July 22nd, 2022

Working on Wellness: Work from Home Self-Care Tips 

July 24th is International Self-Care Day which poses a gentle reminder to practice self-care every day, especially while hard at work. To mark the occasion, RSE’s Work on Wellness (WOW) Committee shares tips on how to keep stress dialed down while working from home.

When you hear the term “self-care,” you might think of meditating, eating healthy food, or exercising. While these concepts work for some, there are many other approaches to self-care worth trying.

Create your own morning “commute” 

Working from home has its benefits, but you might feel like you’re missing out on your normal morning routine. Since you’re skipping out on commute time, wake up earlier with the intention to make your bed, put on an outfit that makes you feel confident, brush your hair, wash your face, go for a walk, or make a yummy breakfast.

Starting your day with these simple self-care practices will set you up for a productive workday and encourage a healthy morning “commute!” And the best part? Your commute can be whatever you want it to be. 

Be deliberate with your lunchtime 

The key to self-care is being intentional. We’ve all been there – sitting at our desks mindlessly eating our lunch while simultaneously answering emails or writing to-do lists. Make your lunchtime deliberate and focused by setting an appointment on your calendar to eat. Take that time to sit outside, sit at your kitchen table, or take a walk to your neighborhood deli. A quick lunch reset will go a long way. 

Make time for what’s important 

Did you know time management is a way to promote self-care? The concept might seem mundane but managing your time helps to reduce stress and also provides a feeling of accomplishment. The Pomodoro Technique is a unique time management hack that encourages working in set time intervals with five to 10-minute breaks in between, giving you the ultimate focus sessions for the tasks at hand.

Another useful way to manage your time is by setting blocks on your calendar to make time for work tasks, breaks, and yes, time for a walk outside. 

Clear desk clutter to clear mind clutter 

As Marie Kondo would say, “the objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness within that environment.” The same goes for your workspace. Removing clutter, lighting a candle and opening a window can refresh your environment, and reset your mind.

Reward yourself at the end of the day 

When working from home, it can be hard to close your laptop and turn off your brain’s “work mode,” but it’s important to separate personal time from work and give yourself post-work kudos for a job well done. Take time after work to reward yourself by seeing friends, making a meal you’ve been wanting to try, checking out a new workout class, or just relaxing! Ending your day on a high note sets you up for success the next day.

International Self-Care Day calls on us to take care of ourselves and our minds and focus upon the things that bring us joy seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Self-care looks different for everyone, so allow these suggestions to guide you in making a self-care regimen that works best for you!