Working in silence 💤

I've gotten a lot of shit for this, but I find it amusing how working with music, a podcast, or the TV on has become so normalized. Don't get me wrong; I enjoy listening to things while I work, but only when I'm doing autopilot tasks that don't require much thought. Most of my work now—creating systems and automating businesses—demands deep thought, creativity, troubleshooting, and out-of-the-box thinking. This leaves little room for error, which is why I avoid distractions.

On the other hand, if I'm doing something creative, like building a website or working on a branding package, having music in the background can spark creativity. 🎶 When I listen to music while working, it's typically lo-fi without lyrics, just a good beat.

I don't have an issue with people who prefer noise all the time, but it makes me wonder:

• How effective are you at your job?

• What is your margin of error daily?

• Do your tasks require full attention, or just partial?

Numerous studies have shown that "multitasking" as we commonly think of it isn't real. The brain can't effectively perform two complex tasks simultaneously; it rapidly switches between tasks, leading to reduced efficiency and increased error rates due to the "switch cost" of changing focus. 🔄

Desk Clutter 🖥️

Working with a clean desk gives me a clear mind. When I see clutter, it’s like my brain gets just as messy—it’s distracting and blocks my creativity. I can’t focus in a space that feels chaotic. The same goes for dirt or crumbs on my desk. If there’s a mess, I have to stop everything and clean it before I can think straight again.

I truly believe a clean office and home say a lot about you. First, it shows respect for yourself and your space. Second, it proves how much you value a life free of distractions. And finally, it reflects your level of discipline. For me, this is step one toward productivity and mental clarity: clean space, clear mind!

Clutter doesn’t just look messy; it actually messes with your brain. Studies show that clutter limits your ability to process information, and you perform better on tasks when there’s less distraction around you. Plus, clutter can feel like unfinished business, and that kind of mental weight can be super stressful—especially when life’s already throwing a lot at you.

Messes 🚯

Let’s talk about the messes we all have but rarely admit to because we’re trying to look "put together" all the time. For me, it’s my office cords. Since moving to New York, I’ve rearranged my office so many times that I finally gave up on managing all the cables—they’re just sitting there in a tangled mess. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Well, not exactly. Even though I can’t see them, I think about fixing them constantly. 😂 I'll be fixing this SOON!

The truth is, we all have our “messy cords,” whether it’s literal or figurative. The key is to recognize them, decide if they’re worth tackling now, and cut ourselves some slack in the meantime. For me, I’m still figuring out my perfect office setup, so the cords can wait a little while longer. Progress, not perfection my friends!!

Writing with paper and pen 📝

Writing down your tasks on paper might feel a little old-school in today’s tech-filled world, but hear me out—it’s got some serious perks that go beyond just keeping you organized. There’s something so satisfying about handwriting a to-do list and crossing things off—it’s not just fun, it actually triggers a dopamine hit! Yep, that feel-good chemical that makes you feel accomplished and motivated is all yours, just for finishing a task.

Sure, apps like Notion or Monday are great, but there’s something special about putting pen to paper. It wakes up more parts of your brain than typing does, helping you remember things better, come up with creative ideas, and even coordinate those left and right brain vibes. Plus, it can be super calming—a little mental reset wrapped up in your to-do list. Who doesn’t need that?

And here’s a fun fact for anyone thinking long-term: handwriting isn’t just good for getting stuff done—it helps keep your brain sharp as you get older too. It’s like a mini workout for your mind, keeping it active and healthy.

So, while those digital tools definitely have their place, maybe grab a pen and a notebook next time. It’s not just writing—it’s productivity, creativity, and therapy all in one. And hey, who doesn’t love the feeling of crossing something off with a flourish?

Ergonomic Things

Wrist Pad/Keyboard Pad

Have you ever noticed wrist or joint pain after spending hours working on your laptop at a coffee shop or sitting on the couch using the trackpad or typing? This discomfort occurs because your wrists are often positioned at an awkward angle for extended periods, performing repetitive tasks.

While wrist pads might not win any style awards, they play a crucial role in protecting your hands and wrists from long-term damage. Without proper support, resting your wrists on the edge of a desk or typing without a wrist pad can put excessive pressure on the underside of your wrists and the delicate tendons in that area. Over time, this can lead to serious health issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and tenosynovitis.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): This condition causes tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands, fingers, and wrists, impairing hand function and mobility.

• Tenosynovitis: A painful inflammation of the sheath surrounding the tendons in the wrist, often caused by repetitive strain.

If you spend significant time at your computer, investing in a wrist pad is essential. Even if you’re in your 20s and feeling fine now, taking steps to protect your wrists early on can save you from pain and complications later in life. Prioritize your ergonomic health today—you’ll thank yourself in the future.

Foot Rest

If you’re like me and spend hours sitting at a desk, you’ve probably felt your knees or back in pain... 🙄 Sitting all day isn’t just boring—it can really mess with your joints and muscles over time. If you don't already have a standing desk, just invest in a little footrest, and boom—better circulation, less pressure on your knees, and improved posture.

Even with cool alternatives like standing desks, desk treadmills, or even bouncing on an exercise ball (fun, but not for everyone 😂), a footrest is a game-changer for circulation. Let’s face it, working from home or the office shouldn’t come with a side of aches and pains.

Conclusion

In reflecting on this entry, it’s clear that a lot has changed. Not just in how we work, but in how we connect, create, and show up in our daily lives. While it hasn’t always been easy, the challenges have also led to a TON of growth, innovation, and a deeper sense of authenticity. Whether it’s navigating distractions, celebrating small wins, or embracing imperfections, working from home has taught us to adapt in ways we never imagined.

At the end of the day, it’s not about having the perfect setup or routine—it’s about finding what works for you and making the most of the flexibility and opportunities this new way of working provides. Thanks for joining me on this journal entry—it’s all part of the process :)