Even the best routine can become monotonous, and there are only so many times you can sit with your cup of coffee on the same couch, watching the same show, before it loses its flare. Arguably the most common protest of working remotely is the seclusion it institutes, and employees are questioning whether their petition for remote work was worth dodging the bumper-to-bumper commute. If you’re feeling your routine has become stale and the perks of working remotely are slowly diminishing, you may need to switch things up. We’ve compiled a list of ways to enhance your routine, keeping you fulfilled and productive!

If you find yourself working in the same area of your home every day, you may find it beneficial to change it up. A change in scenery can help you feel more inspired. Maybe you find it in your wheelhouse to work in a public workspace 1-2 days/week – think a coffee shop or library. Try decorating your workspace – Target has a great dollar spot! Adding a small organizer for your papers or a fun desk mat can be just the refresher you need.

  • Taking your lunch

Just because you work from home, and you do not verbally tell your coworkers that you are “taking your lunch,” does not exempt you from taking your 30 min-1 hr. uninterrupted lunch break. Maintaining a work-life balance is essential when working from home and not taking your lunch break will deter you from achieving it. As stated by Leo Tolstoy, “It would be a sin to help you destroy yourself.”

  • Use your lunch break wisely

Use this time to get yourself out of the house. Don’t make it a habit of sitting in front of your computer where you could be easily distracted by incoming calls or emails. The goal is to achieve human interaction. Drive to your local coffee shop, grab some lunch, go on a walk – do something to get your blood pumping.

  • Invest in your workspace

I’m sure we’ve all seen a standing desk or walking pad. Having the option to simply stand during the day can increase your focus and boost your adrenaline ultimately increasing your productivity. If you’re coordinated enough (emphasis on ‘coordinated’), maybe a walking pad is for you. Walking at a slow pace will also keep your focus while simultaneously improving your health. Check them out: Walking Pad Treadmill

  • Get yourself ready

We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again, studies show that taking 15 minutes (+/-) to get yourself ready each day rapidly increases your mood and set’s you on a productive path. Getting into the habit of waking up and tossing on a sweatshirt and sweatpants every day is only going to attribute to the impending seclusion you may already feel.

  • Propose a work date

If you have friends that also work remotely you could propose a central location 1-2 days/week. It doesn’t need to be a ‘gabfest,’ but having the presence of another human being in the room will eliminate the feeling of being alone. You could swap houses each week or mix it up and go to one of the public workspaces listed above. Having someone to converse with and potentially bounce ideas off of will keep you engaged in your work.

Routines, when left constant, are bound for monotony. Like most things, there are pros and cons to working remotely and though you had a 2022 routine in place, offering a change will keep you engaged and fulfilled in your work day.

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