I have been working from home for the past few years. And although different things work for different people, I’ve compiled a list of strategies that help me to stay focused and energized in the mornings, hoping they might inspire you too.
Book or gym first
With constant scrolling on my phone, working on my laptop, and watching shows or TV, by the end of each day, my eyes are very tired, and I feel a bit drained from all the screens.
Therefore, getting up and going straight to my laptop is a big NO for me. I need to start my day differently. Either I stay in bed and read a few pages, hit the gym, organize the fridge, or plan recipes for the upcoming week. It helps me feel a bit more rested before starting work.
Proper nutritious breakfast
In the last year and a bit, I’ve delved into reading books about biohacking and nutrition. While the information was definitely overwhelming, I picked up a few tips, tried them, and stuck to what works best for me.
One of the main principles I’ve adopted is not starting work before having a proper, nutritious breakfast. It needs to contain protein, fiber, healthy fats, and a bit of carbs. So, it usually consists of some greens like rocket salad, cucumber, and broccoli with eggs, feta, avocado, and ideally a slice of sourdough bread with butter.
After this, my stomach feels full for the next 3 to 4 hours, I don’t experience any cravings, and I can fully focus on my work.
Getting dressed
Although working in PJ’s with messy hair is super comfortable, it just never gets me into productive mode. I find sitting for hours in jeans extremely uncomfortable, so a nice pair of leggings will do, together with a jumper or a hoodie. I also find that at least brushing my hair and applying some dry shampoo and a bit of makeup works really well for me.
Preparing my work space
In my freelancing career, I haven’t reached the point where I have my very own office space yet. I shared a room with my partner, which didn’t work very well as he was constantly having meetings. I’ve worked from cafes, coworking spaces, and currently, I use the last two mentioned, along with our small kitchen table.
The most important thing for me is that my desk and the room I work in are tidy; otherwise, I can’t concentrate. I usually add flowers somewhere around, and recently, I got an aromatherapy diffuser that also helps with relaxation and focus.
What morning routines or habits do you have that help you feel prepared and productive for the day ahead?