In the fast-paced world of remote work, and the even more so in the unprecedented challenges the insurance industry is facing, finding balance in your work day can be a challenging task. However, incorporating small rituals and multitasking hacks into your routine can make a significant difference. Over my time working from home, I have found many practical ways to infuse balance into my busy days to make sure I avoid burnout and my mental health remains a priority.
Morning Coffee and Gratitude:
Begin your day on a positive note by distancing yourself from your desk. Enjoy your first cup of coffee mindfully, relishing the aroma and warmth. I have created a stacked habit here (If you haven't read Atomic habits, go buy it today, No I'm serious, go get it) I habit stack by making my morning coffee a time to practice gratitude by creating a list of things I'm thankful for. I am sure to make it specific so the list remains different each day and doesn't become a mundane task for me. This intentional practice sets a positive tone for the day, fostering motivation and focus that I may not have found otherwise.
Example Gratitude List:
I am thankful my daughter set a boundary yesterday at school when she felt uncomfortable by another child's actions and that we have a close enough relationship that she tells me these things.
I am grateful that my body is adjusting well to waking up to my early alarm clock and I am adding hours back into my day.
I am thankful that I have a spouse that understands when I've had a busy day and just picks up dinner, making it one less thing on my plate and one less decision I have to make.
I am thankful that I have the opportunity to work from home because I love the little check-ins my son does when he comes and tugs on my pants to show me something or get some love, he always knows I am right here and I can't imagine a life where that was not the case.
Starting the day with this combination of coffee and gratitude can be a game-changer in maintaining motivation and focus.
Multi-task Hack the Work Day:
Efficiently manage your work routine by incorporating multi-tasking hacks that contribute to both productivity and well-being.
Add Some Fitness In: . I Invested in a walking pad and built a simple budget-friendly standing desk setup. I have done this by just getting a piece of wood big enough to fit my laptop, mouse and (let's be honest) 3 different drinks that I "Have to have" (Hydrate, Caffeinate and Protein intake) and two L Brackets, for a quick $15 standing desk. Combine this with going through your morning emails, and you'll start the day with a sense of accomplishment—both in work tasks and fitness goals.
If I didn't have time to get my hour of walking in in the morning, Sometimes I mix it up with my cycle bike. It is within feet of my work desk, I set an alarm on my phone that every hour goes off and I just do a quick 5 minutes on the bike while working emails from my phone. It may not seem like much, but 5 minutes, 8 times a day, equals 40 minutes total and I love the reset of energy it provides for the next upcoming hour.
Pace Your Phone Calls: No not slow your phone call intake, which I'm sure some days we wish we could do sometimes, but actually physically pace when you get a phone call. Turn phone calls into opportunities for movement. When a call comes in, take the chance to get up, walk around, or stretch. This hack will have you feeling happy when a call comes in because it transforms phone calls from potential interruptions from that project you are just trying to get through, into refreshing breaks. I also feel like my mind just works quicker and I talk with more confidence when I am up and moving around. Added bonus, I always seem to come back to that project with a refreshed mind and some of the roadblocks I was having before some how seem easier to manage.
Mask (and Close Tasks) or Whiten and Lighten (Up Your Workload): Embrace the flexibility of working from home by incorporating self-care into your daily tasks. Use a face or hair mask, whiten your teeth, or engage in other personal care activities while working. This not only boosts your well-being but it makes you feel like you still found time for "you" in your day.
Get Out of the House:
On those days when motivation seems elusive, break the cycle by physically leaving your home office. A change of scenery can work wonders for your productivity and mindset. Whether it's heading to a local coffee shop or finding a cozy spot in your backyard, the key is to step outside the familiar confines of your home.
a. Coffee Shop Productivity: Find a nearby coffee shop that offers a welcoming atmosphere. Bring your laptop, put in your headphones, and immerse yourself in your work. The combination of a favorite podcast and a refreshing iced coffee can provide that much needed serotonin boost, making you feel invigorated and ready to tackle tasks with newfound energy.
b. Backyard Retreat: If heading to a coffee shop isn't feasible, simply step outside into your backyard. Embrace the fresh air, soak in some sunshine, and let the natural surroundings act as a reset button for your work day. Whether you have a patio, balcony, or a patch of green, the change of environment can bring a renewed sense of focus and creativity.
Podcast Power:
Enhance your work-from-home experience by curating a playlist of your favorite podcasts. I don't know about you, but in the work from home life, but depending on the day I may go all day with out any adult conversations. Alternatively, my favorite podcast hosts have almost come to feel like friends, I know about their kids and interests and it feels like I am chatting with a friend all day. Podcasts, for me at least, can serve as both a source of entertainment and a companion to break up the monotony of the day.
Finding balance in busy work-from-home days involves embracing change and introducing variety into your routine. I feel like I have so many ways I bring balance to my work days, I may even make this a 2 or 3 part series ! Though these are just a few of my favorites, by incorporating these simple changes, you can revitalize your work day, boost your motivation, and maintain a healthy balance between work and well-being!
Now go out there and kill your day, add some balance in though!
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