In the past few years of working from home I have learned from experience what works best for building a day that meets my needs for productivity, nourishment and feeling my best. While each day is unique I’ve pulled together pluses and minuses, and my fundamental wellness tips, for this “working from home wellness guide”.
What does working from home mean to you?
Working from home feels and looks different for everyone. This guide is meant to provide inspiration and insight, to design a work from home experience that suits your unique needs so you are able to care for yourself, while remaining productive, efficient and healthy in your work efforts at home.
For starters, the ability to work from home has been an absolute pleasure, for me it something I have considered a life goal. I’m so grateful to do what I love, serve, share my expertise and provide impact all from the comfort of my home.
While I understand you might not have the same feelings on the matter, hopefully after reading you can take away actionable tools and practices to embrace the “work from home” lifestyle, even if it is only a temporary circumstance.
The Benefits of Working From Home
Working from home has its perks…
- access to food, water and bathrooms
- creating your work ambiance like – room temperature and music
- peace, quiet and concentration
- eat home cooked meals
- freedom to design your day
- ability to wear comfortable clothing
- practice accountability
- boost productivity and focus
- up your fluid intake for optimal hydration
- taking breaks from the screen to step outside, stretch or meditate
The Challenges of Working From Home
Like any work environment, it comes with its own obstacles…
- new co-workers ( a.k.a. family members) to accommodate
- difficult to develop a routine
- lack of accountability
- work and relaxation time can blend, without clear boundaries
- temptation to “take care of the home” while working
- space might not be the most conducive for a home office
3 beginner mistakes of working from home
Thinking back to when I first started working from home I had a couple of beginner mistakes that you may be able to relate to as well…
- The “Pajamas Party”, This was when I thought it was awesome to work in my pjs which quickly spiraled into me feeling like a disorganized lazy human.
- The “Couch Office”. Working from the couch, bed or any lounge-y space. Not good for energy levels, productivity or office morale.
- The “Free for All”. Not having a schedule for my day. In the early days I would wing it, while this might be suitable for some people. I personally needed structure and strategy.
I’ve come a long way since, so if you are struggling with adjusting to a new work from home lifestyle, I feel you! Below are suggestions for getting into a routine that flows, for a productive, focused and healthy day.
Wellness Tips for Feeling Your Best While Working from Home.
Get in touch with how you feel about working from home.
-Are you energized from social interactions or social aspects of working?
-Do you like quiet spaces or do you do better with bustle around you?
-Is working from home and being in your own space the perfect fit?
-Is working from home distracting?
-What aspects make it difficult to concentrate?
Tuning in with self awareness to better assess your unique needs for your “work from home” environment, can help remedy ways to make it suitable for you and your unique needs.
For those who are extroverted (get energized from socializing) a work from home environment could come with feelings of isolation or lack of connection that you desire from your office or work environment.
- Connect with co-workers daily over video call
- Setup your home office near a window or open space
- Turn on music, podcasts or white noise if it helps you concentrate
If you are introverted (get energized from being alone), thriving in solitude and quiet spaces with minimal distractions, this decrease in daily stimuli could be just what you need to excel.
- Find a quiet, calm space free from distractions
- Turn off any items in the house making noises
- Setup home office in a cleaned out, organized space
Have a Plan.
Now that you are home you may feel a little bit off your normal routine, it is okay to still wake at the same time and continue to do your fundamentals for getting ready for the day, maybe use the extra time you spent commuting to adapt a new morning habit like reading, meditating, deep breathing, or getting outside for a quick 15 minute walk. If you usually skipped breakfast or had it later at work you can experiment with new breakfast recipes like this now that you aren’t commuting.
My planner is my best accountability tool, I keep it on my desk writing down my high priority daily tasks, blocking out appointments and designating break time. You may even want to schedule in 10-15 minute breaks mid-morning or afternoon where you can step outside as I recommend, stretch or check your phone. These breaks are great for keep yourself focused, off your phone which can be a major time waster.
Designate Your Office Space.
Whether you have the luxury of a home office or not, it is important to designate a working space. As you already know the living room, bedroom or any other relaxation room is not the place for your office. Pick a space where you can setup, whatever you need- notebook, lap top and phone, in order to focus. Working from the couch or bed may be tempting but refrain! Keeping your office space separate will give you the ability to draw lines between work, relaxation and play.
Leave the Kitchen for Eating.
If you find working from the kitchen to be a distraction setup your work space where the food isn’t. Throughout the day it can be easy to open the pantry to snack without thinking, especially when the food is in arms reach. Saving the kitchen for meals, intentional snacking, and for a change of scenery. This can help keep the kitchen as a peaceful place for you to eat and relax if it is an option for you.
Takes Nature Breaks.
If there is one thing I learned getting outside of the house even if it is just the back yard getting fresh air and sunshine, makes a world of a difference in your mental health. Whatever your work schedule allows, schedule in 10-15 minute nature breaks.
Hydrate.
Now that you are home, take advantage of access to filtered water, boil water for herbal teas, or matcha to stay hydrated all day long. Keeping a measurable oz./ml. glass like a mason jar to keep track of fluid intake and using in-between meals as your hydration time too.
Tidy Up.
If you are like me, trying to focus in a messy space that needs cleaning and organizing is a lost cause. I’m a ‘clean as you go’ person. Keeping my office space and home clean and tidy with everything “mise en place” will provide clarity of mind, for an efficient environment that is conducive to healthy living and working. Clean up after each meal as much as possible, wipe down counters, do a quick vacuum zip when needed, tuck away any visual distractions on your desk that don’t pertain to your current task at hand. On my desk right now is just the bare minimum: my planner, herbal tea, chap stick, hand lotion, crystals for the vibes and my computer.
Hygiene.
Showering regularly, dressing up in new clothing each day, even if it is comfortable lounge wear somedays. Continuing to follow any skin care and makeup routines, can really boost your self-esteem, personally I’ve notice when I take the time to freshen up my appearance I feel much better mentally, emotionally and physically.
Setting Boundaries
One thing I learned is that it is imperative to have clear boundaries when working from home, otherwise you can find yourself answering email late in the evening and feel like your work is constantly surrounding you. Sometimes I still answer emails late, (I really love what I do) most of the time it is a quick labor of love. If it isn’t I have no problem adding it to the to -do list ;). Maybe for you having set “working times” in accordance to your company schedule, would be better.
Say Adios.
Just like you pack up to leave the office have a routine that signals the end of the day. For me, tucking my planner, note books, clearing up my space and digitally emptying my tasks, flagging emails and adding to my to-do list for tomorrow or later in the week. Wrap up with a habitual action that gives you the “let’s call it a day” feeling so you know when to say until tomorrow.
Did these work from home wellness tips help you?
Let me know in the comments below, email [email protected] or message me on instagram @sidebarnutrition
Sending light and love,
J
Leave a Reply