Working at home can be challenging. For some people motivation is an issue because "home" is filled with fun stuff to do other than work. For me, working at home usually means diving into my grading, lectures, and reading/research without getting out of my pajamas or taking a shower. I don't have an issue with motivation; rather, I have an issue with taking time out to actually take care of myself. I usually eat at my desk over my books and keyboard. I often don't shower until very late in the day. And I rarely get out of my pjs ... it's a not a very pretty picture.
There's something to be said about waking up in the morning, exercising, eating breakfast, showering and getting dressed. I always feel better when I'm actually "dressed for the day," and in some ways I think I'm more productive and focused. I tested this theory on Thursday, which tends to be one of my busiest "at home days" of the week. Granted, my outfit is really nothing special, but it is something I would wear to a friend's house or a quick run to the store -- minus the flip-flops. I only ever wear flip-flops around the house because no matter how much I sweep or vacuum there's always cat litter in the darnedest places and it drives me nuts. I'll also take them with me to my Mom's to wear after gardening or around her house. I never wear them out. Ever. I'm wearing a pair of black jeans and a washable silk cowl-neck tunic that gathers at the sleeves with a cute, little button detail. The silk has been worn and washed to death so this top is more of a "knock around" blouse than anything else, and damned comfortable to boot! I believe I've featured this top before, but I honestly can't remember.
I wore my hair up to the side, put a black flower where I gathered my hair up, and wore a fun pair of drop earrings. The act of putting on makeup wakes me up in the morning and actually sends the signal to my brain that it's time to be serious about my work. I internally associate the act of applying make-up to going out either for fun or for work, so it makes sense that it triggers my work mode.
I know I've said this before, but I'll say it again: I really need and want to make a habit of waking up early, working out and getting ready for a productive day. I can so hung up in what I have to do that I forget what is good for me to do.
The Run Down:
Blouse: Lane Bryant, a million years ago
Jeans: Eddie Bauer
Flip-flops: Target, this year
Earrings: Kohl's
Hair flower: Claire's or Icing for Claire's
now that top really looks comfy!
ReplyDeletehope you can get into that habit because it feels so good to get up and do workout. gives a lot of fresh energy!
Thanks! I have such issues waking up in the morning that the thought of working out first thing in the morning makes my skin crawl. hehehehe ... *shudder* But you're right, it will give me lots of energy so it's worth a try.
DeleteIt takes a while to get into a routine but you'll get there if you keep trying! I miss my morning routine when I worked from home. I just can't get up early enough to exercise before work these days, so I work-out a lot less. On the other hand, it's so much easier controlling what I eat while at work! Congrats on your continued weight-loss!
ReplyDeleteIn reality, my routine really depends on my schedule and looming deadlines. There are days that I'm under the gun and frantic to get through my work ... other days, not so much. It's totally crazy! I find that I eat better at home than at work because I can control the type of food I eat and I know what's in my meal. Besides, I feel so healthy and decadent because I usually cook for myself.
DeleteThanks!
Oh, the cat litter... I feel your pain there. And our long-haired guys can tote a LOT of it around before it finally falls out. We tried switching one box to the Feline Pine last weekend, because the big chunks will presumably track less, but everyone refuses to use it. *sigh* Anyway, I am so happy to read that you you never wear the flip-flops out of the house. Flip-flops in public are proof of how far our society has decayed. Right up there with pajama pants. ;)
ReplyDeleteI <3 that top. It looks perfectly comfy, yet elegant, for a day at home, but could even be belted for a more fitted evening look. And it would probably go great with a skirt, too. It seems like it would be quite versatile!
Oh wow! Yeah, you must have cat litter up to your eyeballs with those puff balls. We use that wheat scoop stuff; when we got Moo we had a parrot and were afraid that he would eat the cat litter while wandering around the floor so we decided to use something "consumable" just in case. We stuck with it since ... and have little bits of wheat everywhere. sigh ...
DeleteI HATE, LOATH, HATE, DESPISE flip flops and pajama pants worn in public. I also can't stand the velour track suits and sweat pants, especially if they have "juicy" or "sexy" scrolled across the ass. *PUKE* Welcome to Staten Island!
Thanks! I love this top too, unfortunately I loved it to death because the silk is pulled and worn in certain spots. I wore it constantly to work with everything you've described ... hehehe.
We tried the wheat stuff, but it made Mr. Kitty mad (and that's no easy feat!) because it glued itself to the bottom of the litter box so badly. Broke so many plastic scoopers trying to excavate those pee bricks, he finally begged me to switch back to clay. lol! I wasn't going to make a fuss, because having a man who is willing to scoop the litter box is too good a thing to give up! ;)
Deletehehehehe ... oh Mr. Kitty! Huh, Ed never complained about it sticking to the bottom of the litter box. Yes, he's agreed to do the scooping too! Our hubbies ROCK! He says he likes the way it keeps down the smell and I have to agree.
DeleteHow true your words are :-)! Don't know why, but getting dressed is one of the best way to be more productive at home. Pjs on working hours are EVIL :D!
ReplyDeleteMy “healthy trick” for days spent at home working is just…goin’out for a walk as soon as I get out of the bed, for an hour or so! This way, I’m “forced” to take a shower (and consequently get dressed properly ^^) as I come back home, and the fresh air clears my mind making me feel relaxed; moreover, this prevents me from indulging in an unhealthy/too sumptuous breakfast. Power-walking is the best exercise for me 'cause it's not tiring/heavy and I really don't consider it to be a burden, but a refreshing moment. After that, I’m ready to dive into my books :-)!
I go joggin’first thing in the morning ‘cause otherwise I know the fear to NOT finish all my duties on time will probably prevent me from goin’out, or at least procrastinating it since it’s too late or I’m too tired.
Another “rule” is not to eat in front of the laptop/at my desk; lunch-break, even if it’s just 10 minutes, to me is really a moment to pause, un-plug, and ENJOY my food. This way I can really get the most out of my meal, and not findin’myself munching and munching things I’m not really tasting while browsing the net/checking email ect.
Ok, maybe I’m biased here :D: I’m Italian, hence I live in a culture where good food is cherished even in its “social value”, as a chance to sit down with your family/beloved ones/colleague (just the nice ones ;pp) and sharing some chit-chat and happy moments around a table...but really, I hate eating alone ^^!
Anyway, I really like your outfit, especially the blouse!
I'll have to follow your example and improve my "homey" outfits too ^^
I am so guilty of eating over my work! When I'm working there's just no stopping me, so I eat in front of my computer or over my books. I always eat dinner with Ed at the dinner table with proper settings -- this is our time together to talk and connect so it's very special.
Deletehmmm ... walking before work? But you live Italy and you probably see such beautiful things on your job! I'm here in Staten Island and all I see are ... Jersey Shore wanna be guidos. You know, the Italian-Americans that embarrass the crap out of themselves when they visit Italy because they don't get the REAL Italian lifestyle. sigh ...