Hey Friends!

I know that all of us have those days when we’d rather stay in bed than get up and be productive. I even get like that during the course of the day when I’m feeling blah! It is very tempting to just stop what you’re doing and  turn on the television or surf the internet for countless things that we THINK we’re going to do HA! It can be especially tempting if you work from home like me.

I have learned that I operate better when I place certain time boundaries on myself. I make sure that they’re realistic time boundaries. That way I’m not feeling overwhelmed when I may not complete the task!

If you’re feeling a little “meh” or “blah” here are a few steps to get you back to rocking your productivity socks off in no time!

1. Let in some light

I have found out that I do so much better when I have all the curtains and blinds open and the sunlight is flowing in. I sometimes, if the weather permits will go outside and work. There is nothing like the Vitamin D that the sun gives off! It’s something that you’re body definitely needs in order for you to feel like a “normal functioning person” TRUST ME! Even if its gloomy outside because of the rain, I suggest you turn on a lamp. Shoot turn on all the lamps if you have too, just be mindful of the light bill lol!! Whatever you’ve got to do to let the light shine, do that. I promise it will make a world of difference!

2. Get up & change your scenery!

Sometimes a change of environment is good! When your start feeling a little blah, stop what you’re doing, get up and take a break, go to your favorite coffee shop and work. A walk around the job parking lot or just a brief stroll outside is sure to do the trick. Its that Vitamin D thing again!

3. Set a timer

I kinda have a love/hate relationship with my timer! It causes me to focus all my time and energy into this one task until the timer goes off. I can either do one of two things. One, I can stop when the timer stops whether I am finished or not, Two I can keep going on the task by this time, I am totally engrossed in what it is I’m doing and its highly unlikely that I will stop in midstream. SOOO it forces me to push past how I feel and do what I know needs to be done all because of that little timer!  See what I mean?!? Hate it, but love it too!! Totally bipolar right ?!? I know!!

4. Make your space pretty & functional

Now y’all KNOW how I always talk about how pretty and functional go hand in hand with me because it causes me to be more productive! When I see my desk nice and clean with nothing on it besides my pretty pencils, awesome calendar and Lucite desk accessories it just makes me want to work on something! Sound crazy of course not! Decorate your working space to reflect YOU! Find whatever speaks to you ( Pier 1! ) and make your space pretty. Make sure all the things that you use are functional as well so that you’re just not taking up space! You don’t have to spend a lot of money unless you want to! I may splurge on something’s such as my Kate Spade boxes (LOVE THOSE) but I try to keep everything thing else within reason! Home Goods and Target are my JAM!  You can do it too! Your husband will thank you for it and so will his wallet !!

5. Give yourself GRACE

You will have some days where you feel like doing absolutely nothing. That’s normal. Don’t beat yourself up for having a normal human emotion. God doesn’t, He gives us Grace FREELY! Learn how to give it to yourself when you’re functioning at a level less than your normal excellent self! Remember its about Grace Not Perfection!

So there you have it! Some practical ways to stay productive even when you don’t feel like it! I’ll be back with you Thursday to share some of my favorite office supplies with you, that help keep me productive.

Of course you know they’re pretty too right?!?

Until next time Friends… Have an AWESOMELY PRODUCTIVE DAY!

Love, Love

Nicole