I recently started working from home, and it’s been an incredible change. I have so much more control over my time than ever before, and it’s amazing to be able to take care of myself in ways that weren’t possible when I was commuting every day.
But there are some challenges that come with working from home, too! And I’m learning that creating a self-care routine is one of them.
So here are some things that have really helped me get into a good rhythm when it comes to taking care of myself while also making sure my business stays afloat:
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| The lack of boundaries while working from home can lead to burnout and high stress levels. |
| Prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance while working remotely. |
| Mindfulness practices can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. |
| Creating a comfortable and inspiring workspace is crucial to maximizing productivity and preventing burnout. |
| Taking frequent breaks, staying organized, and practicing gratitude are simple yet effective ways to incorporate self-care into your workday. |
Take Breaks
A lot of people see working from home as a luxury and a way to earn more money. In fact, working from home can be both of those things.
But it’s also important for you to remember that this is your job and not just some hobby where you can spend all day browsing Reddit or watching cat videos on YouTube.
So how do you make sure that your work time doesn’t bleed into all the other time?
Taking breaks is one way to do this! It helps keep us focused on our tasks at hand while also ensuring we don’t burn out or get distracted by trolls in comment threads (looking at you r/The_Donald). But taking breaks isn’t just good for our mental health—it has physical benefits too!
Building a mindfulness practice is crucial for maintaining an effective work-life balance. Check out our guide on the importance of mindfulness to learn how practicing mindfulness can benefit your overall well-being.
Get Outside
You are going to need to get outside. Yes, you will have the option of working in a home office, but that doesn’t mean that you can just sit there all day and do nothing else.
Take a walk around your neighborhood or go to a park if it’s nice out! Go for a drive somewhere nearby and explore the shops or restaurants around you and don’t forget your favorite coffee shop!
Getting out and about will help clear your mind and give you some perspective on how things look from outside of the bubble that is your computer screen at home.
Maybe even take some time alone with nature while enjoying some fresh air: go camping or hiking in nearby woods or parks (as long as they aren’t too far away).
Or go on a picnic in someone else’s yard/backyard/front lawn (if it’s not private property). Or drive into town to meet up with friends for lunch at their favorite café instead of working from home for once? The options are endless!
Outdoor Accessories to Enhance Your Work-from-Home Experience
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Lululemon Reversible Yoga Mat | Take your yoga practice outside with Lululemon’s Reversible Yoga Mat, featuring a non-slip surface and lightweight design. |
| Bose SoundLink Revolve Portable Bluetooth Speaker | Enjoy high-quality sound while working outside with the Bose SoundLink Revolve Portable Bluetooth Speaker. Its 360-degree design delivers deep, lifelike sound in every direction. |
| Yeti Rambler Tumbler | The Yeti Rambler Tumbler is the perfect accessory for keeping your coffee hot or your water cold, even on the hottest days. Its double-wall vacuum insulation keeps your drinks at the desired temperature for hours. |
| ENO DoubleNest Hammock | Get some fresh air and take a break from work in the ENO DoubleNest Hammock. Made of high-strength nylon and featuring a lightweight design, it’s perfect for relaxing in your backyard or local park. |
| BlanQuil Chill Cooling Weighted Blanket | Stay cool and comfortable while working outside with the BlanQuil Chill Cooling Weighted Blanket, featuring a cooling cover that regulates your body temperature. Its weighted design provides a calming sensation to reduce stress and anxiety. |
Stick To A Schedule
Now that you’ve got your routines in place, it’s time to make sure that you stick to them. The best way to do this is by setting a schedule and sticking to it. If you’re someone who’s not used to doing this, try creating an activity schedule for yourself every week.
This can be helpful if you’re a bit more disorganized than others—it’ll help keep your life on track and prevent procrastination when things get busy.
What if something comes up? Don’t worry! It happens all the time. Just drop everything else and go back where your self-care routine was interrupted as soon as possible—it’s okay if it takes longer than planned!
And once again, don’t forget about making time for yourself in the morning (I recommend starting at 7AM).
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve your mental health. Learn more about the benefits of mindfulness by checking out our article on the power of mindfulness and how it can transform your life.
Don’t Be Afraid To Take Off During Your Time Off
As a remote worker, it can be difficult to take time off. If you’re not careful, your work will pile up and create a sense of urgency that makes taking an extended break (even during your regular days off) feel like a massive inconvenience. Don’t let this happen! You are entitled to time off, so take it!
If you don’t plan ahead and schedule regular breaks into your schedule now, then when the pressure kicks in later on down the road it’ll be overwhelming.
You will burn out quickly if you don’t set boundaries for yourself around what’s acceptable behavior while working remotely—and there’s nothing more annoying than having someone constantly checking in on every decision or task at hand because they’re worried about what might happen if they don’t stay on top of everything themselves.
