Working from home has countless obvious benefits, but working in the same place where you relax can make it challenging to stay physically healthy, mentally grounded and spiritually inspired.
I've spent a lot of time in my adult life figuring out how to balance my energy, hoist myself out of a rut and reconnect to what feels like my higher purpose, which means I have a ton of tools in my self-care/personal growth toolbox to share with you.
Although I created this list of my favorite ways to stay motivated and inspired while working from home, I highly recommend them to anyone who wants to feel all high-vibe and personal growth-y.
*Note: This blog contains affiliate links because cha-ching!
Books
These three reads (or listen to's, if you're an Audible fan) are at the tip-top of my list this year. There is so much wisdom packed into each of these books, I'll continue to re-read them for years to come.
One of the best book sensations of the year is Untamed by Glennon Doyle.
In it, Doyle talks about how, even from an early age, she felt hemmed in by the pressures of social convention and expectations, which led her down a path of addiction and self denial. She shares how she finally woke up to her desires, reclaimed her power and adopted a give no fucks attitude to love who she wants, live how she wants and be whatever she damn-well pleases.
I found myself shouting "YES!" a hundred times as her revelations became my own, and I felt inclined to look at places in my own life where the status quo might be running the show.
The Audacity to be Queen by Gina Devee has become my go-to business bible. You might not have heard of Gina Devee, but you've likely experienced her wisdom by proxy, since she was the coach who inspired Jen Sincero's book, You're a Badass, (another one of my all-time faves!).
In The Audacity to be Queen, Devee reminds us that anything really is possible. For Devee, everything begins and ends with prayer and she does this in a non-preachy, cringe-free way. Plus, she gives away so much valuable and actionable advice, this book felt like a week-long seminar, made just for me, and hopefully for you too!
If she were an actual minister of life and business, I would be a convert!
My favorite habit, that comes and goes, is getting up early to spend some time meditating, praying, reading and writing (and going #2), because these things set me up to be more productive in my work and less yell-y with my kids.
Dear Universe by Sarah Prout is an awesome way to start the day by setting a specific intention. I also use it when I'm feeling crappy and want a quick attitude and energetic adjustment.
How we feel attracts more things that make us feel that way, so it's in our best interest to focus on feeling as good as we can - even if it's only an incremental improvement.
Course and Classes
Yoga is one of the fastest ways to clear my mind and energize my body. Even a quick 10 minute flow can have a dramatic shift on how I'm feeling. While I miss going to in-person classes, one of my favorite teachers has moved her classes to YouTube (Lizzie Brooks Yoga and Fitness) where you can still get an awesome class from your living room. Some of her classes even incorporate weights. Lizzie is a well-seasoned teacher who really knows the body, plus she's funny, which is my favorite trait in most humans. Subscribing to her channel and taking her classes is totally free, but I do hope when you're all blissed out, you'll remember to shower her with love and donate to her Paypal.
If you want to keep getting the same results in your life...don't change a thing!
Fear plays a huge role in the limitations we place on ourselves, but one of the hardest barriers to a overcoming our fears is seeing them clearly enough to disarm them. I recently took an online course, called Outwitting Fear that was created by Lisabeth Thomas (LB) and this is the email I wrote to her after I completed the exercises.
Outwitting Fear is more than a course. Unlike something you do just once, it's a tool you can use again and again. It's a whole mindset and new perspective you can employ when faced with any upsetting circumstance and you can get better at it with practice. From couples to corporations, it offers a shared language for walking and talking through problems and guides individuals to take ownership of their emotions and their lives.
In short...I love it!
If you're tired of creating emotional work-arounds that hold you back from living your best life, I hope you'll take this course. Perhaps one of the most surprising things about this course is that it only takes about an hour and the results are profound.
Podcasts
Perhaps the only thing I miss about driving to work is how much time I had to listen to podcasts in my car. Now I listen to them when I'm cleaning house or on long walks. These are this year's top three picks.
Don't keep Your Day Job by Cathy Heller - My favorite life and business podcast.
The Divine Living Podcast by Gina Devee - Other favorite life and business podcast (I can have two faves if I want to)!
Dying for Sex by Nikki Boyer - This is one of the most funny, touching and heartbreaking stories I've ever heard. Go listen to the whole thing and then see how grateful you feel to be alive.
Best Apps for Brain Breaks
If you want to up your productivity and creativity, you can't just push, push, push and expect greatness to happen. You have to take little breaks to refresh, revive and shift your perspective.
Karaoke App - It doesn't really matter which karaoke app you get, just as long as you sing your heart out at top volume. Singing, no matter how badly you do it, shifts your juju in a good way.
Map My Walk - Walking may be an elder sport, but I love it! Taking a 3-mile walk is like a free appointment with a very talented therapist. This app helps me track how far I go and then helps me find my way back home.
DanceFight App - OK...I just discovered this one, but I can't wait to try it out. It's all about pitting one dancer against another in a dance-off and letting other app users judge the winner. Feel free to challenge me in a dance duel! Just be prepared to lose.
FREE Resources for business building and copywriting:
In addition to all these woo-woo tools to up your vibe, here are some other resources and products you might enjoy.
Download my free Ideal Customer Worksheet. All businesses evolve over time so if you haven't updated your web copy since you built your website, or your messaging is no longer geared toward the right target...it's time to (re-)do this worksheet. Thoughtfully answering each of these questions helps you clarify who you serve, what you offer and exactly why you stand out above your competition.
Also, be sure to sign up for my weekly email, where I share all kinds of antics laced with actual business building wisdom you could probably get somewhere else, but it wouldn't be as fun.
Products that make my work day more pleasant
I finally upped my zoom/video making game with this ring light. It's super adjustable and has lots of light settings.
I love coffee or tea, but only when it's piping hot, so I use this YETI mug with a lid to keep me caffeinated during my work day. If my hands aren't shaking and my heart isn't racing, I haven't had enough. JK
The last thing I have to have while I'm working is this Mongo Kiss Peppermint Lip Balm. It gives my lips a little minty tingle and is super moisturizing and feels like a little luxury.
Whew! That was a lot.
I wish you well on your quest to feel better and do your best.
*If you want to talk shop and would like some help making your copy glow, feel free to set up a Free 15 Minute Call with me to see if we're a good fit.
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