Celebrate Spring With These Fresh Phone Backgrounds

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

• What is the most effective use of my time right now?

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

• "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

• "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"

Wallpaper

The Eagle Rock home in Los Angeles was beautifully remodeled with European design in mind, taking cues from their travels to France and England. Think romantic wallpapers from House of Hackney, warm paint hues in browns and blush but also a rich earthy greens, classic bead board and moulding, each offering so much inspiration for 2025 walls.

Every passageway offers a unique pairing of color and pattern and texture. In this foyer, the moody color palette complements the softer shades found in the kitchen and baths. The Harlequin black and white checkered marble floors are classic and a bit of a showstopper throughout the home.

This House of Hackney London Rose wallpaper is so gorgeous and romantic! Classic bead board and unlacquered brass fixtures accentuate the cozy, classic Euro aesthetic.

Here, we transition from dark and moody tones to light and airy hues. The London Rose wallpaper continues into the kitchen with taupe cabinets, marble countertops, raw copper metals, and handmade Moroccan plumbing fixtures.

"The goal was to create spaces that felt both luxurious and lived-in, from the raw copper range hood and thin brick floors to the custom trim and dramatic lighting choices," says Karan.

Paint

The warm clay-colored paint in the butler's pantry provides a little breathing room from the abundance of pattern. "These treatments, along with limestone accents and custom trim work, were intended to add depth and warmth to the home, creating a visual experience that feels cohesive yet unique in every room," says Sapna.

The clé thin brick tile on the flooring is an unexpected choice, but I'm in love. The rustic minimalism with the earthy green cabinetry inspires Old-World elegance while still feeling fresh and modern.

Stone

The rustic stone wall, used in this smaller kitchen, bedrooms, and laundry room, is giving Nancy Meyers vibes a la The Holiday English cottage. "We also drew inspiration from the majestic oak trees on the property, incorporating natural, earthy tones that reflect the outdoors throughout the house," says Karan.

The bedroom instantly feels cozy with this natural stone wall texture.

I love a laundry room that gets a little design love. Incorporating the same stone throughout the space creates a sense of cohesion and harmony within the home.

What a lovely spot for a cozy warm bath. The stone wall adds to the charm of the rustic retreat, while the sleek modern tub and luxe marble floors add a touch of sophistication and elegance to the space.

Here's more stone in the master bedroom paired with neutral linens, furniture and rug. Built-in bookshelves are functional and aesthetic, a perfect spot for more stoneware.

Molding

The molding in the lounge, painted in the same earthy green as the dining room, subtly ties the spaces together while adding a touch of timeless elegance.

The blush-painted molding in the kids' room is a sophisticated detail. While painting the walls alone can make an impact, the addition of molding brings extra dimension, elevating the entire space.

Adore this sweet moment in the kid's room.

Natural materials like leather and sheepskin strike the perfect balance, creating a cozy yet elegant space even in a kid's room!

Tile

The perfectly imperfect look of this Zia Zellige Racing Green tile complements the natural, rustic yet refined elegance of the home.

Here is the tile again in Pure White. Love the unlaquered brass fixtures paired with the natural imperfections of this handmade tile.

This Desert colored tile is the perfect pairing for the marble bath. "Our wish list focused on creating a home that seamlessly blends modern functionality with timeless European-Craftsman charm," says Karan. "We wanted to design spaces that not only provided a sense of comfort and coziness but also incorporated luxurious, high-quality materials and thoughtful, design-forward details." Mission accomplished.

1. Bad Lighting

2. Clutter Everywhere

A cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind, IMO. Reduce the stress that comes with a disorganized and cluttered desk by bringing in shelves and organizers; finding sleek cable-management solutions; and removing any unnecessary items to reduce visual distractions.

3. Uncomfortable Furniture

If you're sitting most of the day, it's so important to invest in a good desk chair. An unsupportive chair or poorly sized desk can be uncomfortable, making it harder to stay focused for long periods of time. Your back will thank you!

4. No Boundaries Between Work and Home

Distractions at home like kids and partners can kill your productivity. Avoid blurring the line between work and home life by designating a private space, separate from high-traffic spaces, for your work hours if you can. Use rugs, curtains, or acoustic panels to reduce noise too.

5. Lack of Storage

I get it, they're not the best-looking pieces in your home, but without proper filing systems you’ll waste time hunting for important documents or supplies. Invest in modern storage options that look good too from Mustard Made and The Container Store.

6. Unoptimized Tech Setup

Slow Internet or outdated tech tools can make you feel totally frustrated and can slow down your productivity. Upgrade your Internet to a faster connection, and refresh your tech gadgets and programs to make sure you work more efficiently.

7. Awkward Desk Placement

Placing your desk in a spot with too much noise, traffic, or distractions — like facing a TV — will guarantee to disrupt your concentration. Find a more zen spot where you can focus on the tasks of the day.

8. Ignoring Ergonomics

Check your monitor height, keyboard positioning, and add a wrist rest so you don't lead to feeling uncomfortable and fatigued, cutting your workday short.

9. Lack of Personalization

A sterile, uninspiring office design does your motivation and creativity no favors. Make work feel less like a chore by adding personal touches through artwork, personal photos, candles, some fresh flowers or plants. Greenery can improve air quality and actually reduce work stress. Add a little snack station for quick energy boosts and keep water handy. Also, your Zoom backgrounds should reflect your personality!

10. No Inspiration

No matter what you do — whether it's a creative work or something more analytical — you want to feel inspired. Personalization can help, but dive into vision boards, books, magazines, quotes that inspire your work and help you bring fresh ideas to your workday. Color psychology can help too: blues and greens encourage focus and reduce stress while pops of yellow or orange can spark creativity! Break out the paint if needed!