Self-Care Ideas for Working from Home – Practical & Attainable

August 5, 2020 @ 8:48 am by ACT

Before I started working from home, I figured I would be constantly distracted by things in my house. Instead, I found that my problem was exactly the opposite. I found it hard to leave my desk with my computer.

I never took adequate breaks.
I wasn’t sleeping well.
I stopped eating nutritious foods.
I couldn’t seem to find time to do the things I used to love.

When home became a space for both work and rest, I quickly lost sight of the self-care routines that were once solid habits.

I once heard that discipline leads to desire, which then leads to delight. This structure pertains to the process of building new habits.

Slowly, I began implementing boundaries around my workspace and prioritizing self-care while spending all day every day at home.

Below are 4 ideas with additional steps that you can implement into your daily routine to recharge and take care of your body and mind. I used many of these ideas in my own journey to work-from-home self-care. Take what works for you and leave the rest.

Develop a solid morning routine and/or night routine.

This probably doesn’t come as new information, but it’s still necessary for establishing stability and structure to the day. Think through the things you do each morning and structure them into an order that makes sense.

Maybe sprinkle in some new routines to set your routine apart from when you begin or end your workday:

• • • Read or meditate. Start with just 5 minutes and it will slowly turn into something you look forward to!
    • Cook a healthy breakfast or dinner from scratch. Include fresh produce from your local grocery store.
    • Take 5 minutes to pick out your outfit for the next day and lay out all the pieces.

Set aside time each day for self-reflection.

This might sound cliché but setting aside time to tune into your inner thoughts can completely transform your mindset.

• • • Try journaling if you easily get distracted in your thoughts.
    • Download an app like ‘Headspace’ to guide your daily reflections.
    • If you have a religious or spiritual faith, this is a great time to pray for guidance and strength.

After reflecting and gathering your thoughts, take any possible action steps to remove obstacles or unnecessary stressors.

Find a creative outlet or start a new hobby.

Sitting behind a computer screen all day can stifle creative energy. Instead of plopping down on the couch to watch the news or binge a show when your workday ends, pick up a new creative hobby that allows the left side of the brain to do some work.

• • • Think back to when you were a child. Which activities did you most enjoy that could be recreated for your adult life?
    • Pick out a 1000-piece puzzle and start working on it.
    • Download “Duolingo” and start learning a new language.
    • Create a list of fiction books you’d like to read and start at the top.
    • A sport like tennis or golf can also create space for the analytical side of the brain to rest.

Prioritize healthy habits.

Fitness is for everyone and in 2020, there are programs for people at every stage of life. Begin putting new habits in place that will contribute to both physical and mental health.

The endorphins released after you get your heart rate up (even for just 15 minutes) can have a positive impact on your mindset for the entire day.

Start somewhere simple and work your way up.

• • • Go on a 15-60-minute walk in the early morning or after work.
    • Drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
    • Ditch microwave meals for food that you prepare at home with fresh produce. Try to include more fruit and veggies into your diet.
    • Get a trial membership at a local gym, Pilates studio, yoga studio or cycle club (or subscribe to an online fitness app with follow-along workouts).

Don’t try to start 10 things at once. Choose 1 or 2 new habits that work best for you and start today. Discipline is necessary, but after just 3 weeks of actively choosing to participate in self-care habits, your body will begin to naturally crave them.

written for advantagecoaching.com by Lauren Rink