These are interesting times we’re living in, aren’t they? It feels like the entire world is in lockdown, and if you are one of the *lucky* ones not to be on the frontlines that means working from home has become the new normal.
There are a lot of pros to working from home. The athleisure that simply morphs into workwear. The not-getting-distracted-by-your-coworkers.
But then there are disadvantages, too.
The most common issue I’ve heard from friends working from home is the lack of motivation.
The simple reason is that when you are surrounded by other people working, you are more likely to feel like you should be doing the same thing.
At home, though, it’s another story. All the responsibility to get work done rests on your shaking shoulders. Don’t fear because even though it might feel like what’s-the-point-the-world-is-ending, you can totally get over the anxiety and get back to a normal-ish routine.
One of the most important things is to get into the habit of following little rituals that set your day up right.
Here are a few suggestions to get you going:
Begin the Day Right
The worst aspect of all this *chaos* in the world right now is the end of normalcy. Which makes it super easy for all of us to throw the routines that we’ve been following for years right out the window.
Don’t fall into this trap. The best thing you can do for yourself and your mental health is to stick to your daily routine as much as possible.
If that means getting up at the crack of dawn like you used to, do it.
But before you shoot out of bed, take just a moment to lie in bed and relax. Yes, relax. Just indulge in the gloriousness that is your bed. It’s a safe place, a comfortable place, and you deserve it.
Get-Out-Of-Bed Motivation
Now comes the tricky part. Getting your lazy posterior out of bed.
It’s simple. Fool yourself.
Find something small that you can look forward to every morning.
My little morning ritual involves making the best damn cup of coffee this side of town. I don’t have a crazy caloric-rich cup every hour, but I figure, since the earth is spinning in its opposite direction to usual right now, I can afford to have a really damn delicious cup of coffee to start my day.
My recipe for totally get-up-worthy coffee:
- Good quality freshly ground coffee made with my husband’s Aeropress
- Barista Blend Almond Milk frothed to within an inch of its life
- A Block of dark chocolate or a spoon of Nomu Dark Chocolate Cocoa
- A dash of chilli
- A spoon of sugar
- A sprinkle of cinnamon on top
Make sure you use a big cup. You want this mother’ to last.
Take a Moment to Give Yourself Some Love
What makes you feel good? What makes you feel powerful? What makes you feel like you can take on the world and kick some serious butt?
For me, it means dressing up just a smidge, putting on heels (some days) and doing my face. Even though no one but my poor husband is going to see me all day.
By spending just a little longer putting myself together, I feel good about myself and more like a professional person than a student.
Resist the urge to mope from your bed to your laptop in the same set of clothes. You do NOT want to sit on the couch in five days wondering if that smell is coming from your PJs.
We easily forget the simple pleasure in getting dressed for ourselves. It can be creative. It can be fun. And it’s a little gift you give yourself.
And that’s how you start your day right.
Make this a time to look after yourself. Be kind to yourself. Treat your mental health like a good friend. Don’t be rude, don’t be harsh. Send yourself love and give yourself a break.
Spend time figuring out what little rituals help make your day flow easier and try to stick to them.
What rituals have you found for working from home? How have they helped motivate you and keep you positive? Share them with us in the comments below!