The not-so-lazy days at home

Here is the deal - I’m naturally pretty lazy, so I have worked out some mind tricks that I play on myself to ensure I get the productivity of a regular Monday on a day that may feel more like a sun kissed Sunday.

I’ve been home for 6 days straight now (without leaving the house) - for someone like me that is a lot. Normally I’d be off the the gym first thing in the morning, then off to the office or running errands, getting coffee and/or going for a walk in the afternoon. A lot of my “coping” mechanisms and “productivity enhancing” mechanisms revolve around taking myself out of my environment and coming back to the job with a fresh head of ideas.

However, given the situation we are all in I’ve had to adapt my routine, so here are some of the things that have worked for me:

Getting some sunshine

I’ve been loving drinking my morning coffee in my backyard on the sunny days - this makes me feel like “I’ve left the house” and done something for myself first thing in the morning.

Working Out

I try to workout most days and have been loving Chris Hemsworth’s Centr app for guided workouts. Working out in the early evening after finishing my work of the day, but before cooking dinner has worked for me as a way to unwind after the busy day.

Dressing up or down

I loved getting myself some new PJs and loungewear that made me feel luxe - the opposite of the “just bumming around the house” vibe. I’m totally in love with the Imogen PJ set from Homebodii I recently bought, as well as some excellent Vero mods sweats.

Planning my day & my week

I have been using a planner to schedule projects for the week - to make myself feel like I’m accomplishing things as I’m ticking them off.

I’ve also been timing my lunch break and ensuring I get one - and staying away from my devices during the break.

Most importantly, I’m trying to avoid working through my weekend - when you are home all the time it’s to easy to get into the mindset of “I have to be working”, but it’s so important to clear your weekend to do things that you actually enjoy!

Setting up a spot to work

Having a comfortable work station that I can stay at for several hours without distractions has been a major struggle (2 cats + partner who also works from home).

I have found that moving my workstation (whether I go from the desk to the kitchen or the backyard) whenever I feel a little stuck and like I need a change of scenery has been really great for my productivity.

Taking care of myself

Finally, I’m learning that it’s ok to call in sick on your work from home day and take the day for yourself. Just because you have access to the computer and can physically “be at work” doesn’t mean that you can mentally.

Hope everyone is staying safe and taking time out of each and every day to check in with themselves and take care of themselves.

Xx

Lena