Rituals for working at home?
July 22, 2024 1:47 PM Subscribe
As someone who feels sluggish and demoralized when working (alone) at home all day, I am wondering what tips you all have for working from home effectively and happily?
I am about to make the switch to wfh, so I am trying to think how to prepare.
I like rituals and routines. I like my daily commute to the office currently. I like getting dressed up and having that space in between getting up for the day and working. So I might try to do something similar for my new wfh routine, like maybe a walk around the block or to a coffee shop or something in the morning before starting the work day? I might also buy fluorescent lights for my home office.
Do you do anything like that to mentally make the switch into work mode? Any rituals you like? Or tips generally?
I am about to make the switch to wfh, so I am trying to think how to prepare.
I like rituals and routines. I like my daily commute to the office currently. I like getting dressed up and having that space in between getting up for the day and working. So I might try to do something similar for my new wfh routine, like maybe a walk around the block or to a coffee shop or something in the morning before starting the work day? I might also buy fluorescent lights for my home office.
Do you do anything like that to mentally make the switch into work mode? Any rituals you like? Or tips generally?
I was a work-from-home freelancer for a long time, and for much of that time, I would go out for coffeeand read the news every morning as my ritual. Eventually I stopped doing that, but I still think it's a good idea.
posted by adamrice at 2:15 PM on July 22
posted by adamrice at 2:15 PM on July 22
When I first started working from home full time, it was in the fall, and when I stopped working at 6pm, it was dark outside. At the end of the day, I would get up from my desk and stretch and then light a candle. It was a way of signaling "Ok, work time is over." Maybe you don't light a candle, but maybe you dim the lights or maybe you put a sheet over your desk -- something that physically signals "Ok, done now."
posted by OrangeDisk at 2:23 PM on July 22 [1 favorite]
posted by OrangeDisk at 2:23 PM on July 22 [1 favorite]
To ease into the day, I check my email and calendar before taking my dog for her morning walk so I can roughly work out my flow for the day and prioritize things. That way by the time I sit down at my computer for real, I feel like I have some focused items I can go ahead and get to work on.
At the end of the day, I like to find something around the house to clean, ideally a floor. I've spent at least a decade and a half of my life working in one setting or another that involved sweeping and/or mopping floors at the end of the day and there's something about that specific activity that sends a very strong "Shift Over" signal to my brain.
posted by Ufez Jones at 2:29 PM on July 22 [5 favorites]
At the end of the day, I like to find something around the house to clean, ideally a floor. I've spent at least a decade and a half of my life working in one setting or another that involved sweeping and/or mopping floors at the end of the day and there's something about that specific activity that sends a very strong "Shift Over" signal to my brain.
posted by Ufez Jones at 2:29 PM on July 22 [5 favorites]
Echoing a lot of the above. Taking lunch in another room helps a lot. Not bringing personal devices into your office, ditto (i fail at this constantly). Setting aside time for low-key activities with coworkers (zoom happy hour, online Mario Kart or really any other game) is great.
If you can, take meetings while taking a walk— one-on-ones are my preferred meetings for this since there’s usually not slides or a packed agenda or anything. Meetings while treadmilling/stationary biking/rowing are good if you can get away with it (larger meetings where you’re not presenting, perhaps). Have your camera on most of the time if it’s at least acceptable in your company culture to have some accountability.
posted by supercres at 2:35 PM on July 22 [2 favorites]
If you can, take meetings while taking a walk— one-on-ones are my preferred meetings for this since there’s usually not slides or a packed agenda or anything. Meetings while treadmilling/stationary biking/rowing are good if you can get away with it (larger meetings where you’re not presenting, perhaps). Have your camera on most of the time if it’s at least acceptable in your company culture to have some accountability.
posted by supercres at 2:35 PM on July 22 [2 favorites]
I've been working hybrid or fully remote since 2007. I have a number of things that I have done either consistently or periodically that help with both the beginning and end of the day.
- Change clothes. I have a set of shirts I only where for work that I put on when I start for the day then take off at the end of the work day.
- Take a walk. For a while I was taking a walk every morning before the start of the workday, then doing something outside of the house when I was done for the day.
- Open and close the laptop. I will close my laptop at the end of every workday, to indicate I am *done*, and then open it the next day to cue the start of the day.
