The fake commute—the WFH professional's best friend

Create a "commute" to begin and end your work day. Also, find a way to use your super power/skill to benefit your fellow humans. For the paid folks, here's something Canadians do better.

Creating a beginning and end-of-day routine can bookend your day so you know there’s a definitive beginning and end.

Why it matters

Working from home takes discipline. First, to get your work done. Second, and maybe more importantly, knowing when to call it a day. Also important is preparing yourself to go to work rather than jumping out of bed and heading to the keyboard.

Going deeper

We talk a lot about morning routines. It’s different for everybody. Mine starts with exercise, meditation and a little reading. Some may go for a run, walk the dog, drop the kids off at the bus stop, etc. What often gets neglected is the end of the day.

End your day with a definitive activity. It could be as simple as a short walk or a trip to the gym. If working out isn’t your thing, you could try a short nap. I would recommend just getting out of the house and away from the office even if it’s for 15 minutes. Do something that punctuates your day.

How about you?

What’s the end of your day look like? Please leave a comment.

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Saluting this work-from-home professional

Barry Braunstein of Barry Braunstein Photography recently made some news by offering free headshots to US federal workers recently laid off.

Why it matters

When you work from home—particularly when you run your own business—you have many opportunities to do good with your talent or skill. You also have the flexibility to donate time to causes that need volunteers. This benefits the cause and gets you out of the house.

Going deeper

Barry’s offer was that people had to show proof that they had worked for the federal government and had been recently terminated. Despite promoting online and to networking groups, nobody had taken advantage of this generous offer. He even hired a PR firm (me) to put out a release to promote this offer. It took some time but coverage in a local newspaper resulted in the first former federal worker taking Barry up on the offer.

In addition to that, more coverage followed, including a major radio news outlet in the Boston market—WBZ Radio. Not to mention, a feature article in a photographer’s blog.

Congratulations, Barry! Great work, and hopefully, many more will take advantage of your generous offer.

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Don’t feel like the office today?

And you don’t want to leave the house. How’s this for a plan B? Try the living room couch and this:

WLIVE Wood Lift Top Coffee Table with Hidden Compartment and Adjustable Storage Shelf, Lift Tabletop Dining Table for Home Living Room, Office, Rustic Oak

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Monday morning vibe: Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’