TIPS AND TRICKS FOR WORKING FROM HOME || ALARICE STUART

Alarice is a brand strategist and web designer, she has worked remotely in Bali and now bases herself from home in Auckland. Often with multiple projects on the go, she has some great advice about space and productive strategies including her failsafe, the Pomorodo technique. Take note and enjoy her fantasticness!

Tips and tricks to working from home with Alarcie Stuart

How do you stay in routine / not get distracted by the chores (or the fridge?)

I'm currently 12 weeks pregnant so extremely distracted by the fridge haha! But I usually stay in routine by working in time blocks and batching tasks. It helps your brain go into a state of flow. Which basically doesn't allow for distractions - especially the fridge! I think also sitting in a room that doesn't have any chores staring you in the face. Even if it means sitting in the backyard! Remove distractions like your phone! I often put my phone on flight mode or move it into another room.

Tricks to staying productive:

Have less things on your to do list. Seems counter-productive but trust me you won't get those 20 things on your list done in a day anyway. I aim to do 3 big tasks that move the needle forward each day. One of those tasks I refer to as a money task - something quick and easy that will bring money into my business such as sending a client a proposal or following up on an overdue invoice.

I use this time-management method where you break your workday into 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks. These intervals are referred to as pomodoros. After about four pomodoros, you take a longer break of about 15 to 20 minutes. The idea is that it creates a sense of urgency to work and get it done. When you don't have a boss looming over your shoulder it can be hard to self-manage and motivate so this technique is my go-to!

Working at home, but so is your partner – Survival how-to’s

The number one thing would be to work in different rooms. Create an "at-home" routine. Don't fall into the trap of mid-day Netflix on the couch with your lover as nice as that sounds. Try to avoid doing things you wouldn't do at your usual workplace unless it's something good for you like an at-home workout. Maybe have a dedicated area of the house you work in. Even if you don't have an office space try to work from one area or surface within the house.