Work From Home: 7 Self-Care Routines For Your Wellbeing

[A collaboration post with Day Translations – all thoughts are my own.]

Do you work from home? How often do you take care of your body and mind? Do you check your health regularly while working from home?

Since 2020, I start working from home as a freelance translator and part-time blogger. Sometimes I can lose track of time when I’m so focused on completing a translation project or writing an article. To complete a project or article can take more than 3-4 hours.

However, I forgot to take care of my health at the same time. Sitting in front of a laptop for 3-4 hours is not good for your body and mind. Not only for translators or bloggers but also for a person who faces a lot of health problems when they are working on a PC or laptop. At least you need to take a break for 5 minutes every hour.

Everyone has their own method when it comes to working from home, but one of the most important things to remember when working remotely is to create a distinction between your work and personal life.

After experiencing ups and downs during the period of working from home, I developed self-care routines to take care of my body and mental health. Whether it’s taking a proper lunch break, heading out for some much-needed fresh air, or creating a dedicated workspace, implementing these self-care routines will help you manage to work from home and give you a great work/life balance.

Have a routine

While I enjoy the chance of not stepping out of the house in this rainy season, I have my routine – in place. When working from home, I have the opportunity to really make the most of my morning. Try to wake up at the time you usually would, then squeeze in any cleaning tasks, at-home workout, 15-minutes yoga or meditation, or reading a book with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

You might not be in the office, but try to set a schedule for every task each day. Get your planner ready and write down your to-do list the night before. Check your email and calendar to set up meetings or calls, and schedule a proper lunch break.

Whatever it is you enjoy doing before working, think about what you can do with that time. A great and lovely morning routine with set you up for a productive day ahead.

Create a to-do list

You’re the motivator when you’re working from home. You rely on yourself to get through the working day. And a great way to start your work is by checking your to-do list. I usually write down my to-do list the night before based on their priority. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, prioritize what needs to be done that day and what can wait for another day.

I currently use four planers in 2022: for translation projects, for blogging stuff, for my life planner, and the last one for the financial planner. The more detailed your to-do list, the better. You don’t need anything fancy to do this, just start off by writing the things you remember.

If you’re unable to tick off everything on the list, don’t beat yourself up. I used to force myself to tick off everything on my list till I burnout myself and that is not totally good for my mental health. Learn from my experience, you still have the next day to give it a shot!

Give your workspace a makeover

Do you like decoring your own space?

The next self-care activity you can do is to give your workspace a makeover. I do this once a month. A little change of scenery may be just what you need to boost your energy. It can be as simple as adding small decorations, some plants, or colorful decor to liven up your workspace.

You can also rearrange your furniture altogether or decorate your workspace with a rose gold color. You might not have a proper workspace but creating your working zone will ensure you work to the best of your ability.

Maintain physical health

Well, let’s admit that I tend to forget my lunch when working from home. Do you have this habit too?

If this is the case for you, set an alarm that prompts you to get your food. For breakfast, I have it before working to boost my energy. Not everyone likes to have breakfast, but you could have some tea, cereal, toast right beside you to kickstart your day. Don’t forget your water – staying hydrated is important.

Another habit of mine is to stock up on healthy snacks. Whether it’s your favorite fruits or granola bars, keep your fridge stocked with healthy treats that you can have on during the day. I also need sugar or something sweet so I always have candy and chocolate on my workspace.

Don’t skip your breakfast/lunch/dinner or snack too often in between. Get enough sleep for at least 8 hours. Keep up your physical activity, whether it’s by going for a walk around your house or using your living room to work out. Eat well, sleep well, and exercise well. These three are shouldn’t be ignored just because you are working at home.

Set a sleep schedule

Actually, working from home isn’t an excuse for late nights. However, because of the time difference, I used to work late to keep up with other bloggers. When I receive a technical translation project that requires quite thorough and in-depth research, I get used to working late because I can focus more on quiet nights – although that’s not a good habit. I also used to work late because some clients in other countries had big-time gaps or when projects had tight deadlines.

Now, I close the day at 8-9 pm and continue to read a book before going to sleep. Aim to get around eight hours of sleep so you have enough energy for the following day. Your body and mind will be thankful for it.

Take a deliberate break every day

It’s vital to take a regular break every hour to let your body and mind relax. Go for a stroll, grab a cup of coffee or tea, or do light exercise or stretching in your living room. Short breaks will help you give the ability to refocus on your tasks which supports both your mental health and productivity.

The last few months have been stressful, so you should prioritize your mental health. The meeting can wait; that phone call can wait. Put a few minutes aside to check in with yourself and focus on your well-being.

Set boundaries

Unfortunately, I don’t have a separate room for my workplace so I use my own room as a workspace. Well, I just need a work desk to work at home. If you have your own work corner, go into that space to get your work done. As soon as you finished the day, leave every work tool right there and focus on other areas of your life.

When you’re working from home, it can be easy to generate bad habits, such as working late into the evening or not taking a lunch. To ensure you work efficiently, you need to balance your work and fun. Set up clear boundaries where you will be working, set up your working hours, and make sure to unwind in the evenings, too. You might not be working in the office, but it’s important to create an enjoyable space that works for you.

Self-care routines when working from home is vital both for your body and mind. By setting boundaries and prioritizing your mental and physical wellbeing, you’ll avoid falling into bad habits and will instead stay productive, motivated, even find yourself feeling happier and healthier. Any tips you want to add to these tips for someone who works from home?

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