- Write a list of tasks for tomorrow. This one isn't just a WFH thing, but again, helps indicate the end of the day. I write down (by hand) my approximate schedule for the next day. It is the first thing I look at when I start the day. I am completely lost without it now.
- 5 minute meditation. I did this for a while, and used it when writing my dissertation, where I would do a 5 minute meditation at the start and end of my worktime. It helped with transitions a lot.
- Have a particular area / chair / desk only used for work. I never use that space for anything else. If I am in that space, I am working. I do all other projects elsewhere.
- Have a pen / notebook type / etc. only used for work. I have one type of notebook that I only use for work and don't use in any other context. For a while, I had one pen that was only used for work (company branded, natch).
- Have a weekday breakfast food. I used to have one breakfast food for workdays and a different one on the weekends. Now I just have the same breakfast everyday, unless I eat out.
So, reviewing these, it kinda comes down to actions or things that help trigger the "work" behavior. I tend to rotate in and out of them, so I'd recommend taking a few and having them ready if one gets boring after a bit.
posted by chiefthe at 2:52 PM on July 22 [6 favorites]
- Change clothes. I have a set of shirts I only where for work that I put on when I start for the day then take off at the end of the work day.
- Take a walk. For a while I was taking a walk every morning before the start of the workday, then doing something outside of the house when I was done for the day.
- Open and close the laptop. I will close my laptop at the end of every workday, to indicate I am *done*, and then open it the next day to cue the start of the day.
- Write a list of tasks for tomorrow. This one isn't just a WFH thing, but again, helps indicate the end of the day. I write down (by hand) my approximate schedule for the next day. It is the first thing I look at when I start the day. I am completely lost without it now.
- 5 minute meditation. I did this for a while, and used it when writing my dissertation, where I would do a 5 minute meditation at the start and end of my worktime. It helped with transitions a lot.
- Have a particular area / chair / desk only used for work. I never use that space for anything else. If I am in that space, I am working. I do all other projects elsewhere.
- Have a pen / notebook type / etc. only used for work. I have one type of notebook that I only use for work and don't use in any other context. For a while, I had one pen that was only used for work (company branded, natch).
- Have a weekday breakfast food. I used to have one breakfast food for workdays and a different one on the weekends. Now I just have the same breakfast everyday, unless I eat out.
So, reviewing these, it kinda comes down to actions or things that help trigger the "work" behavior. I tend to rotate in and out of them, so I'd recommend taking a few and having them ready if one gets boring after a bit.
posted by chiefthe at 2:52 PM on July 22 [6 favorites]
I was hybrid starting in 2020, and fully remote since 2022. Some tips, in no particular order:
posted by bluloo at 2:53 PM on July 22 [2 favorites]
- If at all possible, having a separate workspace is a godsend. When I sit down at my desk, my brain knows it’s work time. I only sit at my desk during personal time if I’m doing focused work of some kind, to help keep that mental divide.
- For days when I’m not feeling it, playing some music or lighting a candle helps.
- My Apple Watch nudges me at 10 minutes to the hour, if I haven’t gotten up from my desk that hour. I try to get up and do a quick chore, like unloading the dishwasher. This takes the space of having a chat with a coworker or similar that I would do in the office.
- If you’re starting a new job, make an effort to connect with people on your team online. Schedule getting to know you sessions where you have a cameras on call and chat with people.
- Stock your fridge with pleasant snacks and drinks you’d like to have around. Think of it like you’re stocking your personal break room.
- Take your breaks, and take them away from the computer. Go for a walk or go outside if possible.
- If you’re the type of person who likes working around others, take your computer to a coffee shop or the library, even just one day a week.
- Definitely get up, showered, and dressed for work each day. I still wear casual clothes, but I always get dressed, both so I’m ready for unscheduled calls and I’m mentally ready for the day.
posted by bluloo at 2:53 PM on July 22 [2 favorites]
When I worked remotely my "commute" on each end of the day was walking my dog. I highly recommend scheduling lots of social 1:1s with teammates so you get the usual chances to shoot the shit with people and build relationships even if you aren't local.
posted by potrzebie at 3:07 PM on July 22 [1 favorite]
posted by potrzebie at 3:07 PM on July 22 [1 favorite]
Absolutely draw those divisions between "work" time and "home" time. Like others, I started working remotely during covid, and I now work remotely 100% of the time and love it. Here's what I do:
- In the morning, I "get dressed" - I wear track pants and a t-shirt most days, because my work is fairly casual even in-person, but I make sure that I don't just wear slobby clothes or what I slept in.
