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We’ve made it through the infamous 2020, and if your experience was anything like mine, you made a sudden change from working in an office or in the community- to working from home full time.
At first, it can be a bit challenging. Adapting to working completely virtual and from the comfort of your own home can be quite a drastic change to our daily work routine.
I know for me, it was challenging to get used to working alone and not seeing my clients or coworkers in person, but rather over video instead.
Technical issues, paying for higher internet speed, experiencing eye fatigue, body aches and maybe even loneliness can all add extra stress that we have to adapt to.
If this experience resonates with you, just know you’re not alone.
I’ve put together a list of 12 tips for working from home that may help you find a sense of balance and maintain your ability to be productive.
Tips for Working From Home
Space Dedication
Having a space set up that is solely dedicated for work makes a huge difference. My job actually requires this for confidentiality reasons, but aside from that- I’d choose to have it this way anyhow!
An office or in home work space can really make a difference mentally. It helps signal to your brain that “its time to work” and also helps to distinguish your living space from your productivity space.
I know not everyone has an extra room sitting around that can be used for an office space but if you do, use it!
If you don’t have a dedicated room to use- setting up at a table, desk or specific corner can be just as effective. The point here being that you need a space to work that is differentiated from your “living” space.
Doesn’t matter if it’s in the same room as the rest of your living space, just make it separate and distinguished. It really does help mentally!
Routine & Ritual
Another powerful tip for working from home is to have a routine or daily ritual you practice before (or after) your work.
For me, after I get myself ready, I come into my office and get the computer started up. I drop a few essential oils into the diffuser then head to the kitchen.
I also like to start work with an intentional cup of tea or a mindful cup of ceremonial cacao. It gives me a nice boost of creativity, and brings me to the present moment. Soul Lift Cacao is my go-to, you can try it here and get a discount by using code “BLOOM”
You may also like: Awakening Tools: Using Cacao Ceremony to Open the Heart Chakra
Stay Clean & Organized
This one can be hard, but it really makes such a huge difference. Clean your space. Organize it so that you have a space to flow without mess and clutter distracting or fragmenting your energy.
When I was working in person- our office was nearly spotless. I never felt overwhelmed by clutter or mess. It’s important to bring that vibe into our homes too.
Not only will this help with your workflow, but overall your home will feel much better to spend time in and stagnant energy won’t have as many spaces to linger.
Take Breaks Outside
If the weather permits, take several breaks throughout the day outside. Even if it’s just 5 minutes standing outside in sunshine or breathing in some cool, fresh air- do it!
Fresh air is so important for us and for our mental health.
Might sound cliche but stare up at the sky, look around at any trees or plants… get your eyes on something other than a screen even if its just for a few minutes. Focus your eyes on the farthest point possible from where you’re standing. Take a few deep breaths and be present.
Stretch Every Hour
Some days I forget to do this, or I just get carried away and intend to do this but then, don’t.
I always feel better when I do, though. Stretching helps us get our energy circulating, encourages us to breathe, and helps us to clear and release tension.
Practicing yoga is a great way to get those deep stretches in too. First thing in the morning or after a busy work day- its one of my favorite ways to get connected and stay balanced.
You may also like: How to Ground Yourself for Balance, Protection & Inner Peace
Diffuse Uplifting and Supportive Oils
Aromatherapy is one of my favorite ways to uplift my office and stay productive while working from home. It helps to keep me balanced and my energy flowing while I work.
Some of my favorites to diffuse while working are:
- Breathe Blend (Mountain Rose Herbs)
- Calming Blend (Mountain Rose Herbs)
- Eucalyptus
- Grapefruit
- Sweet Orange
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Lemongrass
These are some of my favorites but make it an intuitive practice by tuning in and choosing an oil that feels like what you need for the day.
Mountain Rose Herbs, Plant Therapy & Doterra are my favorite and trusted essential oil brands.
Keep Water at Your Desk
When I used to work out in the community or in an office building, bringing my water bottle was a legit part of my routine. Almost never left the house without it.
Working from home, I had to readjust my checklist prior to starting work. I began thinking “Oh, I’m at home, I can just grab water when I need it.” Nope… didn’t quite work like that.
Turns out I do much better when bringing a full water bottle to my desk before I start work, and trying to get through at least 2 of them.
Check out my favorite water bottles:
Communicate & Socialize
Communicating and getting social was challenging but a huge benefit for me this year.
Whether on slack, facebook, email, zoom or whatever else- connect with people!
I came out of my comfort zone more this year and made an effort to just chat with people. Co-workers, in FB groups, on social media, my neighbors, etc.
Humans need connection, we need to talk to each other and collaborate and share ideas.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to people, chances are they want to hear from you and doing so makes it much easier to keep a balance while working at home.
Join the Bloom and Manifest FB Community Here!
Play Music Instrumentals or Healing Frequencies
Playing some instrumentals or healing frequencies is a game changer, especially when I’m writing or need to amplify my focus.
I love jazz-hip-hop instrumentals (this spotify list is a good one) and Meditative Mind on Youtube has a ton of good high frequency music.
Just something playing in the background to keep the vibes going!
Lighting + Candles
If possible, plenty of natural lighting is the way to go. If you can get situated near a window with good light- do it!
If not, set up some good desk lamps, twinkle lights, or even candles.
I love these beeswax candles- they’re non-toxic, help to purify the air, and make the room smell gently like honey. So divine.
Blue Light Glasses
I think these have become a must for everyone working in front of a screen this year, and for good reason.
A solid pair of blue light glasses can help protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the blue light that radiates from our electronic screens.
If your eyes have been getting dry, you’ve been getting more headaches, experiencing eye fatigue or trouble falling asleep- you might want to consider trying some blue light glasses and seeing if they help!
Keep Books Nearby + Reduce Screen Time When Possible
With my job, sometimes I’ll get to experience a long hold while on a phone call. When this happens, I’m sure to have a book nearby.
Not only does it feed the brain (duh) but it helps to take your eyes off of the screens! Any chance I get to take a break from the screen, I take it.
I usually have a stack of books in my office and keep a few on my desk… because if I’m being real, my reading mood changes almost daily.
My current favorites that are on my desk are:
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield (AMAZING book that will encourage you to do the work, beat resistance and follow your calling)
- The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coehlo (lovely fiction piece to escape into)
- The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist (haven’t started yet but finally got my copy of this and can’t wait to dive in! Heard great things)
Set hours and rules
If you can, schedule hours for yourself that fit to your liking. I like to start between 10am-11am, but thats just me.
And I almost never work past 6pm. (Unless I’m writing or blogging, but different story)
Just important to have clear boundaries on the time you spend working. This includes attending to work emails, handling office tasks, etc.
When You’re Done With Work, Do Something Habitual That Signals the Shift to “I’m Off Work”
Maybe its changing your clothes, pulling your hair up into a bun, exercising, you name it. Having a routine for when you’re off work can be a really helpful tip for working from home that will help you with that balance element.
Most days, my ritual is changing from my work shirt to a comfortable dress or sweatshirt (depending on the season). And sometimes (being honest here because I don’t do this everyday) but taking my dogs for a walk is a wonderful way to signal to myself that the work day is done and I can shift into leisure time.
Do what works for you!
What are your favorite tips for working from home? I’d love to hear them!
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