Work-From- Home Rut...

Lately, I have been finding myself in a funk when Sunday night rolls around. I have started to have the I don't want to work/case of the Monday Blues. I had to stop and ask myself what has changed since I have been working from home? Why am I feeling different all of a sudden? Then it hit me. I don't have a routine. I have just let myself go.

Truth moment: I have been waking up, brushing my teeth, and heading downstairs to work.

This has become my norm over the last couple of months. When I say months, I have been working from home since mid-March. This new norm has gotten me out of setting the mood/tone of the day before I enter into my workspace.

Pre-Covid I would wake up at least an hour and a half before I had to leave. This gave me a chance to fully wake up, shower, get dressed, and get mentally prepared for work. I also had about a 30-minute commute which also allowed me to decompress prior to starting my day. Well with my new routine I basically get up and just get started. I am not allowing myself an opportunity to get my mind right before entering into my workspace.

This new norm plan stops today! I have to make some changes to receive better results.

I am listing 5 helpful tips that will get you prepared for daily working from home:

1. Set a bedtime. I know this seems silly, but we can't just stay up all night. I know I know we only have to take a few steps to logged on, but we have to get our proper rest to function well.

2. Take a shower/Get dressed for work. You may not want to get fully dressed, so I suggest loungewear. I have recently purchased some comfy clothes that I can work in, but still feel put together in because of it being a complete outfit.

3. Eat. If you are not a breakfast person, you can at least have a cup of juice, coffee, or tea to get you going. I have been eating quick breakfast meals like cereal or oatmeal. I just need something on my stomach so I am not so cranky.

4. Me Time. Take a few minutes to yourself. You can watch the morning news, surf the net, read a book, pray, or listen to some music. Taking this step will allow you to get yourself fully focused/alert before you log on.

5. Log on early. I have been pushing the limit when it comes to logging on. I have been stressing trying to get logged on and I am down to the last second because I don't get logged on early. This causes me stress and anxiety before my day even gets started.

Taking these few but easy steps will make you feel more relaxed and prepared to start your day. I will be implementing this new routine starting on Monday. So, that I can try to combat some of the Monday Blues that I have been experiencing.

I hope this helps.

Xoxo,

Belinda