The greatest advantage of working from home is ironically its greatest downside, too: flexibility. It is truly wonderful that you can continue your work from home despite the pandemic, and while the flexibility of routine can be a blessing it could also quickly lead to stress or a burn out if you do not maintain a balance. A great way to have a productive WFH routine is through having a good start with a healthy morning routine! In this article, we will share with you ideas you could have the best morning routine for health.
Before we dive into discussing the ways you could make your routine healthy, it is essential to explain why you should make an effort to do so. Without considering the benefits of a healthy morning routine, you will feel motivated and encouraged to make this healthy change in your life.
What are the benefits of a healthy morning routine?
It’s not just about WFH – a healthy morning routine is linked to having a robust physical and mental approach to your life. The importance becomes even more pronounced when you are working from home, as it could quickly become demotivating otherwise.
You will notice a boost in your productivity levels, your mood, and your physical health. It sets the tone for your entire day, helping you manage your tasks seamlessly.
What’s even more important is that your routine slowly evolves into a habit – a healthy morning routine translates into healthy habits and gets you through the days you wake up on the wrong side of the bed as well!
These are the following steps to make your WFH morning routine as healthy and productive as possible:
1- Wake up early!
I know, I know – this sounds too simplistic, but it sure works!
Resist the urge to stay in bed until the last minute. You can do it on the days you need a break; otherwise, it will make you lethargic and unmotivated to start your day.
The best time to wake up would be early morning – perhaps the time you woke up usually for your routine. It should be not too early that your brain refuses to cooperate, and neither too late that you wake up groggy in the noon.
2- Balance, balance and balance!
Instead of checking your socials, and your work e-mails and texts immediately, your first instinct should be to take a deep breath and avoid any work-related thoughts.
It is essential to create a work-life balance and do something for yourself before working for your boss! This will refresh you, and make you look forward to starting your day.
3- Get Yourself Moving!
If you’re fond of exercise and already have an exercise routine, this is the best time to do it! Exercising has become even more critical as your WFH routine means you do almost no movement throughout the day – something which is imperative for your body, mind and heart.
If you don’t already have an exercise routine, you could start with Walk at Home by Leslie as she mixes up things and kicks monotony out of the way!
To feel motivated, you need those endorphins!
4- Get Dressed!
After the exercise, a shower would cool you and make you focused for the rest of the day.
It is also advisable to get dressed as team syncs and official meetings are happening on video calls, so not only will you be prepared for those in advance, you will also feel good about yourself and how you are looking!
5 – A Healthy Breakfast = A Healthy Routine
Did you think we’d miss that? There is no way we would let you start your routine without an essential part of your day – the breakfast!
As there is no rush anymore because you would miss a train or a bus, take your time to have a healthy breakfast as it will set the feel for the rest of the day. Overnight oats, juices, fruits and tea could be few of your options.
However, it is vital for you to not exert too much energy into preparing your breakfast as it could tire you.
6 – Organise your Desk Space
Before starting your work, make sure your desk is cleared out and organized.
Get yourself ready with your planners and pens and remove anything that does not belong there. Getting your workspace tidy will give your brain a sense of relief, and prepare you for the work that awaits you!
7- Create a Task list!
Before you aimlessly begin on your work, it is essential to create goals for the day. Why?
Firstly, it keeps you motivated. You look forward to working on tasks and checking them off your task list.
Secondly, it avoids you from working on tasks that aren’t urgent. As you plan for every day, you are aware of your deadlines, your meetings and can quickly prioritize which task to give the most attention.
Thirdly, and most importantly, it keeps you from overworking. It is easy to get carried off and overwork during WFH because there are no stipulated office timings.
However, it is not healthy for your brain as you deserve a break too. When you achieve the tasks for the day, you can log off and give time to your hobbies.
We also came up with some things you can do to make the entire experience of WFH healthier:
- Sit near the windows!
- Light some candles
- Keep a flower vase or a plant near your working space
- Keep water nearby – stay hydrated!
- Listen to music or podcasts.
WFH can be a fantastic experience, but it can quickly turn ugly if you don’t create a healthy morning routine for yourself and stick to it. It is also important to note that you can create your unique routine, as you know your needs and requirements, but the above list is what will ensure you a healthy routine.
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