly networking event:
Join us on Tuesday, April 7 at 11:30 AM. Learn how to take networking to the next level with marketing guru Victoria Cook from the Center for Guilt-Free Success. To register for the event and find out how to log in, visit our website at workit4thelord.org/events. Be encouraged as you seek to glorify Jesus in your business and professional life!
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