How to Transition From Home to Work

Do you ever long for your office? Or daydream about a quiet morning at a coffee shop, just you, your laptop, a latte, and time to tackle those admin tasks you've been wanting to do for forever?

It sounds downright luxurious.

I mean, I love my kids, but the constant stimulation, the questions, the whining can be a lot!

So whether it's a Monday morning or that rare opportunity of quiet on the weekend, when I first sit down at my desk, I let out a big SIGH and sink into my chair. 

But has this ever happened to you? You're ready to work or tackle that project, and instead of getting started right away, you reach for your phone "just to check-in".

Maybe it's the first time you’ve had a minute to see if anyone texted you or posted a new photo on Instagram. It'll just take a minute.

But that quick check turns into 15 minutes and suddenly you’re feeling behind and struggling, even more, to get started.

This is your time to be productive and instead, you’re wasting it and then beating yourself up for wasting it!

Why, sometimes, is getting started so hard?

Maybe it's because you don't have a "transition plan". Having cues or a ritual that you do to mark the change in energy and focus can be exactly what you need to hit the ground running.

Here are some of the ways that I've created a transition plan for myself as I move from family time to focused time: 

1. Pick Out Your Priority In Advance

I talk a lot about scheduling and planning your time, so it should come as no surprise that I want you to have your top priority already picked out.

When you sit down to work, what's the one thing you must do? Or what are the top 3 things, if you have a longer chunk of time?

Don’t forget to remind yourself of WHY that one thing is so important. The why can help give you motivation.

2. Set the Scene

Whether you’re at work, in a home office, or working in a common space, it’s so important to start your focused time with some sort of cue - to set the stage.

• Maybe you light a candle or turn on your diffuser.

• Maybe you have a dedicated planner, fun notebook, or special pen that you get to use.

• Maybe you bring a “treat” beverage like a mug of tea, fancy coffee, or lemon water to enjoy.

What can you do to cue yourself that now is a different time from being with the kids?

3. Create A Playlist

I love to work to music. I know that’s not true for everyone, but it can be a great way to set the tone for work.

I often select the music based on the mood I want to create. Do I want music to focus, like coffee shop background music? Do I want something high energy if I’m about to present or run a coaching session? Do I want lyrics or just instrumental?

This is another cue that it’s focused time and can help create energy.

4. Use A Timer

Whether you have a physical timer or you use a countdown clock on your laptop or phone, seeing time passing can help you get started and commit to making progress.

The goal with the timer is to create some sense of urgency. You have your plan, and now you need to get to work.

You can try the Pomodoro Technique, which is really helpful if you have short chunks of time for focus. But sitting down, committing to your priority task, and then starting that timer can be a great motivator, as long as you’re also balancing that with breaks…

5. Build In Breaks and Honor Them

If you’re still finding the transition challenging, maybe you need to own that break that you need. Instead of beating yourself up for spending a few minutes not being productive, make it a part of your plan. The first 5 or 10 minutes of your work time is dedicated to whatever you need that day.

You could take a few deep breaths, or meditate, enjoy your coffee, take a look at your schedule for the day, write, check your phone before setting it aside, or take care of that personal task that’s been nagging you all morning.

Using those first few minutes purposefully, and mindfully, as a time to decompress after being with the kids, can make you more productive later. Just be sure to honor the time you set aside for your break, and then move on to work.

You could apply the same format to the end of your work time as well. Use the last 5 minutes of your work time to just breathe and have a moment to yourself, before you jump back into the craziness of kids and home.

6. Remind Yourself, “I Have Time”

Try saying it to yourself right now… “I have time.”

Even with the best plan or the best ritual for starting work, you’ll still have days where that transition is hard. If you find yourself wandering from your plan or not being as productive as you’d like, that’s okay. It’s okay, especially now, to need some mindless time, time for breaks, and rest. Give yourself permission and then return to your cues and your routine when you’re ready to be productive again. You’ll know when.

And in the meantime, know that the most important things will still get done.

You have time.

What Works for You?

There are so many amazing ideas out there for making transitions because the truth is, they're not just hard for our toddlers!! I hope you'll experiment with something, whether that's one of my ideas or your own. You deserve to be supported through the different stages of your day, just as you do for your kids.

If you would like some extra support with intentionally planning your days for maximum productivity, check out my Stress Less To-Do List method.