How to Map Your Ideal Workday as a Freelance Writer

Every so often, it's a good idea to set aside some time and map out what your ideal workday looks like.

The reason: You can't work toward that ideal until you know what it is.

Sit down and write it out, hour by hour.

Every time I do this, I'm surprised by what I learn.

• Sometimes I find that I need to build in more time away from my computer throughout the day with short breaks for walks, time outdoors, etc.

• Other times, I've discovered insights around what type of work I enjoy doing most (as well as what work I don't want to do more of.)

• I also pinpoint when I'm most productive...and when that productivity starts to drop off.

Simply documenting what you want your workday routine to look like means you can then nail down what you want/need to accomplish each day, which activities you want to ritualize, etc.

Cheatsheet to help you map your ideal workday

Here's how I do this (feel free to copy/paste this and use it for yourself!)

1. I wake up at ____________.

2. Before I jump into work-related tasks for the day, I spend _____ minutes doing ___________.

3. I start working at __________.

4. The first thing I do is _____________________________.

5. My first short break of the day is around ________, and during that time I ___________________.

6. Once that’s done, I devote ___________ (time) to ___________________ (task). With any remaining time, I do (task) ______________ before lunch.

7. For lunch, I take a _____________ minute break and eat something like _______________.

8. After lunch, I take care of _______________________ (task) for ___________ (time).

9. My mid-afternoon break is _____ minutes long, and during that time I _________________(task).

10. I wrap up the rest of the afternoon with ___________________(task/activity).

11. I’m done working for the day at ____________.

12. If I have any spare time during the day, I fit in some _________________ (tasks).

Using those answers, I then put together a prioritized to-do list (with the most important things first) and then create a loose schedule for myself, usually one week at a time.

Note: Most of the time, I find I'm most productive using the Pomodoro Technique (AKA working in short sprints), but others may find that methods like time blocking or themed days work better for them.

It's worth experimenting to figure out what model is most successful and productive for you.

If you take the time to answer these questions and find that your ideal workday is *impossible* within your current role, workload, or life situation, use it as a springboard to think about how you can get there.

It's waaaaaay cheaper than therapy, and it's a minimal time investment that can teach you a lot about your work brain, your priorities, and what steps you can take moving forward to get closer to that ideal Monday-Friday workflow.

If you’re looking for a spreadsheet format that’ll help you get a better grasp on your monthly workload (so you STOP over-booking yourself into burnout!), this $59 resource is a must-have.

If you're looking for inspiration or are curious about what my average workday looks like, I recently discussed that with my podcast co-host, Emma.

The Ultimate WFH Product Guide: Clothing, Home Office Improvements, and More

Today, I want to spotlight some of my favorite things that have helped optimize my workday as a freelance writer that works from home. This includes cozy WFH gear, home office improvements, brain fuel, and more.

Why am I sharing this?

Because, let’s face it: The internet is huge and it can be hard to discover new, cool stuff (that someone else can actually vouch for.)

Let’s start with my favorite cozy work-from-home wear.

Cozy WFH Clothing

These are the pieces I find myself reaching for week after week as I work from my home office in comfort. Admittedly, these items are mostly for ladies, as that’s what I buy. So...guys? Maybe put these on your to-gift list for the ladies in your life, k?

First up: Three pairs of pants in my weekly rotation

• Athleta Polartec leggings: These are my go-to winter leggings. They’re nice and thick for days when I want the compression of a legging but need something that’s warm enough to walk the dog in during cold temps. Expensive but worth the investment.

• Prana Buxton jeans: If for some reason I feel the urge to wear jeans, I reach for these. Not only are they nice and stretchy, but they’re made from a cotton blend that makes them feel super soft on the inside. Bonus: They’re straight leg, meaning you have room to wear a base layer under them if needed. (Athleta’s Sculptek denim is comparable, and they are my second go-to for jeans.)

• Feat joggers: I have three pairs of these bad boys (that’s how much I love them.) They fit high-waisted and the buttery material stays wrinkle-free. Bonus: They’re ⅞ length, which means they actually fit a short gal like me lengthwise. (There's a men’s version available, too!)

Next: Cool weather cozies

• Aerie Sherpa pullover: This pullover is sort of like wearing a nice, soft blanket. I’m weird about fabrics, but this passes the test with flying colors. I love how soft and warm it is. Very cozy.

• Herschel sweatpants: These are nice and thick! A great warm option for days when I need to layer up. They run a bit long, so I do have to roll the band over to get them to the right length for me, but not a big deal. (Guy version of these as well!)

