Top: LOFT Vine Ruffle Puff Sleeve Blouse (XSP / TTS) – on sale! (similar, similar)
Bottom: AE High-Waisted Jegging (00 x-short / size down) – on sale!
Shoes: JustFab ‘Prizilla’ D’orsay Pump c/o – on sale! (similar)
Hair: Amazon Pearl Clip – under $5!
Bag: Gucci Marmont Wallet On Chain (similar)
Watch: Fitbit ‘Versa’ Lite
Lips: Huda Beauty Lipstick in ‘Venus’
Hello and happy Friday! It’s crazy to think of how much has changed this week. Three weeks ago we were in Disneyland and now almost everything is shut down as we social distance to stop the spread of coronavirus. We’ve all been adjusting to a new sense of normal around here and I’m lucky that I’m still able to do my job as a software developer + influencer 100% remotely. In full transparency, I did take a slight backseat on my influencer presence online as work deadlines have escalated, but I’ve also just needed some mental space to avoid feeling anxious over the constant news regarding virus breakouts. After spending the past few days figuring out how to how to make shifts in my daily life, it feels great to come back and share a mini update with you all and hope that you are staying safe, healthy, and happy as well!
Back in college, I did an co-op internship with Hewlett-Packard and worked remotely for a semester. This was yearssss ago, but at that time, after that semester of remote work, I had decided that I was NOT the work-from-home type. I loved the interaction with co-workers as well as having an office to go to where I was more productive. Fast-forward to now where we’re all working from home to stop the spread of coronavirus, and I have to say that I have a different opinion of working from home. I’m sharing 5 tips on how I’ve changed my home setup as well as the technology I use / love to make the social distancing at home just as productive and enjoyable!
How to Adjust to Social Distancing at Home
Keeping A Routine
When you’re at home all day, everyday, it’s so important to have structure. I keep to the roughly the same work hours when I work from home as I did when I went into the office. It helps in setting expectations with my team and it has definitely helped minimize the change when transitioning to working from home. While I love the flexibility that working from home provides, my brain also needs the ability to separate work from home. I’ve found it so nice to work my designated time and then closing the computer when those hours are up.
Having Dedicated Work Space
Back in college, my desk was literally a couple feet away from my bed in a small dorm room and it definitely made it feel like work was never “off”. If possible, set up a space that’s just for work. Make sure it’s clear of clutter and set up in a way that you can work productively. In my case, I’ve found it best to have my home office mimic my actual work office. It’s helped in that remote-life transition and gets my brain in the same work mentality as when I’m in the office.
Scheduling Workouts
Keeping my body active is a big part of staying healthy, so even though gyms are closed right now, I’m making sure I get my workouts in virtually! I look forward to working out at the end of the workday as it’s a great stress relief for me as well, so I schedule it into my calendar as a non-negotiable. This past week I’ve been experimenting with different virtual workout classes — currently it’s been using a combination of the Charge app for live-stream running and Les Mills On-Demand for strength training (use code skiingeducation49 if you wanna get a free 30-day trial).
Fostering Virtual Face-Time Connections
Technology has made so many advances since I last worked remotely and this has definitely made the whole experience so much better in my opinion! If possible, try to have video conferences or phone calls with friends / co-workers. I honestly didn’t think I would have wanted to get on video during these times, but it’s actually gone a long way to making this time feel more like normal.
Real-time connections and the ability to connect virtually really does make a difference when it seems like so much is out of your control. I mostly use Google Hangouts for work but Zoom and Google Duo are other great options. I have a virtual lunch-date set up with a few of my friends and I swear, sometimes it’s the best part of my day!
Setting Boundaries with Family Life / Kids
My kids’ school is closed for the next 3 weeks, and I expect that it’ll actually end up getting closed for longer as the coronavirus containment is underway. It can be a juggle balancing being a mom to my kids and also being productive at work while everyone is at home, but what I’ve found is having clearly-defined boundaries is a game changer. My kids are 5 and 7 years old, so I have a schedule set up that gives them 3-hour blocks to keep busy (I’ll be sure to share our schedule and resources I use to keep everyone busy in a separate post!).
