With so many people transitioning to remote work in recent years, it’s no wonder that one of my most common questions is about how to stay motivated, inspired, and productive without the office environment. Working from home has its clear advantages—flexibility, no commute, and personal space are among my favorites—but it also brings challenges that can be tough to adjust to. Personally, I sometimes struggle with creative slumps from being in the same space all day and can feel a strong sense of loneliness working solo.
Make The Most Of Your Mornings
You know how much I value my morning routine, and a big part of it is waking up early enough to have time for myself before diving into work. Taking a moment to savor my coffee, enjoy a short walk with the pups, and unwind boosts my productivity once I hit the home office. I always feel more energized and happy as a result! People who make time for themselves before starting their workday often find they’re not only more productive but also feel more energetic and content.
Create a Workspace That Helps/Inspires You
If you’re like me, your environment greatly affects how you feel. For work, I need a clutter-free space that also reflects my personality and sparks creativity. You don’t need a whole room for this—just find a corner of your home that you can personalize. You’d be surprised at how much a fresh coat of paint, a few houseplants, and some small decorative touches can transform your workspace!
You Need Proper Breaks
I understand how tempting it is to skip breaks when you’re deeply focused, but I’ve found that taking breaks makes me feel much more refreshed and alert throughout the day. Aim to take a solid half-hour to an hour for lunch, and try to fit in short 10-15 minute breaks every couple of hours. It’s crucial that these breaks truly feel like a pause, so put your phone away and resist checking emails. Use the time to get up, stretch, grab a glass of water, or take a quick walk, which leads us to tip #4.
Get Moving
Getting up and moving is definitely my top tip for staying energized. I love starting my day with a workout or squeezing one in during a break—it’s the best way to wake up both my body and my brain.
Nourishing Meals and Snacks
Food is fuel, and eating healthy meals and snacks can help prevent that midday slump. To make it easier, I prep my meals at the start of the week, so I always have nutritious options ready to grab throughout the workday.
Get Out Of The House
There’s only so much time I can spend at home before I start to feel a bit stir-crazy. I try to get out of the house by signing up for in-studio fitness classes or spending a few hours working in a cozy coffee shop. Even bringing my laptop outside to a table in the backyard can give a nice boost to inspiration and creativity!
Schedule In Person Meetings
As an extrovert, I thrive on being around people, so working from home can sometimes feel a bit isolating. I’ve found that scheduling face-to-face time is crucial, whether it’s setting up in-person meetings or planning co-working sessions with friends. These interactions are not only great for my mental health but also give a significant boost to my productivity.
