This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of MrOwl.com. All opinions are 100% mine.
Not only do you have the typical “work-at-home” distractions to combat, but tack on the unpredictable struggles of a chronic illness and things can seem like they’ll never get done. But there is a way. Here’s how to stay productive while working at home with a chronic illness.
1 – Get a standing desk or a transformable desk – Of course this will depend on your physical needs, but I do much better standing during the day and then when work is over, sitting and resting at the end of the day. I feel better, more focused, and productive when my body isn’t scrunched up and sitting in a chair.
2 – Take breaks, lots of breaks – I don’t do anything fancy. No pomodoro intervals for me. But just taking breaks to move around, walk away from the computer screen, grab a drink, read a chapter in my current book, to stand outside and just soak up with warmth of the sun. Even when I’m in the middle of a recipe photo shoot, if I start to lose focus and inspiration, I’ll stop, take a break, and come back in a few minutes. Breaks are essential for avoiding that dreaded burnout and frustration which can be a daily feeling or build up over time.
3 – Don’t overextend yourself – This isn’t a free-pass or an excuse. This is understanding that your energy is not unlimited and everyday won’t be your best. What I do and what I’ve always done is to just aim to accomplish ONE thing each day.
4 – Establish boundaries and a routine – Remember how important a routine can be? Even if you just have a structured outline to your days, it’s so much easier to stay on task when you know what’s coming next. For me when it’s not school season, work mornings are promotion, breakfast, email, and reading/research. Afternoons are recipe testing, shooting, uploading, and a walk outside. Then nighttime more email, writing, editing photos, cooking dinner, and relaxation. Some people even find “themed” days helpful. During the school year, I usually designate each day of the week to a specific class. That way nothing get overwhelming as I only “have to” focus on that one class and once I’m done, I’m done.
5 – Have an easy way to stay inspired all day long – A new free resource to try out that will keep all your online inspiration organized and right at your fingertips is MrOwl. It’s an online platform where you get to save, share, and explore your interests and passions, create “branches” of the ideas your find and share them with others. If you’re working from home this is a perfect tool to have that collaboration with others, keep yourself inspired, all with ease and organization. You can check out my branches here (I’ve started some for Strength and Sunshine recipes) then download the MrOwl app to get started and Sign Up!
6 – Have a box of tricks to keep you comfortable – This could be imaginary or physical. What I mean is you should have a comfortable and inviting workspace. Make it cozy and cheerful with candles, essential oils and diffusers, pillows, blankets, music (or podcasts!). To keep all your podcasts and streaming services in one neat place, you can create a MrOwl branch to go back and reference! I’d also suggest you work in a room with tons of windows. Nothing makes me more focused and feeling my best then the wonderful sunshine.
7 – Talk to someone – You may think that working at home, alone, would be best for productivity, but it can be isolating too. Add on chronic illness and you may find yourself stuck in your own head (and body) too much. Always make sure to connect with someone during the day to just check in, bounce ideas off of, or share a funny story. It can be a quick text conversation or just a 15 minute phone call.
8 – Track, plan, and set mini goals – Planning is important for everyone, but even more so when you don’t know how you’ll be feeling from day-to-day. You can plan a small to-do list each day, but I find it more effective and forgiving to make a big weekly to-do list. If I’m not feeling well one day, I know I have the entire week to get to it. Also track your feelings throughout the day. If you notice you start to feel sick after a certain amount of time each day, note that and plan an extra break and some self-care during that stretch of time. With your planning and tracking under your belt, set mini goals. Like I said in #3, aim to accomplish one important win each day. Don’t stress over the big picture, just work towards achieving the little things that will then add up to a big accomplish before you know it.
9 – Learn when to say no and “walk away” – Learn when you’ve reached your limit and you shouldn’t take on anymore obligations or work. Your health comes first and it may be hard to turn some things down, but you don’t want to end up sicker, with unnecessary stress, or letting someone down. Also note when you’ve reached your limit of tolerance with your work and others. When I sense myself getting angry and frustrated at my work or others (online), I know it’s because I’m not feeling well and it’s time to step away, refresh, or wrap-up for the day.