- I take a lunch hour. Or at least a half hour. During that time, I step away from my computer and sit on the couch, eating my lunch or doing some chores or watching TV or whatever. But, crucially, not checking emails or slack or anything related to work.
- At the end of the day, I shut off my laptop, and like ufez jones, do some sort of chore that requires me to be distant from my workspace - clean the bathroom, clean the stove, whatever. That gives me the distance from the "office" that allows me to disconnect completely.
There's one other thing I do that's specific to me, which may or may not apply to you but which may spur an idea you might be able to use in your own way. When I worked in the office, I used to bike commute, and that is literally the one and only thing I miss about working in an office. So, in good weather, when it's not raining (I have become a weather wimp as far as biking, thanks to remote work!), a few times a week I will replicate my bike commute in the morning, to get exercise - I'll just ride the round trip to my office and back. It's a fairly quick ride, about a 45 minute round trip, but it's a great way to get a little exercise and a good way to start the day. Maybe there's some sort of thing like that you can find that can bring a little exercise to your day without having to work too hard to incorporate it into your routine.
posted by pdb at 3:46 PM on July 22
- In the morning, I "get dressed" - I wear track pants and a t-shirt most days, because my work is fairly casual even in-person, but I make sure that I don't just wear slobby clothes or what I slept in.
- I take a lunch hour. Or at least a half hour. During that time, I step away from my computer and sit on the couch, eating my lunch or doing some chores or watching TV or whatever. But, crucially, not checking emails or slack or anything related to work.
- At the end of the day, I shut off my laptop, and like ufez jones, do some sort of chore that requires me to be distant from my workspace - clean the bathroom, clean the stove, whatever. That gives me the distance from the "office" that allows me to disconnect completely.
There's one other thing I do that's specific to me, which may or may not apply to you but which may spur an idea you might be able to use in your own way. When I worked in the office, I used to bike commute, and that is literally the one and only thing I miss about working in an office. So, in good weather, when it's not raining (I have become a weather wimp as far as biking, thanks to remote work!), a few times a week I will replicate my bike commute in the morning, to get exercise - I'll just ride the round trip to my office and back. It's a fairly quick ride, about a 45 minute round trip, but it's a great way to get a little exercise and a good way to start the day. Maybe there's some sort of thing like that you can find that can bring a little exercise to your day without having to work too hard to incorporate it into your routine.
posted by pdb at 3:46 PM on July 22
In addition to above build a solid morning routine that includes exercising and showering. Don’t wear pajamas - wear realish clothes if possible (I go for the athleisure or at least presentable tops). Ritualize the end of the day too and have boundaries. Write next week’s to do every Friday so you aren’t tempted into the work space during weekends. Enjoy!
posted by floweredfish at 4:18 PM on July 22
posted by floweredfish at 4:18 PM on July 22
At this point I'm mostly +1 to everyone else, but these are my rituals that keep me sane:
+ Work Out Every Morning: I've been letting this slide but I always feel better when I do it. I start the day with a few CARS and sun salutations and then some other calisthenics.
+ Eat Breakfast: I don't just drift to my desk. I have breakfast with my spouse, sitting down at the table together.
+ Dress for work. I don't wear my nicest clothes because I save those for conferences and work travel, but I do dress differently to sit down at my desk than I do to, say, pull weeds all day. I shower, groom myself.
+ Eat Lunch: I try to make myself sit outside with my lunch. Sometimes on my front steps.
+ Go Out: I keep an eye on my schedule and look for blocks when I can go to a coffee shop for an hour or two without any calls.
+ See People: it is a bit more expensive but I make myself go to classes in person with other people. It is important for getting me out of the house and among other humans.
I also try to lean into the advantages of working from home. This summer, my teen has been getting up close to 10AM, so I make him some tea and sit with him while he has his breakfast. If I have to think something through I take a walk in my neighborhood (which is nicer than anywhere that I had an office recently, tbh) or go pull weeds in the yard for 20 min. (I don't usually change out of work clothes for this.)
For a while I was going to a midday dance class near my house. On those days I'd deal with being back at my desk sweaty for a bit. It was worth the trade off.