Make sure that everyone knows exactly how much notice is required before interrupting something I’ve already scheduled for myself; otherwise I’ll just get frustrated with everyone trying so hard not only when I’m trying hardest too!
Comfortable Clothes for Optimal Relaxation During Time Off
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Athleta Conscious Crop Tank | The Athleta Conscious Crop Tank is perfect for hot summer days, made with ultra-soft, breathable, and sustainable fabric. Its relaxed fit and cropped design offer ultimate comfort without sacrificing style. |
| Lululemon Align Pant | Made with buttery-soft Nulu fabric, the Lululemon Align Pant offers unparalleled comfort and flexibility. Its high-rise design provides support and coverage, making it the perfect pant for lounging or yoga. |
| Brooklinen Super-Plush Robe | Get cozy after a long day with the Brooklinen Super-Plush Robe, made with Turkish cotton and featuring deep pockets and a shawl collar for ultimate relaxation. |
| UGG Fluff Yeah Slide Slipper | The UGG Fluff Yeah Slide Slipper provides all-day support and comfort with its sheepskin insole and elastic strap. Its slip-on design makes it easy to wear around the house or during a quick trip outside. |
| Outdoor Voices MegaFleece Mock Neck Pullover | Made with soft and cozy fleece fabric, the Outdoor Voices MegaFleece Mock Neck Pullover is perfect for relaxing at home or keeping warm on outdoor adventures. Its relaxed fit and mock neck provide optimal comfort and style. |
Set Boundaries With Your Partner/Roommates
It’s important to set boundaries with your partner or roommates to make sure you can get the rest and exercise you need.
Set a time limit on when they’ll knock before entering your room/office, and stick to it. This might be one minute or an hour, depending on what you’re working on and how easily distracted you are by socializing.
If they come in while you’re working, tell them that as much as you love them (and sometimes do need their help), this isn’t the best time for it.
Ask if there is something urgent that needs doing right now, like taking out the trash or making sure everyone has lunch money.
Then ask if it can wait until after work hours so everyone can focus on getting things done efficiently instead of being distracted by one another’s company all day long—or at least until after dinner (if cooking together makes sense).
If they come in anyway despite these requests, politely explain again why this isn’t an appropriate time for them to enter; remind them that if something is truly urgent then they should use their own judgment about whether its worth interrupting people who are busy getting things done efficiently enough that we can go home at a reasonable hour tonight instead of staying up late because someone needs help “real quick.”
Mindfulness can help you stay focused and productive throughout the day. To learn about simple mindfulness techniques, check out our article on 15 simple mindfulness techniques that you can incorporate into your daily routine.
Set Up A Work Area
When you’re working from home, it can be tempting to work in bed, on the couch or in the kitchen. While these places may seem more comfortable than an office chair or desk, they aren’t necessarily optimal for getting work done.
You’ll probably find that your productivity increases when you do your work in a designated spot where you are able to focus on the task at hand rather than being distracted by other things going on around you. So how do you create such an area?
The first step is choosing a space that’s easy to keep organized and free of clutter. If possible, choose a room with plenty of natural light—that way, when it’s time for lunch and a walk outside (more on those later), it won’t feel like such a hassle to pack up everything again before heading out.
Your workspace should also include all of your necessary tools: laptop(s)/computer/tablet; printer; paper storage; phone charger; etc., so make sure this is listed somewhere near your seat if necessary!
Lastly but not least importantly: consider how much space there really is between each item so none get lost under one another – better yet- label them with sticky notes if need be!
Home Office Essentials for a Comfortable and Productive Work Area
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Herman Miller Aeron Chair | With advanced ergonomics and iconic design, the Herman Miller Aeron Chair is the ultimate office chair for comfort and support. Its suspension system accommodates users of different sizes, and its breathable mesh material enhances airflow to keep you cool and comfortable. |
| Logitech MX Keys Wireless Keyboard | The Logitech MX Keys Wireless Keyboard is the ultimate keyboard for productivity, featuring comfortable keys, backlit illumination, and a built-in wrist rest. It connects to your computer via Bluetooth or USB, and its rechargeable battery lasts up to 10 days on a single charge. |
| BenQ EW3280U 32-Inch 4K Monitor | The BenQ EW3280U 32-Inch 4K Monitor provides stunning visual clarity and high-quality sound, making it perfect for video conferencing and multimedia work. It features HDRi technology and 2.1-channel speakers, and its built-in USB-C hub offers easy connectivity. |
| Philips Hue Smart Bulbs | Set the mood and enhance your home office lighting with Philips Hue Smart Bulbs, which offer full-color spectrum and voice control. You can customize your lighting preferences via the Hue app, and with its convenience, you can personalize your space effortlessly. |
| VariDesk Pro Plus 36 Standing Desk Converter | Transform your regular desk setup into a standing desk with the VariDesk Pro Plus 36 Standing Desk Converter. Its spacious work surface and 11 different height settings provide the comfort and flexibility you need to work productively. |
Exercise.