10 – Move, eat, sleep – My exercise keeps me sane and I cherish the time I have in the mornings for movement. I know what it feels like to be too sick to move and I end up feeling even worse and have no focus. I also nourish my body (as best as it will let me!) with healthy nutritious foods. I know I can’t focus and stay productive if I’m hungry! Last, but certainly not least, sleep! After you’ve accomplished your mini goals or ONE thing, make sure you pat yourself on the back and let your body heal itself and rest for the next day. Keep it consistent though, that’s the key!
So tell me:
+ How do you keep yourself on track with your health and work productivity?
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Jennifer says
A big weekly to-do list works best for me too, precisely because you never really know how much (focused) energy you’ll have that day. Another important strategy for staying productive with chronic illness is limiting distractions and avoiding multi-tasking – they both take up so much mental energy and attention. Alternating between different types of tasks, that tap into different parts of your brain/body – e.g. writing, making phone calls, doing something more physical – also helps to get more done in one day without exhausting all your mental and physical resources.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes, I love my 1 big to-do list. I know there is something I can get done each day depending on how I feel and I’m not stuck to one certain task!
Barbara Radisavljevic says
Those are all good hints. I still prefer to sit while working. It helps me focus. I find excuses to move often to get something or do a short chore or grab a cup of tea or some water. I take a break during a couple of hours for TV news and commentary to stay current, or read.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Do what works for you!
Rheagan says
Love, love, love this! Hashimoto’s warrior over here, and this could not have been more helpful or timely as I’m looking at firing up my own work-from-home endeavour with a toddler under foot!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
And you can do it, my friend! Stay strong! xoxo
Mia White says
Good tips– I especially appreciate the reminder of boundaries.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
So important! Thanks!
Lucy At Home says
Lots of good advice here. I especially liked the bit about “understanding that your energy is not unlimited and everyday won’t be your best.” – I think that goes for everyone whether you are ill or not – we all expect ourselves to accomplish the same amount of things each day and actually, circumstance, energy levels, personal emotions, etc can all impact on how much capacity we have to accomplish things. We just need to do our best and not berate ourselves if you don’t get everything done. Thanks for that reminder!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes, exactly! We can’t be out best 100% of the time!
Sandra L Garth says
These are great suggestions for everyone and thanks for the fyi about Mr. Owl.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you, Sandra!
Laura says
I don’t have a chronic illness, but I do work from home and I think these tips are great!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Great! I know we can all implement these strategies!
Michele Morin says
Great advice for anyone who works at home! Thanks!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Glad you enjoyed!
Anna Brown says
You’re amazing! Well done on the keeping going and being much more disciplined than me….my only tactic is to get it done early (or late) when the house is quieter! Great post, thanks for sharing! Anna x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
As long as it gets done somehow, eh? 😉
Kathleen - Bloggers Lifestyle says
Helpful tips here for working out what suits each individual. I hate to stand in one spot, for me it is worse than sitting. On the other hand I tend to sit too much. I try and discipline myself to get up and move for 10 mins in each hour. Also drink plenty, then you will have to get up to the bathroom LOL. And as you mention, keep the snacks healthy.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
My job keeps me moving about the kitchen all day!
Paulette says
This is a really nice information post regarding staying productive. I find that each person has their own knack for being productive and reading each person’s post may help me pick up some tips that may help me! Keep blogging and thank you for the inspiration!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! We all have different ways and things that keep us focused!