• Athleta Pranayama wrap: The fabric of this wrap is so, so soft. It’s mid-weight, has pockets and thumb holes, and looks super put-together without sacrificing comfort.

Versatile pieces: Loungewear to activewear

• Aviator Nation t-shirts: I don’t know how in the world this brand has figured out how to make the perfect unisex vintage-style t-shirt, but they have. They’re crazy soft. Plus: I can wear these during exercise too, which means one less outfit change during the day.

• All Access Center Stage leggings: These are a recent discovery for me, and I love the seamless look. Great fabric, a good band that doesn’t cut me in half, and quality construction. Again, these are expensive, but I’ll wear ‘em for years. Got these from Bandier and I’m in love.

• Aerie thermals: I have at least eight of these in various colors (the henley and plain long-sleeve versions.) Perfect base layer that I can work and exercise in comfortably.

• White Fox tank: This tie-dye crop was in heavy rotation during warmer weather, although it’s a bit chilly for it now. Will bring it back this spring.

Dressed up from the waist up

On the days I need to look semi-professional (for Zoom calls or live training sessions, for example) I usually just put on a nice-looking top or jacket. No one’s going to see my leggings or sweatpants and slippers, so I won’t tell if you don’t. Lately, these three items are my go-tos:

• Boden Celia top: It feels so French! Also love that it has a mock neck because sometimes I get a nervous rash when speaking and this covers it up.

• Liverpool moto jacket: Super chic. So easy to put on over a long sleeve top and instantly look put together.

• Toad & Co button downs: A bit more relaxed, but who can go wrong with a cozy flannel that’s also sustainably made?

For your feet

• Kizik Ashland slip-on boot: I have chronically cold feet, so slippers and insulated boots are a must for me, even while working from home. These are great because they’re both slippers and insulated boots (all rolled into one.) Their slip-ons are great, too!

• Bombas wool socks: I am a Bombas convert because these socks hold up SO WELL. I switch to wool socks when it gets cold, and these are my go-to when I want no-shows or ankle-level socks.

• Point 6 wool socks: These are actually cushioned wool hiking socks, meaning they’re super comfy and super warm. I have about 5-6 pairs of these and I love them so much.

Home Office Improvements

It’s getting cold out, so right now I’m all about my home office warm, cozy, and inviting. Here are some of the things that have helped me upgrade and optimize my workspace.

• This desk lamp: I like that this lamp has adjustable light color settings and varying brightness levels that I can change as the light transitions throughout the day.

• Heating pad: I keep this draped down the back of my desk chair, which helps with my back pain issues *and* keeps me warm.

• These battery-powered candles: Talk about hygge! Especially on rainy days, I love having the cozy lighting provided by these candles (that my pets can’t bump and burn the house down with.)

A few other favorites:

• A mini space heater: For the chronically cold who work in rooms with lots of (old) windows.

• Glasses with blue light blocking lenses: If you stare at a computer screen all day, these are a must-have.

• A whiteboard: This is where I keep my daily to-do lists, invoice tracking info, and all kinds of other things I don’t want to forget. It’s a life-saver.

Got Back Pain?

If, like me, you struggle with a lot of back pain from so much sitting in front of a computer screen while working from home, you might need these three things. They’ve helped me a lot (and I even travel with them!)

• Trigger point foam roller: At the end of the day, I roll out my back on this on the floor of my home office. It’s especially good for working the kinks out of the tight upper back and shoulder area.

• Textured massage ball: I like to roll this under my feet (a massage therapist told me this is supposed to help release lower back pain!)

• Massage gun: When my muscle pain gets severe, I break out the literal big guns. This is also great for when I’m doing lots of exercise and I’m sore from that activity.

Brain Fuel

• Verve coffee: Every single day I start my morning with either a cup of their Seabright blend or an latte made with their Streetlevel espresso. Never disappoints.

• Bub’s Naturals: I put a scoop of this brand’s collagen peptides or MCT Oil powder in my morning coffee because it makes me feel slightly better about all the cream and sugar I also add in.

• LiquidIV: On mornings when I feel dehydrated, I pop one of these packets into 16 oz. of water and I feel 100% better within about 15 minutes. Also great for post-exercise.

Books I Loved

If you spend a lot of time working from home, you probably need to escape to a good book. Of the books I read this year, these were my favorites.

1. The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante: This author is one of my all-time favorites for her ability to tease out characters’ emotions and to put you inside their heads.

2. The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli: This was recommended by a friend on Twitter, and while it’s quite the technical/heavy read, for those of you who are also into the exploration of time and quantum physics…this is a fascinating book.

