How To Effectively Practice Self-Care While Working From Home
Practice self-care while working from home! Learn how to stay healthy and happy with our quick and easy tips!
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Working from home is becoming more and more popular in today’s world. But for many of us, it can be a challenge to maintain our mental health while working remotely.
That’s why self-care is so important – looking after ourselves helps us stay productive and focused on our goals.
What steps can you take to implement it in your daily life? It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive; sometimes, taking just ten minutes each day to focus on yourself can do wonders.
In this article, we’ll look at how you can practice self-care while working from home (something that can blur the lines between professional and personal) so that you can make the most out of your workday without sacrificing your wellbeing.
Ready to dive in?
Let’s take a look at some tips for practicing self-care when you’re working from home!
Establish A Routine
What would it take to make practicing self-care while working from home possible?
Well, for starters, establishing a routine is key. That doesn’t mean you have to stick to the same schedule every day — but having some kind of structure can help you stay productive and motivated.
For example, you can start with an exercise regimen that works for your body and lifestyle. Don’t overexert yourself or push too hard; instead, focus on finding activities that bring joy into your daily life.
Also, be sure to set digital boundaries so you don’t find yourself checking emails or social media all night long. It’s important to draw a line between work time and personal time. You could even do a digital detox on your days off.
It’s completely up to you.
I recommend using the Rocketbook Panda Planner for this type of work, as it leverages scientific research to help you actually achieve your goals.
Take Breaks
Don’t forget to build breaks throughout the day into this newly minted routine. The ultimate form of self-care when working from home is unplugging from your job (not always easy, I know!). We can only be productive for so long before we need a break, and our minds need time to rest from focusing on work tasks.
So, schedule some downtime on your calendar. Again, you get to choose what you do during your break. It could be anything – from meditating regularly or even just taking a few minutes during lunch to step outside and enjoy fresh air.
Taking regular breaks will help you stay energized and focused when it’s time to get back to work.
Eat Healthily
While it can be tempting just to heat up some ramen cup noodles while you work on your computer (which, on some days, may be all the self-care you can muster), eating something healthy and delicious can put a spring in your step.
Nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables will give you sustained energy throughout the day. Relying on sugary snacks, on the other hand, has been shown to cause dips in energy levels.
If you’re tired of microwaveable food and want to start eating better while working from home, meal planning and healthy recipes are key.
So, set aside the time to plan meals and make food in your new self-care routine.
Plan Your Meals
Meal planning is an important part of eating well while working from home. Choosing recipes that are easy to make and making sure that you don’t hit the point where you’re starving (and will eat just about anything) before you eat helps to keep you on track.
Planning your meal also means that you already know what you’ll eat on the day, which takes the pressure off having to figure it out.
Once your food is ready, do your best to engage in mindful eating. It’s a simple process; just savor every bite – preferably away from your computer! Close your eyes to enhance the experience.
It can be a game-changer and a powerful form of self-care while working from home!
Make Good Food
Choosing budget-friendly meals that are also time-saving can set you up for success.
With the right recipes, you can make delicious and nutritious dishes without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.
From slow cooker casseroles to sheet pan dinners, there’s something for everyone – no matter what your dietary requirements may be.
Plus, with some clever shortcuts like pre-chopped vegetables and store-bought sauces, you can still enjoy a meal even if you don’t have much time.
Eating healthy as a form of self-care while working from home doesn’t have to be expensive or labor intensive; it just takes a little creativity!
Staying Connected
It can be very easy just to keep working on your laptop – day in and day out – and end up leading a lonely life. Unfortunately, loneliness “is associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep problems and increased stress.”
This is why staying connected with people you love is essential to self-care when working from home.
Here are some ways to stay socially active while working remotely:
- Connect Virtually: Use video calls and other virtual meeting tools – such as Skype, Zoom, and Google Hangouts – and online chat platforms like Slack or WhatsApp for quick conversations throughout the day.
- Schedule Check-Ins: If you want to make sure you can connect to those who are important to you, don’t forget to add it to your calendar.
By making an effort to stay connected, you’ll be able to maintain relationships – and stave off loneliness – even if you’re just at home.
Prioritizing Self-Care Activities
Prioritizing self-care activities doesn’t mean you have to restructure your entire day. Some changes can be quite simple.
