Working from Home? Here are 8 Ways to Help You Start Your Day Better

Are you looking for ways to have a better day?

Due to COVID-19, many people are now working remotely. Rather than commuting to the office or our workplace, we’re rolling out of bed, grabbing a bite to eat while we turn on our computers and just rolling into another workday, because, what else is there to do…?

At some point, our rumbling tummies might signal lunch time, or we might sprint to the kitchen between more meetings, either way, we often find ourselves sitting at that same computer over lunch.

Then as the day winds down, we might turn on the lights, and finish up just another email, and then one more. We don’t have a commute after all, and it’s not like we’ve got somewhere to go in the evenings. And so, for many of us, one day bleeds into the next and before you know it, it’s February 2021, not February 2020.

But what if you’re sick of that? What if ‘meh’ isn’t how you want to feel all the time? What if you want more from life, even in a global pandemic? The good news is that it’s possible to find joy and inspiration even if you’re stuck at home, day after day. Here’s how to build better resilience and have a better day. 

1. Focus on New Rituals 

A typical morning routine and commute to work is filled with ritualistic tasks – such as making your morning coffee, getting yourself ready and dressed, and listening to your favourite podcast on the bus.

For people who are now working solely from home, a lot of these rituals have been cast aside… leaving many people feeling completely untethered, and a bit lost. Even though it’s kinda cool to be able to wear stretchy pants every day of the week, it is also important to keep some habits consistent in your day-to-day life. There’s a reason so many successful people have morning rituals (see here, here, here, here and here… just for some inspiration). Good morning rituals increase your productivity and happiness levels and keep your body and mind in shape.   

2. Get Dressed for the Virtual Office 

I know, I know… what about the stretchy pants!? Well, yes, that’s going to be a sacrifice, but putting in a little bit of effort into your appearance can have a great impact on your self-esteem and boost your mood for the day. Not quite ready to ditch the lycra? Try pampering yourself in the shower instead, with a scented body scrub or deep condition of your hair.

3. Add Some Movement to Your Morning Routine 

Adding a little bit of movement to your routine is a simple way to have an overall better day. It doesn’t have to be anything monumental – it can be as simple as doing a 10 sit-ups and push-ups, a 15-minute yoga routine or a walk around the block – never underestimate the power of a walk. Even if it’s just a stroll around the block, going for a walk will lead to a better day. The combination of fresh air, sun and different scenery is perfect to help start your day better. Whatever you choose, it will help your body feel more alive, awake, and happy.

4. Make Morning Time About You 

Months into the coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19 continues to take its toll on populations, economies, and personal mental wellbeing, according to Tech Republic. Amid a modern plague and lockdown restrictions, prioritising your mental health every morning before work could be particularly beneficial. If you’re experiencing mild depression or low moods, introducing a daily practice of mindfulness or meditation can help to boost your resilience.

5. For a Better Day, Create a Workspace for Yourself 

One of the biggest challenges of working from home is all of the distractions that come along with it: kids, pets, roommates and more. That’s why it’s important to have a dedicated workspace for yourself (if possible). This will allow you to have a better day without the outside distractions around you. A separate office in your house is of course perfect. If that’s not possible, use a desk or table in a quiet area (again, if possible). But, if these things are impossible to do at your home, try investing in a good pair of noise cancelling headphone or disposable earplugs. Another way to brighten your day is to make sure your space is pleasing to you. Our homes shape how we feel about our day, ourselves and our lives more broadly. They are also closely tied to how happy we are overall in our lives. From pops of colour to bringing in a pot plant, it’s important to make your home happy.

6. Schedule Work Time 

Justin Bariso from Inc.com says one of the best things about working from home is the control it gives you over your own schedule. But, without set log-on and log-off times, it’s all too easy to spend too much time at your computer (answering ‘just one more’ email again and again). So, go ahead and block out time in your calendar for other activities you need to prioritise. Whether it’s planning to cook pancakes with the kids, or making sure you get some exercise, ensure you block out time for other activities so that you actually do leave the “office.”

7. Take Proper Breaks

Individuals differ on what types of breaks work for their productivity. Across the board though, taking consistent breaks throughout the day will make for a better day overall. Many studies have shown that prolonged sitting is the new smoking. Yet despite it being really bad for our health, so many of us don’t even take lunch breaks!

Both your body and your mind need regular breaks to perform at their peak. At a minimum, keeping your body nourished and fuelled throughout the day will increase productivity. Plus having smaller meals more regularly helps to keep your body energy consistent and stop spikes and drops in blood sugar – which can lead to low moods, low energy levels and overeating in the evenings.

Related: Podcast – Why You Need to Stop Skipping Your Lunch Break (E24)

8. Practice gratitude

Practicing gratitude is proven to make people happier and less stressed. It leads to higher overall wellbeing and satisfaction with your life and social relationships. Writing about what you’re grateful for is key. Research suggests translating thoughts into concrete language makes us more aware of them, deepening their emotional impact. Two or three times per week is enough. It’s useful to reflect on smaller, more frequent things—such as a modest bit of help from a friend or colleague, or to name three things that went well yesterday.

Although these unprecedented times have led to odd work environments, these activities can lead to a better day as you work from home. You still might not be able to go into the office but having solid morning routines can make your days more productive and happier as you do your work. So, follow these simple steps. Maybe one day you’ll find that you don’t want to go back to the office.