Healthy Habits to Keep Motivated Whilst Working from Home

As parts of Australia are plunged back into lockdown many of us find ourselves working from home. During this time, it can be difficult to stay happy, healthy and most of all motivated whilst juggling work and ‘life’. It can be easy to have a work - life balance when the locations of these two things are separate. Many people find it easy to mentally switch on for work when they walk into the office but when this luxury is taken away, the two tend to merge into one.

There are several tips and tricks that have helped me stay healthy, happy and motivated during this crazy time.

Have a routine

Introducing a routine and sticking to it is so important. Having a routine that works for you and ensuring that it includes one thing that will brighten your day helps to keep motivation high and give your day structure. This routine can be as simple as waking up at the same time everyday or scheduling a daily online team meeting with your colleagues.

Personally, I like to wake up early, exercise and have breakfast so I’m ready to start my work by 9am. At lunch I love to go for a walk or listen to music. I then finish the day off by cooking a yummy dinner and settling in for a movie with my roommates.

Exercise

Exercise is so important in day-to-day life. Not only because of the physical benefits but also the mental clarity and endorphin boost it gives. Many people may not realise the amount of incidental exercise they would normally get throughout the day when working from the office, for example, walking to and from the office, walking around the office, walking to get lunch etc.

When working from home we have to make a conscious effort to exercise and get those 10,000 steps in a day. Even if you don’t feel like doing a full-on work out, just going for a walk during the day, doing some stretching or moving your body in any way is so important for your mental and physical health, and can be used as a reward for staying motivated during your workday.

Nutrition

The way that we fuel our body and the food that we put into our body has a massive effect on our mental and physical health. Being conscious of good nutrition can lead to more energy during the day, better sleep, stronger immune system and more mental clarity. All of these things contribute to an increase in motivation which is very important when working from home.

During this time, it may be tempting to order uber eats rather than making meals, but it’s an amazing opportunity to cook healthy meals from home! With an increase in time and access to a home kitchen, cooking a healthy meal is the perfect way to take a break from the computer and refresh yourself during the day!

Some of my favourite easy meals for breakfast include oats with lots of yummy fruits and yoghurt on top, or a bacon and egg breakfast wrap. For Lunch chopping up your favourite veggies with a cold meat on a bed of rice or lettuce can make for the perfect salad bowl, and finally with dinner there are endless opportunities.

Household favourites of mine include nachos, stir fry and pasta with a creamy carbonara sauce. Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore but can be a fun activity for you and the family / housemates during lockdown. Making delicious healthy recipes is easy.

Your environment

It is quite prominent that the space you are in can affect your mood, motivation and wellbeing when working from home. It is important to set up a proper office space, preferably away from where you sleep so you can keep a divide between relaxing and work.

It is also important to communicate with the other people that share your space, whether this be family or roommates ensuring they understand what you need from them, whether that’s them being quiet when you are on calls with clients or clearing space in the communal living areas for you to have a desk. Just being aware of the other people around you and their feelings is important to maintain positive relationships when spending more time around one another.  

Being kind to yourself

Working from home isn’t for everyone. As we adjust to this new normal way of life remember that its ok to feel how you’re feeling and we’re only human. It can be frustrating having your freedom and social plans taken away and replaced by a new sense of normal.

In all the chaos allow yourself at least 10 minutes for just you. Whether that be meditation, talking with a friend, or even just sitting with some of your favourite music. Whatever it is, ensure that you are being kind to yourself and staying in check with what you need to keep on going.

Remember if it all gets too hard, reach out, phone a friend, tell your housemates or your family that you need a hand getting things done or just simply need a friendly ear to listen. Whilst we are all isolated, we are not alone.