Years ago when I launched A Note on Style, I remember the happiness and content I felt from working at home. Setting my own schedule and the freedom to make changes on a whim are appealing to me to this day. But, given today’s environment, extended hours at home is new territory for many. After initially relishing the freedom, it’s easy to feel a bit unsettled and antsy. Over the years, I’ve found a few practices that create a sense of balance to the day and try my best to incorporate them into my daily routine.
1. Structure the day. It’s easy for the hours to blur together. Set aside time for work, exercise, cooking, eating, relaxing, and even downtime.
2. Make a checklist of things to get done on a daily basis followed by a schedule for projects that consume more time.
3. Establish a waking and sleeping time. Set up a relaxing pre-bedtime routine to de-stress and unwind, which for me includes a bath and cup of Sleepytime herbal tea.
4. Start the day off right. I made a change to my morning routine last year I wish I’d done long before. Upon waking, rather than run to my coffee/tea in my PJs, I get dressed, wash my face, make my bed, and drink several glasses of water before anything else. It’s made a world of difference in how I approach the rest of the day.
5. Stop snacking. After dojng ProLon in 2019, I realized how often I grazed through the kitchen grabbing an apple or a handful of almonds. I was snacking throughout the day even though I wasn’t hungry. That habit has been reduced tremendously and instead, I’ll make a cup of tea.
6. Shift into evening mode. I set a stop time for work at the end of the day, walk away from the computer and shift into evening mode…cooking, enjoying dinner, and watching a movie or series on TV. We keep the news off in the evening. Now more than ever, it feels good to unplug.
How are you adjusting to life at home? Please share any tips with others below.
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Beryl Meiron
All very sensible reminders, Karima. My daily lists now have sub-sections and more lists! Take care and stay well.
Karima
Great! Stay well!
Kathleen Sleigh
Great tips! For those of us fortunate enough to be able to work from home – your list instills gratitude that I have the ability to create a beautiful flow to my days – especially the next 15.
susan graham
Karima, this is super helpful. I have never worked from home and it is crazy how the day can get away from you. Having always been so structured, I really like your ideas. Going to work on this for tomorrow and the days to come. Stay healthy.
Karima
I’m glad you’ll try a few of these ideas. Even one may make a huge difference in how you feel about the day. I also sleep better if my day has structure because I feel like I accomplished something when a task is completed.
Robyn
My morning routine is pretty structured but, I begin the day with coffee, a short podcast and reading several pages from a book written by my favorite meditation teacher. After that, I can greet the day. This quiet introduction to the day is a necessity for me. If nothing else goes right I have those minutes in the morning. It also reminds me how important stillness is.
Karima
I love a quiet introduction to the day. I’m up pretty early and enjoy the darkness while watching the house light up from the sunrise. Such a special time.
Anne
Great advice, thank you!
Karima
You’re welcome Anne!
Alice Strom
Karima,
I so enjoy seeing bits of your home which is decorated so very beautifully.
Thank you as well for this schedule that you set for yourself during these days. There are certainly things that I will emulate from your list.
Alice Strom…from Minnesota where we still have 2 feet of snow.
Karima
Thank you Alice for your sweet comments. Stay healthy!
KSL
I’ve worked from home for a number of years and have a pretty good structure in place. Just wanted to add that I’m not sleeping well at night, as I’m sure many others aren’t either. If you’re able to take a nap, do it. We all need to stay healthy, and no guilt about a short nap. Stay well all.
Karima
Yes. I completely agree about the naps. It’s so important to listen to your body if it’s tired or just wants to tune out for a bit. Stay healthy and keep painting! Thank goodness you and your husband have your creativity to fulfill your day. So many friends are going stir crazy.
ProLon team
Great suggestions, thanks for sharing Karima!
Karima
I developed some good habits from ProLon!