Carol Taylor says
Those stand upu desk look so cool 🙂 I can’t sit at a desk for too long as it makes my ankles swell a combination of sitting and the heat( Ilive in a hot ) humid climate. So I have a small portable tale for my laptop and sit proped up on my bed. My bedroom is very large and i have french doors and 4 seperate sets of windows and a prayer room with windows around it so lots of light . I also can see te squirrels running up and down backwards and forwards to their nests. I also get a lovely bird who perchs on my window screen and when I make sort of whistling noises he cocks his head as if he is listening he generally stys a few minutes at a time. This way I get no swollen ankles and am cool 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I wish I had tons of windows! Haha! I don’t so that can be rather drab, but sunlight is so important to me!
Carol Taylor says
You wouldn’t when it comes to cleaning…lol…
Lisa Orchard says
Awesome tips! I may use of these for my writing! Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Glad you enjoyed them!
Ivy says
A lot of great tips that you shared on your post. I like that you pointed out the importance of taking breaks. You have to do whats best for your health. Also your points about exercise and eating more healthy. Im discovering the importance of drinking plenty of water.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Staying hydrated is a must! I get so foggy headed if I go too long without drinking!
Debbie says
These are really useful tips and such a positive way of learning to cope. I like to take regular breaks and actually walk around for a while before getting back into things. It’s about learning how your body reacts at times and still manage to get things done. Go you!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! Just go with the flow and listen to your body throughout the day!
Brenda says
Good advice for everyone – chronic illness or not. We are starting to get those stand up desk at work. I have seen options where you purchase just the part that raises and can put on any desk (that it fits width/depth wise). So option to sit or stand. I think great idea.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yup! The VeriDesk! But you know those treadmill desks would be really stellar 😉
Suzie says
As someone who works from home but doesn’t have a chronic illness, these are all really useful. My friend has just bought a standing desk and she loves it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
They are such game changers!
Bernadette Jackson says
Brilliant tips. I find that I can get really hunched up with too long at the laptop, so have to build in those regular breaks. I also have some strange multi-tasking habits, like browsing Pinterest and Instagram while on my exercise bike. When the weather cheers up, I also like working from the garden table (fortunately within wifi range) to get a bit of fresh air too.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O yes! I always do my readings while cycling as well! It’s my time to zone out, enrich my mind, and get my energy back!
Ritu Bhathal says
I may use some of these ideas to help me with my wtiting during the summer holidays!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope they can bring some productivity!
SaraBeth says
Hi, Rebecca. Working at home does have its own challenges – chronic illness adds to the challenge.
I’ve implemented a few things this year that I believe is helping me have less down days.
1. I exercise in the mornings
2. I wake up (no matter what)
3. I take Fridays and weekends off
4. I work in a separate space (then all the noise)
5. I’ve limited my client base.
I know I naturally overwork myself and over commit to things. I have an awful habit of saying yes and volunteering for things without thinking first.
Knowing this about myself I’ve cut my work hours by half.
It certainly makes me creative. 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It’s always a journey to find and tweak what works for us! It seems like you know yourself pretty well!
Jan Wild says
Terrific post with great tips for anyone who works from home, chronic illness or not. Particularly as one ages it is easy to feel stiff and sore and the recommendations on moving and on eating well are so important to follow.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! I think they are essential to all of us!
Nicole Taggart says
I think they are all great tips. saying no to things is so hard for some people, but it makes such a big difference in productivity and well being.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! We need to know our limits!
Mary says
Lots of wonderful tips. I want to invest in a standing desk since I’m always on my computer
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I always just hack it with boxes of just use the counter!
districtofchic says
I love my standing desk! It’s literally life-changing for my neck problems!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes!! Standing is just what my body needs!
Jovana says
Thank you! This is very useful! ?????
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
So glad you think so!
neil@neilshealthymeals.com says
Lots of great tips to stay productive here Rebecca!
I’ve been following your blog for sometime now and can I just say that for someone who has a chronic illness you come across as such a positive and happy person. In other words you don’t let it get you down! I love that. 🙂
To keep organised and productive I use Trello (it’s a Project Management scheduler) every day which keeps me on track with everything for my blog.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you so much Neil 🙂 I try my best (and work far ahead!)