My home office also doesn’t have doors to close so interruptions were definitely a problem in the beginning. Since then, I’ve told my kids that whenever I’m wearing a baseball cap, it means that mommy is working and interruptions will need to wait. My kids have learned to work through their problems more independently, and I think it’s been a great way to practice patience as well!
I will say also that as someone who is client facing in my work, I’ve found that people are incredibly understanding when it comes to the juggle of kids / pets. In my experience, it’s been good to lean in to this as a way that we can all relate during the crisis — have them join in where appropriate even in your video calls!
And finally, I’m not above bribes as a parent, so I have a daily agreement with my kids that if they can avoid fights for the entire day, I’ll give the 30 minutes of family video game / TV time at the end of the day. 😉
Top: LOFT Vine Ruffle Puff Sleeve Blouse (XSP / TTS) – on sale! (similar, similar)
Bottom: AE High-Waisted Jegging (00 x-short / size down) – on sale!
Shoes: JustFab ‘Prizilla’ D’orsay Pump c/o – on sale! (similar)
Hair: Amazon Pearl Clip – under $5!
Bag: Gucci Marmont Wallet On Chain (similar)
Watch: Fitbit ‘Versa’ Lite
Lips: Huda Beauty Lipstick in ‘Venus’
++ all photos were taken by yours truly with this camera, lens, tripod, and remote. ++
edited using Dreamy Presets – Millenial Pink (tutorial)
Staying home, social distancing, and quarantine life can definitely throw challenges in our way, but it can be comforting to know that we’re all in it together. There can be perks to being able to stay at home and while we’re all adjusting to a new sense of normal, I know that we’ll all come out of this stronger!
How are you adjusting to social distancing at home? Share your tips in the comments!
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These are all such great tips! Having structure and boundaries at home is so important. We are now officially in lockdown mode so I’ll be utilizing these <3 Stay safe and healthy!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Small adjustments are key! I’ve been taking a walk with others while trying to stay away. Luckily, the weather has been fabulous lately!
the weather has been so nice lately! taking breaks outside is a great idea!!
I’m a homeschool mom and I’m impressed that your 5 and 8 year olds can actually stick with 3 hours of alone time. I wish!
it’s not everyday that they’re able to do the 3 hours but it’s definitely gotten so much better. i’ll try to share a post with some tips! we’re also technically on spring break right now so I’m using this time to figure out a schedule but props to you as a homeschool mom!!
xo,
kileen
It’s been such a weird transition time for everyone as we figure out this new normal. Im still trying to get settled with a workout schedule and new routine!
same here but i’ve really loved all the virtual workout options that are coming out right now! I’ll do a post to share my favorites!
xo,
kileen
I’m actually looking for some workouts to do at home so I’ll check the ones you are doing
Love these tips. It has been tricky, but we are managing for the most part. I’m an introvert so I’m better at it than my extrovert daughter.
We are adjusting to quarantine life over here as well. So far my 1st grader are working from home side by side in the mornings we break for lunch and recess with his 2 younger sisters. In the afternoon, we do some reading and I finish up on my last bit of work and then we just all hang out as a family. I’m actually really enjoying quarantine life. I workout and meditate in the morning before the kids get up. The only thing I’m missing is my podcast listening time which I used to do on my commute.
Thank you for the work from home input
Love this post! I WISH I did blogging fulltime, sadly I only do it as a side gig. I work in healthcare, and right now it’s scary. We have no plan on closing. So im utilizing all my time at home to relax!
I love the floral look! Yes, adjusting is not easy but it is so important to save lives in this time of crisis. Thanks for sharing!
I love these heels so much!
Lisa | lisaautumn.com
You’re so right with these tips! The hardest thing for me is to make a dedicated workspace! I really need to do this. Thanks for sharing!
These are such great tips, Kileen! I’m am trying to maximize FaceTime lunch dates and happy hours with friends during this crazy time 🙂
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
I am definitely having to schedule the workouts and also find a designated work space. Great tips- crazy world!
Yes all of these tips are essential! I actually just wrote a blog post about setting boundaries at home right now that includes a lot of the same things. It’s so important!
It really has been a crazy week! I have found that sticking to a routine is key for us!!