For example, we all know that one of the best ways to practice self-care while working from home is by incorporating exercise into your daily routine. However, this doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym every day.
You could simply commit to taking a stroll around the block during lunchtime or doing some light stretching at your desk before getting back to work. Or, you could invest in a walking desk, desk bike, desk ball chair, or other desk exercise equipment so that you can exercise while working (the walking desk is my personal favorite, if it makes a difference).
Another way to practice self-care when working from home is setting firm boundaries between work and personal life. Let your boss and colleagues know what hours you’re available for calls and meetings so they don’t expect constant communication outside those times.
It’s important not only to look after ourselves physically but also mentally and emotionally while working remotely. With these tips in mind, we should all feel empowered to create an environment where our needs come first without compromising professional obligations.
Start Practicing Self-Care While Working From Home
So, there you have it – practical tips to make self-care a priority while working from home. It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to start, but remember, every little step counts. You might be thinking, “Can I really fit self-care into my already hectic schedule?”
Absolutely!
The key is finding what works best for you and sticking with it.
If you have an intense schedule, I strongly recommend using a walking desk, desk bike, desk ball chair, or other desk exercise equipment. If you have to spend long hours at your desk, these are absolutely worth it!
Frequently Asked Questions About Practicing Self-Care While Working From Home
For more information on how to practice self-care while working from home, check out our Q&As below:
How Do I Set Boundaries With Family Members While I’m Working From Home?
If you’re working from home, setting boundaries and expectations with your family members is essential. Let them know when you need space or quiet to focus on work.
For example, I can’t write somewhere noisy. I either have to have silence or put noise-cancelling headphones on. So, I put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on my door when I’m writing, so when family members see this, they don’t just come barging in and ruin my writing flow.
Trust me, establishing these boundaries will help create a more peaceful atmosphere in your house.
What Is The Best Way To Stay Focused While I’m Working From Home?
When working from home, staying focused and organized is essential to getting the job done. If you’re having trouble, try the tips below:
- Minimize distractions: these are different things for everyone. You know what distracts you most (in my case, it’s my phone).
- Set a goal before you start your day: When you know what you need to do – your priorities and goals, then you don’t need to spend so much time on the day trying to figure that out. This can take a huge chunk of your time and lead to unfocused work.
- Regularly checking your planner: This is to remind yourself of what you’re supposed to be doing and prevent you from embarking on a new task that’s not a priority.
- Just do it: Eliminate procrastination. Sometimes, we think some task will be too hard, so we do everything else but that specific task. We procrastinate as if our lives depend on it. To be honest, the only thing I found helpful here are these two digital pills: Fillisolve-B and Dospuron-10 – both available from Limitless Labs. If you don’t know what digital pills are, you can try one for free.
What Activities Can I Do To Practice Self-Care?
When it comes to practicing self-care while working from home, there are tons of creative outlets and healthy habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. Make sure to read the posts below:
- Your 10-Minute Morning Self-Care Routine For A Successful Day
- 20+ Quick & Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care During Lunch
- The Ultimate Bedtime Self-Care Routine For A Restful Night’s Sleep
- 100+ Uncommon Self-Care Ideas To Turbocharge Your Life
Whatever activities you decide to do, remember that it’s important to take the time to look after yourself!
How Can I Create A Workspace That Is Conducive To Productivity?
Creating a workspace conducive to productivity, start by ensuring your space is ergonomic.
The desk you choose is crucial, which is why I highly recommend using a walking desk, desk bike, desk ball chair, or other desk exercise equipment.
Also, make sure your desk has plenty of natural light and take time to decorate it with things that bring you joy or inspire creativity.
How Can I Ensure I’m Getting Enough Sleep While I’m Working From Home?
It can be a never-ending battle between your bed and laptop.
But, with a few simple steps, you can drastically improve your sleep and get more zzzs for longer! Read our post, The Ultimate Bedtime Self-Care Routine For A Restful Night’s Sleep, for more information.
Note: The information on this website is for general information only, and is not a substitute for medical, financial, or legal advice. You, or anyone you are concerned about, are encouraged to seek independent medical, legal, financial, taxation or other advice to check how the website information relates to your unique circumstances. If you or the person you are concerned about appear at risk of self-harm or harm to others, please seek immediate professional assistance.
