For many, working from home is a strange new reality that requires continuous adjustment and getting used to. Instead of waking up and getting ready for a day at the office, commute time is reduced to 0 minutes and many of us simply make our way from our bedroom, to the kitchen, to our designated space in our home where we do our work. Although this set-up may seem efficient and actually quite ideal, working from home comes with its own challenges such as loneliness, isolation, feelings of unproductive, disconnectedness, and an uneasy sense of being in limbo. Given your new working conditions, having a meaningful morning routine is more important than ever to keep you grounded and get your ready for the day.
1. Don’t work in your pajamas
Just like you get ready to travel into your regular office, get dressed and “ready” for work - even if your office is in your living room. Although it may seem trivial, putting on proper work attire will help you get in the right mindset for your shift. Furthermore, it will help create a divide between weekend and weekday. Saving your comfy clothes for Saturday and Sunday will help you to relax on your days off and facilitate a more structured lifestyle during these exceptional times.
2. Use your “would-be” commute time to do something nice for yourself
For many of us, working from home means an extra 15 minutes to an hour of time in our morning that we would otherwise be using to travel into the office. Instead of sleeping in or spending this time scrolling through Twitter, try to do something mindful that will help you to ease into your day. This could be anything from stretching, participating in a 30-minute yoga class, reading, journaling, or enjoying your coffee in peace. Since you will likely be staring at a screen for much of your day, try to minimize your screen time first thing in the morning.
3. Start your day off with a big glass of water
Drinking a full glass of water first thing in the morning will not only help you to wake up in a healthy way, it will also relieve your body from the hours of dehydration during the night. Although it sounds simple, this task is much easier said than done for many. Give yourself the greatest chance of success by leaving a full glass of water on your nightstand so that it is automatically there for you first thing the next morning. I have found this simple proactive gesture to be very helpful.
4. Set your priorities straight
Because your workspace and living space may overlap, it will be tempting to begin your work day right away. However, setting aside some time in the morning to set goals and priorities for the day will help you to clear your head and focus on what is important. Without this effort, you will likely feel more overwhelmed and have less of a sense of “where to begin” with your work tasks. Clearly setting out your tasks for the day will give you a tangible list to work through and give you a greater sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
5. Start your day at the same time
If you normally make it into the office at 9 am, start your at-home work day at 9, too. Sticking to a schedule and keeping your regular hours will help maintain some sense of normalcy in your day. It’s a good idea to get up at the same time that you would regularly, as well, even without an impending commute. Aforementioned, dedicate this extra time to something mindful that will help you ease into the day.
6. Practice positivity
It can be tempting to check the news first thing in the morning, especially with ever-persistent COVID-19 updates. However, these kinds of notifications can be overwhelming in the morning and your body and mind may not be ready for them right away. Practicing positivity in the morning entails avoiding looking at your phone right away, and instead reflecting on what you are grateful for. Whether these things are big or small, expressing gratitude first thing is a great way to kick your day off to a positive start.