I typically get up and start working on dinner at about 5 or 5:30, but I agree that if you don't have that, doing something else to shift into "home" mode is important.
posted by amandabee at 4:32 PM on July 22 [3 favorites]
+ Work Out Every Morning: I've been letting this slide but I always feel better when I do it. I start the day with a few CARS and sun salutations and then some other calisthenics.
+ Eat Breakfast: I don't just drift to my desk. I have breakfast with my spouse, sitting down at the table together.
+ Dress for work. I don't wear my nicest clothes because I save those for conferences and work travel, but I do dress differently to sit down at my desk than I do to, say, pull weeds all day. I shower, groom myself.
+ Eat Lunch: I try to make myself sit outside with my lunch. Sometimes on my front steps.
+ Go Out: I keep an eye on my schedule and look for blocks when I can go to a coffee shop for an hour or two without any calls.
+ See People: it is a bit more expensive but I make myself go to classes in person with other people. It is important for getting me out of the house and among other humans.
I also try to lean into the advantages of working from home. This summer, my teen has been getting up close to 10AM, so I make him some tea and sit with him while he has his breakfast. If I have to think something through I take a walk in my neighborhood (which is nicer than anywhere that I had an office recently, tbh) or go pull weeds in the yard for 20 min. (I don't usually change out of work clothes for this.)
For a while I was going to a midday dance class near my house. On those days I'd deal with being back at my desk sweaty for a bit. It was worth the trade off.
I typically get up and start working on dinner at about 5 or 5:30, but I agree that if you don't have that, doing something else to shift into "home" mode is important.
posted by amandabee at 4:32 PM on July 22 [3 favorites]
I make myself a good cup of coffee and sit on my porch and read a book for 15 minutes or a half hour before I start my day.
posted by synecdoche at 5:46 PM on July 22 [2 favorites]
posted by synecdoche at 5:46 PM on July 22 [2 favorites]
I don’t care for rituals. I shower in the middle of the day, whenever I get stuck or just need a break. If I’m tired, I take a short nap. I take conference calls on my cell phone and walk my dogs. I pretend to work by sending messages to my coworkers while I’m getting a haircut. To make up for laissez faire work habits, sometimes I stay up late like a university undergraduate to finish papers before deadline.
I do walk the dogs three times a day. The dog walks form the daily ritual. When I was getting depressed doing WFH, I prioritized scheduled social activities, creative pursuits, and learning.
Just do what works for you. Daily rituals and work productivity can be separate things. It’s ok not to be super productive at your job.
posted by shock muppet at 10:08 PM on July 22 [3 favorites]
I do walk the dogs three times a day. The dog walks form the daily ritual. When I was getting depressed doing WFH, I prioritized scheduled social activities, creative pursuits, and learning.
Just do what works for you. Daily rituals and work productivity can be separate things. It’s ok not to be super productive at your job.
posted by shock muppet at 10:08 PM on July 22 [3 favorites]
Sometimes I work sitting in bed because it's comfy and I read that Mindy Kaling wrote her entire show and her books that way, so it's proven by science to work.
posted by nouvelle-personne at 11:33 PM on July 22 [1 favorite]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 11:33 PM on July 22 [1 favorite]
Sometimes I'll go work at a friend's house. I find coffee shops to be aggressively uncomfortable to work in for extended periods, but if you have a cozy one with nice chairs by all means go there. You can also see if there are co-working places in your area where you pay a small daily or monthly fee to use a shared workspace with nicer than average office amenities.
posted by ananci at 5:52 AM on July 23
posted by ananci at 5:52 AM on July 23
I find that my day is more pleasant when I can leave the house for lunch. Not necessarily eating lunch elsewhere, but eating my lunch then going get a coffee or going for a short walk. It keeps me from wandering back to my desk because that's the nex thing on my agenda and I feel like I may as well get on with it.
posted by tofu_crouton at 9:26 AM on July 23 [1 favorite]
posted by tofu_crouton at 9:26 AM on July 23 [1 favorite]
Even a 5 minute walk makes me livelier, so grab a bit of air unless there's brutal heat. You'll dry off fast if there's a bit of rain.
posted by theora55 at 10:06 AM on July 23 [1 favorite]
posted by theora55 at 10:06 AM on July 23 [1 favorite]
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posted by plonkee at 1:55 PM on July 22 [1 favorite]