3. The Harvard Psychedelic Club by Don Lattin: I had no idea about the magic mushroom experiments that went on in the 70s at Harvard and the careers of these famous folks that emerged from it. Loved this piece of non-fiction!

4. French Exit by Patrick DeWitt: Writer Rachel Syme recommended this book as a fun story with larger-than-life characters, and it delivered. A quick, light read.

5. At the Existentialist Cafe by Sarah Bakewell: Looking for a crash course in Philosophy that doesn’t fly right over your head? This book is the approachable entry point you need.

6. Loving What Is by Byron Katie: I’m not a self-help book person at all, but this book jumped out at me from the shelf and was absolutely incredible. Should be required reading for all humans.

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What's on your most-loved list this year as you work from home?

I’m always looking for new things to try out, so tweet me @kaleighf and let me know what I should check out next.

For the sake of transparency, note there are some referral links in the mix here, but know that I haven’t recommended anything that I don’t personally use on a daily basis. Some of these items were purchased at full price, some were bought secondhand, and some I received as gifts from friends.

Where to Work When You’re Tired of Working from Home

So, I’ve been working from a home office for about four years now.
 
I love our little house, but sometimes…I don’t.
 
Working in the same place day in and day out where I also spend my non-working hours can get a bit monotonous.

That’s why I try to get out of the house and take my laptop somewhere else sometimes.
 
It seems like a pretty common sense thing to do, but it’s harder than you’d think.
 
See, I am quite comfortable with my little office setup. I’ve got my giant monitor where I can split screens and see everything I need at once. It’s really quiet there because I can control the volume of all the things.

Plus—no interruptions. It’s work-conducive by design.
 
External locations, however, can’t always be controlled.

There might be little kids having a tantrum over chocolate milk at the coffee shop. Maybe there’s someone reading aloud to himself at the library and it’s DRIVING YOU NUTS. Or there’s not enough plugins at your favorite restaurant—or they aren’t open during your ideal working hours.
 
There are lots of reasons NOT to ever leave your house to do work, but I’ve been doing it more lately, and I’ve gotta say—it’s a good thing.
 
Here are some ideas you for where to go when you’re tired of working from home. These are some of my faves:
 
Another freelancer’s house
 
If you’re lucky enough to have a freelancer friend live nearby, see if you can invite yourself over. You can both sit in silence and work on your laptops and enjoy the company—even if you’re not always chatting. My pal Emma and I live far away from each other, so we rented an Airbnb in Austin, TX last year for a few days of co-working. It was lovely.
 
Outdoors
 
If you have a front porch, a back deck, or even just a chair with an umbrella and a small table, you can make an outdoor workspace for yourself. I’ve been spending a few afternoons working from our front porch on my laptop (when the mosquitos aren’t too bad) and added a box fan to the mix so I don’t get too hot. No travel required, and you still get a new set of scenery (plus nature sounds!)
 
The local library
 
Our local library is one of those late 1800s Carnegie stone structures. It’s cool and quiet and has lots of tables. The only drawback here is sometimes there’s a loud talker or the comfy chairs are taken. Otherwise, you can really knock out some work in this space. If you haven’t visited your library in a while, it’s worth checking out as a potential work environment. You don’t even have to be a cardholder!
 
A coffee joint
 
This is the one I do most often. There’s a super cozy coffee shop in a nearby town that has excellent coffee and lots of gluten-free things I can eat, and so some mornings I take my laptop there and hop on the free Wi-Fi to eat breakfast and work. I always leave when it gets busy or noisy, but it’s usually pretty low-key.
 
Pro-tip: Choose a coffee shop with good Wi-Fi. Sometimes if the place is too busy their connection is reeeeeeally slow.
 
Local B&B’s (Ask for a day rate!)
 
This is my go-to winter “I’ve gotta get out of the house!” solution. I look for B&B’s within a 60-mile radius (so I don’t have to travel very far) and reach out to see if they offer a discounted day rate. As in, I’m not staying overnight—I just want to come work from your cool place. Every time I’ve asked, the owner has said yes—and the rate has been crazy cheap (usually one third of the overnight rate). You get to work from a new place, and you can go back home when the workday ends and sleep in your own bed. Win-win!

A Workcation Spot

Maybe you need to take a little workcation and to actually travel somewhere new. I just wrote a piece for Inc. Magazine with six awesome spots you can workcation this summer if you need some ideas on where to go.
 
If you live in a bigger city than I do, you probably have lots of other cool options to consider, too—co-working spaces, parks, etc. These are just a few of my favorites that are fairly universal.

This article originally appeared in my newsletter, A Cup of Copy. Sign up and get these free tips sent right to your inbox every other Wednesday.