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Positive Ways to Break Up Your Day

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Someone in jeans and sneakers running down a paved and wooded trail.

We’re done with the first week of May, which means you’ve now been working from home for, like, two whole months or a year…yeah, it’s been a year. Sometimes you’re on a roll at work, and other times, you feel like you’re hitting a wall in your productivity. We’ve got the tips you need to make sure you can crush your goals, all from the comfort of your own couch.

Start the Day Off Right

The first thing you do in the morning is check your phone. And from then on, you’re looking at nothing but screens for the rest of the day. Our eyes hurt just thinking about it. One of the best ways to create a positive day starts with what you do when you first wake up. Instead of reaching for your phone to check the news and your emails, create a new routine that doesn’t involve staring at a screen. Take some time for yourself; make a cup of coffee or tea, read a chapter of your current book, cook a good breakfast, or do some yoga. Trust us, this makes all the difference and you’ll see just how quickly your mood will change with a new routine.

Take Breaks

Okay, so you’ve probably heard this one a million times, but seriously, take some breaks. Working from home is completely different than working at the office. Your home is your work and your work is your home. It’s nearly impossible to separate the two now, which is why it’s so important to take several small breaks throughout the day.
It helps if you do something different for each of your breaks. Sitting or walking outside for just 15 minutes without a phone helps to clear your mind and will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your next project. You should also make sure to step away from your computer a few times for a change of scenery (or another trip to the fridge. Who’s to say?).

After Work

We’re not sure what day it is anymore, but you’ve made it through another one! Once you’re done working for the day, immediately step away from your laptop and resist the urge to return to it later to check your emails or get ahead for the next day. It’s hard to draw a line for work life balance when you work from home, but if you can dedicate a space solely for working, this separation can help.

So can limiting your screen time after work hours. Going outside, working out (if you’re into that type of thing) or reading is a great way to get your mind off of work projects. Plus, it’ll help you wind down for the evening.We’re counting down the days until we can get back to the office and see our coworkers again, but until then, we hope these tips help make working from home a little easier. If you like these ideas, don’t miss our advice on how to treat yourself at home or simple ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Oh, and of course, if you’re looking for some human interaction, we’re always available for a Zoom meeting or call. Just get in touch.

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FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973. 
Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store. 

Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch. 

@crestongr @crestoncorridor @crestongrandrapids @citygrandrapids @grandrapidspubliclibrary
Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet?
If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves.

This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore.

Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk.

Listen now at the link in bio.
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up.

We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly.

We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. 

When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared.
Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan 
Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later).

Register at the link in bio.
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Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.
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