Globally, we are experiencing mass change in our daily lives. With the normal hustle and bustle at a standstill, a majority of us find ourselves working from home. While it does provide many beneficial factors, it is easy to get lost in the noise, letting work blend into our daily lives with little boundaries. I’ve been there- it’s 4pm, still in my pajamas, haven’t showered, and wondering where the time went. As someone who has worked remotely for the past five years, I have navigated the work from home system and wanted to share 4 simple tips to improve your lifestyle while quarantined at home during this unprecedented time.
Tip #1- Morning Routine
Setting the tone for the day begins the moment upon waking. Rolling out of bed five minutes before your first meeting can shock your body with anxiety and stress. I found giving myself one hour of time in the morning prior to obligations gives me a sense of accomplishment and clarity. Use this time to get ready for the day and fill your cup. Here are some examples of how I use this time:
- Drink 1 glass of warm lemon water
- Sip on my coffee and read a book
- Meditation
- Affirmations
- Journal
- Walk Outside
Tip #2- Get Dressed
As simple as this sounds- getting dressed for the day will assist you with the right mindset to get down to business, improve confidence, and mood. Especially during this time where we don’t need to leave our homes, it is very tempting to lounge in pj’s and let the day blur away. I find getting dressed brings about a sense of separation to my day between work and relaxation.
Tip #3- Utilize Breaks
Creating and planning breaks throughout the day creates space away from work. I utilize breaks to give myself time to reset. Some examples of how I create breaks and what I use this time for include:
- Planning breaks throughout the day and blocking it off in my work calendar
- Eating lunch away from my workstation
- Planning a lunch date with your loved one at home
- Walking outside
- Read a chapter in a book
- Working out
Utilizing breaks have improved my working from home lifestyle. Use this time to reset and do someting that brings you joy.
Tip #4- Power it Down, Create Boundaries
As a society, we glorify the constant hustle and bustle. I am always surprised by the amount of people who will work throughout the night and even on their vacations when it isn’t necessary. Now that we have all this time at home, it is an opportunity to create boundaries and space. Turning off my work phone and laptop at the end of the day has improved my wellbeing and relationships. It has given me separation and space from my personal and work life. Here are some examples of how to power it down:
- Schedule a time to shut your work phone and laptop off completely at the end of the day
- If work e-mails come through on your personal phone- turn off notifications
- Schedule something to look forward to at the end of the day; such as planning a quarantine date night with a loved one
Now more than ever, it is important to take care of ourselves through these challenging times. Utilizing these four simple tips will create space throughout the day to be you, provide structure, and fill your cup. After all, we are more than our job.
