I’ve been working from home since last year. I know that might not seem like a long time in the grand scheme of things, but over that time I’ve developed a few tips that have helped me feel less isolated and more productive. Given the current circumstances, I thought I would share these in a post for those that are new to the “WFH” situation and might be going a little coo-coo being home all day or feeling unmotivated or unproductive.
Make The Bed
And on that note, do not work from your bed. A simple and often times overlooked task that helps set the tone for your day and also makes returning to your bed at night much more enjoyable.
Take A Shower
Or at least wash your face. This might seem like a no-brainer, but I know there are people out there who wake up and don’t shower. Showering in the morning, even if it’s just a rinse, is almost like a signal to your body that the day is starting.
Always Get Dressed
Even if it’s in leggings or lounge-wear, don’t wake up and roll out of bed straight into your desk chair. Treat working from home like going into a more casual office. Getting dressed for the day psychologically sets you up for success. {And ladies, put on a bra. It makes all the difference}
Create A Routine
When I wake up in the morning, I generally dry brush, shower, wash my face, and gua sha for a few minutes before getting dressed and either doing a workout or making myself a celery juice. If I have meetings, then I will plan out what I need to do and when I need to do it and also carve out time for a workout and meals.
Set The Mood
You don’t need to have a home office or even a desk to have a work space. Whether it’s your kitchen counter, coffee table or bathroom floor, designate a space in your home as your ‘work space’ where you work everyday. Mentally, every time you enter this space your brain knows it’s time to work.
Take Breaks
Carve your projects and to-do’s into working chunks and give yourself breaks between them. This could be making a cup of coffee, sitting outside for 10 minutes or getting a good scroll in. Give your brain a chance to flush out and transition from one thing to the next.
Pump Up The Communication
Working from home is naturally isolating, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t or shouldn’t talk to other adults. When you work in an office, you often engage in impromptu conversations that you otherwise don’t get while working from home. Make an effort to connect with other’s on the phone. Set up virtual coffee chats and happy hours with friends and/or colleagues. Host a virtual game night or viewing party of your favorite show. Now’s the time to get a little creative.
Step Out And Smell The Roses
I can’t emphasize this one enough. We all need sunshine and fresh air. If you can do so in a safe way – try to get outside once a day. Go for a walk, take a drive to a more remote place, or if all else fails open up all the windows in your house and take deep breath.
Get Moving
Just because you work from home, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work out. It’s even more of a reason to work out! Even a 10 minute workout is enough to get your blood pumping and oxygen to your brain. It’s a great way to set the tone for the day, give yourself a mental break during the day, or transition from work mode to play mode. I personally love getting in a Melissa Wood Health flow or two at some point during the day. They are short, but highly effective.
Eat When You Eat, Work When You Work
It’s very easy to work 24/7 when you’re home, but that doesn’t mean that you should. Give yourself time to enjoy your meals – away from your computer, email and phone {unless you choose to face time a meal with someone}. Have you ever inhaled lunch at your desk and not have been able to remember 10 minutes later what you even ate? Or still felt hungry? Being present and mindful when we eat not only improves digestions, it allows our gut to more effectively communicate with your brain. It also gives our brains a chance to reset before re-engaging with work.