Keeping a routine is what is helping us most. My daughter’s school send lots of work, so things feel a bit normal. Hope you’re staying safe girl!
xx, Nailil
thirtyminusone.com
I’m trying so hard to stick to a routine! It can be easy for time to slip away. I’m choosing to be gentle with myself as we navigate these new normals.
What a great idea with wearing a baseball cap to show your kids when you’re working! I love it!
Thanks for sharing & stay safe!
-Helen
http://styleinherited.com
Thanks for the tips! It’s been crazy trying to adjust but I really need to stay in routine! These tips have been helpful. Thank you for sharing.
Setting boundaries, a dedicated workspace and home workouts are keeping me calm to continue to stay productive. I’m hoping it all ends very soon.
About the only thing I’ve been slacking on is my workout routine. And I’ve been carb-loading like crazy (yikes). It’s odd having my husband home from work, but aside from that and the lack of grocery accessibility, this is nothing new for me!
It’s a tough time adjusting to our new normal! Hopefully this will be over in a few weeks and life can go back to normal.
I was already working from home before all of this but since everything started, I think the most crucial for me is maintaining a routine. Keeping some semblance of normal helps! xoxo, Sarah
These are such great tips! This has definitely been an adjustment for everyone, but it’s so important to try to maintain a routine and some sort of normalcy. Xx.
Love all these tips!! It really useful and will help up to achieve a work life balance at home!
Great tips! I had a 2 days a week teleworking agreement at work anyway but the all day everyday is new for me.
I just found your blog and I am happy I did! These are great tips and I like your style. Hoping we get through all this soon as we do our part by staying home.
Melanie
The Mel Division
I’m trying so hard to get on a routine, and find goals for each day or week. I thrive in routine and being out of my normal is so hard!
XO
https://moosmusing.com
Keeping a routine and schedule workouts has helped me out!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
This is SO helpful!! We were just at Disney World a few weeks ago. Crazy how much has changed…
I agree that setting boundaries is so important! I don’t have children, but I need to store the baseball cap idea away for when I do!
Abby
abbymeister.com
Wonderful tips! Times are hard…but this helps for sure. PS – I love your top and SHOES!
I LOVE this post! I am on the struggle bus for working at home too. These tips are great ones and very helpful. I have really had to make a routine for myself or else I’d nap all day and never know what time of day it was. I need to get better at setting those boundaries, as you mentioned at the end, for everyone’s sanity.
So glad you’re spreading this message! I’ve been seeing people on ‘quarantine’ take their dogs out for walk at the park and that just makes me so 😨😨😨
Our family is all based at home now since we’re in lockdown in the UK. Thanks for sharing your tips, it’s so good to hear how you’re handling all this.
Great tips lady! And small adjustments are definitely key!
xo Laura Leigh
http://louellareese.com
These are such great tips during this absolutely crazy and uncertain time. We are all having to learn how to adjust to these times so I’m loving hearing everyone’s suggestions!
These tips are really helpful to adjust to what’s going on in life right now. Keeping a routine and not shutting myself off from people (virtually) is really helping me!
Been in a lockdown too since last week. Stay safe!
Love all these tips! The dedicated workspace is definitely a great idea!
Great Tips!! I think the hardest for me is a dedicated workspace, it’s pretty hard with little ones
We’ve been doing Google hangouts and FaceTime with friends and family- such a strange time and praying it will all be over soon!
Routine is my friend! Luckily most of my work outside of shoots and meetings is online. Keeping a steady routine definitely keeps me sane. Hopefully this all blows over soon!
Such a cute outfit. Setting a routine and working out have been something has helped me a lot during this time at home. Hopefully this all ends soon and we can go back to our normal routines.
Great actionable tips! Keeping a routine is essential during times like these. I work from home 100% remotely already, so thankfully I’m not having any significant shifts I need to adjust to. Getting my workouts in can always be tough, but making the effort is important. Thank you for sharing!
Sara
http://www.mindovermango.com
Great tips! I am trying to find a good workout routine that works for me.
these are such great tips. it is a true adjustment as we enter week 3, but we can get thru this!
xx rebecca // thecrystalpress.com
Such a beautiful shirt paired with those white jeans. These are indeed unprecedented circumstances, and we are all in it together. It’s important to stay positive and use the time to keep on learning new things. Staying attuned to one’s emotions and body is necessary too.