Being at home and maintaining a sense of work-life balance can be a struggle. When first working from home, I basked in the opportunity to wear yoga pants and skip the morning shower and makeup ritual. I soon realized the lack of a routine was hindering my motivation and productivity.
Here are some tips for unblurring the lines between work and life in the new normal:
- Establish a morning routine and stick to it. I’ve found that putting on clothes you would wear to the office increases productivity. Don’t get me wrong, I often opt for jeans over dress pants. Brew a cup of coffee and do your “normal” maintenance routine. Mine includes washing my face, dabbing on some makeup and brushing my teeth to start the day. I then grab a cup of Joe and sit down at my defined workplace. Which takes me to my next point…
- Create a well-defined workspace in your home. I know it can be tricky in a small apartment. I invested in a separate table and desk chair to keep my work differentiated from my living area. Need some office organization tools? Shop Silver in the City to cultivate the perfect desk setup.
- Treat yo self. Once a week (or more) I indulge in a latte from a local coffee shop. Indy has so many great options to keep you caffeinated! Explore Lincoln Lane in the Bates-Hendricks neighborhood or Kaffeine right off Mass Ave. Give back to the community by purchasing a cup from Foundation Coffee or Calvin Fletcher’s.
- Block time on your calendar for lunch. I use this time to walk my cat, Winston. Yes, I said walk my cat. Blocking time ensures a much needed brain break and that you are providing your body with nutrients by not skipping your midday meal due to meetings.
- Find some Headspace. I actively use the Headspace app to take breaks throughout the day and try to find peace after back-to-back virtual meetings. Besides guided meditation, the tool offers focus tunes and quick exercises perfect for the home office. You can try it for free here.
- Wind down after work. I like to get steps in while checking out an iconic Indy neighborhood. I’ve trekked through the Arsenal Tech High School campus, captured Indy skyline photos at Highland Park and burnt some calories on the Cultural Trail. I also use this time to listen to podcasts I normally would while commuting such as “The Daily” from The New York Times and Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead.”
- Discover safe, socially distanced ways to socialize with friends. I’ve enjoyed testing my knowledge at the Mayfair Taproom’s outdoor Sunday night trivia and coordinating virtual game nights with friends. Heated patios at local restaurants have been a lifesaver! Dine in a greenhouse at Public Greens, sip on a tropical drink in a storage pod at Strange Bird or grab a pint by the fire pit at Guggman Haus Brewing Co.
- Give yourself some grace. There may be days when yoga pants are necessary or getting out for a walk is too much of a struggle – and that’s okay!
Meet Kelsey: Kelsey Jones is a Site Communications Consultant for Roche. She enjoys reading the latest memoirs, biking along Indy’s great trails and checking out the newest breweries and outdoor dining experiences. She is active in the local community and serves on multiple nonprofit boards such as the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and the United Way’s ELEVATE Planning Committee. When she’s not out and about, you can find her snuggled up with a good book and her feline, Winston. @kelseyjones1988
LET’S TALK: A MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERIES PRESENTED BY HEALTH & HOSPITAL CORPORATION OF MARION COUNTY