Don’t forget to exercise. Exercise is vital to your mental and physical health, and you need to give it the same amount of attention as you would any other part of your routine.
If you don’t want to commit to a membership at a gym or yoga studio, there are plenty of other ways you can work out without having equipment around: take walks outside (it’s amazing how much more enjoyable they are when they aren’t in the middle of your neighborhood),
try some dance classes like swing dancing or hip-hop classes (and be sure not only to focus on yourself—these kinds of classes are great for making connections with others), or even go on runs outside if weather permits!
Your home office environment can have a significant impact on your mental and physical well-being. Creating a comfortable and inspiring workspace is essential to maintaining productivity and good health. Check out our guide on creating a comfortable and inspiring home office environment for tips on how to upgrade your workspace.
Do Some Chores
Now that you’re settled in, it’s time to start taking care of your living space. It doesn’t have to be complicated: do some light cleaning, tidy up after yourself, and keep the kitchen tidy.
In fact, making sure that your home is clean and organized can help reduce stress by giving you a sense of control over your environment (which often feels like everything else has gotten out of control).
You’ll also want to take on some cooking responsibilities if possible—this will help ensure that you’re eating healthy meals every day (or at least every other day), which can only benefit both productivity and happiness!
Build In Time For Pets To Get The Attention They Want, Too
One of the biggest benefits of working from home is getting to spend more time with your pets. Have you noticed how much better they smell when you work from home? It’s because we spend more time with them! But what if we could make our “at-home office” smell as good as our “home office?”
Here are some ways to take care of your pets while you work:
Spend time playing with your pet each day. They need exercise, too. And it will help you relax!
Give them lots and lots of belly rubs. No one gets enough belly rubs these days, so it’s important to give yours plenty, especially if they have a stressful job (like being a guard dog or police horse).
If there are any toys around that need picking up and/or washing after every use, do that right away before starting work so that by the end of the day there will be nothing left but freshness in your home environment!
Staying organized in your home office is key to maximizing productivity and time management. Our article on tips for staying organized in your home office provides practical advice on how to declutter your workspace, establish a routine, and be more efficient in your work.
Be Social
Your next step is to get out of the house and spend time with friends.
If you have a dog, take him for a walk or go for a run. Take your dog to the nearest park and build some new friendships with other dog owners. It can also help if your dog has some canine friends that he/she can play with, so consider going to classes like agility training or flyball training as well!
Otherwise, just get out there! Go on a long walk around town in your neighborhood and meet up with friends along the way; it’s better than sitting at home alone on social media all day long (which isn’t healthy anyway).
Make sure that you leave enough time in between when one friend leaves so that another person can come over instead don’t just keep hanging out until late into the night because then we’re back at square one again!
When exercising outdoors is not an option due to weather conditions or lack thereof then try taking up another hobby such as yoga or dance lessons instead so that no matter what comes up during work hours–there’s always something else waiting patiently outside our doors just waiting for us whenever we decide it’s time 🙂
Learn Something New
- Learn a new skill
- Take a class
- Read a book
- Watch a movie/TV show/documentary
- Go to the museum or art gallery
Eat Right
You might not have a personal chef or a fully stocked fridge at home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t eat well.
It’s important that you eat small meals throughout the day instead of one big meal. This will keep your blood sugar stable and prevent overeating later in the day when hunger strikes again.”
You should also avoid skipping meals entirely—this can lead to overeating later on because your body hasn’t gotten what it needs to function properly.
If you’re too busy working on something else (or just don’t feel like eating), grab some fruit or nuts instead of junk food like potato chips or candy bars.” And if you do find yourself tempted by snacks, try having a healthy snack like yogurt with granola instead of chocolate chip cookies.”
Eating breakfast helps kickstart your metabolism and sets up a great foundation for the rest of your day—so don’t skip it!
Complete Non-Work Tasks (And Then Stop Thinking About Them)
Once you set aside some time to complete your non-work focused task, you can move on to the next one. It’s important to complete these tasks in order so that they don’t keep popping up in your mind throughout the day.
If you have several things that need done, schedule them for different days or times of the week so that nothing gets put off too long and nothing is left undone either.
Conclusion
Creating a self-care routine can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. You’re going to make your life better by taking care of yourself, which means that you will have more energy and focus for your work.
And if you start feeling overwhelmed or burned out? That’s good! It means that you are paying attention to your body and mind and taking steps toward doing something about it before things get worse.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James, and I’ve been working at home for over a decade. I’ve been looking for ways to be more efficient at home, and I have a bunch of tips that you’ll love.
