Remote work has granted many professionals the freedom to choose how they spend their time. However, more freedom can also make it difficult for them to structure their days. After all, their professional and personal lives are taking place in the same environment, so it can be challenging for them to establish boundaries between the two.
This is why creating a solid work-from-home routine is paramount to your success. A good routine can help you start your day right and achieve a healthy work-life balance. This not only improves your productivity and work performance, but also your mental and physical wellbeing.
The kinds of practices that comprise your daily routine will ultimately depend on your needs. What matters most is that they work well for you and are performed consistently. That being said, there are a few basic routines that can easily enhance your work-from-home experience:
Dress Professionally - Including Pants!
It’s best to prepare your work clothes before going to bed. Because you won’t have to rummage through your closet looking for pieces to mix and match, you’ll save a lot of time and energy when you wake up in the morning. This, in turn, means you can focus on doing more important tasks earlier in the day.
You don’t have to prepare a fancy suit—unless you want to or your job requires you to. Usually, having a set of presentable and comfortable clothes is more than enough. For instance, a patterned polo and drawstring pants make for a stylish yet cozy ensemble. You can also pair your outfits with stylish compression socks that are designed to enhance blood circulation. These socks apply controlled pressure to the legs, allowing you to sit comfortably for long periods.
Maintain A Regular Schedule
Even if you have a strong urge to stay in bed, don’t succumb to it. Instead, try to wake up at the same time each day. This practice encourages you to stick to your schedule by adjusting your body’s circadian rhythm. Over time, you’ll find it easier to get up in the morning and start your day exactly when you want to.
Avoid Going Online or Checking Your Devices
According to research, 47 percent of Americans look at their phones as soon as they wake up. This can eat up a lot of time and negatively affect one’s mental wellbeing, as studies show that most people aren’t made to take in a lot of information so early in the morning. It might seem productive to check work-related notifications before getting out of bed, but it’s more likely to cause stress and anxiety even before you start your day.
Unless it’s urgent, avoid going online the moment you wake up. After all, you’ll have plenty of screen time once you start working, so it’s best to spend your mornings doing things that help you relax and recharge.
Have Some Quiet Time for Yourself
Instead of looking at your phone first thing in the morning, set aside some quiet time for yourself. Use this opportunity to engage in centering and calming activities that will ease you into a positive mindset before work.
You can spend some time meditating, reading books, and listening to music or podcasts. Journaling is also a great activity to do during this period. It encourages you to express your thoughts and feelings, which not only helps you connect with yourself, but also prevents you from feeling anxious.
Make Sure To Exercise Regularly
While this might seem like a no-brainer, be sure to include exercise in your work-from-home routine. Remote work can keep you cooped up in one place for hours, which is detrimental to your mental and physical health. A good workout can help you stay fit, boost your energy levels, and uplift your mood.
Additionally, regular exercise can have a big impact on your work performance. Studies have shown that it can improve focus, decision-making, and visual learning. Plus, you don’t need to engage in strenuous exercise to reap these benefits. Even simple activities, like doing yoga or walking outside, can do wonders for your body and mind.
Set Your Goals and Identify Your Priorities
Working from home can be overwhelming and confusing if you don’t prioritize your tasks. Effective prioritization can add structure to your day and help you make the most of your time.
You can start by setting goals every evening or morning before work. Try to keep your to-do list as short as possible. Also, choose only three to five major goals and be sure to sort them by priority. This ensures that you finish everything that needs to be done without getting sidetracked.
Establishing a good remote work routine can prevent stress, promote better health, and help you stay focused. By implementing the routines above, you can turn your home into a place of productivity and improve the overall quality of your life.
