Mindfulness Routine for Working at Home

“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally. This kind of attention nurtures greater awareness, clarity, and acceptance of the present-moment reality.” ~ Jon Kabat-Zinn

Over the last few days, many of us have had to make adjustments to our daily life due to the COVID-19 world pandemic. From limiting our social interaction with friends and relatives, to adjusting our shopping habits, to working at home full time, we are being faced with a barrage of life changes that are altering the way we live at what feels like mach speed. Albeit temporary, these adjustments can take a toll on your mental health as anxiety levels rise with every Tweet and news feed you read.

Now is the time to implement mindfulness in all aspects of life. Establishing a daily routine is important to help you balance work and life. Here are a few ways to help you navigate your new work environment without compromising your mental health.

Morning Affirmations

Start your morning on a positive note. Whether you are still laying down or sitting on your bed, take a few deep breaths and set your intentions for the day. Affirmations are a great way to attract positive energy to yourself and your environment.

Plan Your Day

Set your goals for the day. What do you want to accomplish today? Writing down your goals and the steps to get you there will help you structure your day accordingly. There is no better feeling than the satisfaction of crossing another item off your list!

Take a Break

When working from home it is easy to work without taking a break. Make time for you. Whether this means taking a few minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee and listen to music or text a friend. Walking away from your computer will help you reset your thoughts and make you more productive throughout the day.

Check in With Colleagues

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your colleagues! You may be stuck at home but communication is still available and highly encouraged. Make time to check in with your colleagues or set up virtual group chats to boost morale among your team.

Set Work Hours

It is important to establish your working hours and stick to them. Since your work computer is now closer than ever before, you may be easily tempted to keep working. Set a daily reminder for your end-of-work day so you can turn off your computer and unplug.

End Each Day With Gratitude

As you climb into bed at the end of each day, take a moment to be thankful for what you have. Take a few deep breaths to clear your mind and think about three things you are grateful for. This will help clear any feelings of uncertainty. Keeping a gratitude journal by your bedside and jotting down notes is another way to take a few minutes to realign yourself with you and help bring you back to centre before falling asleep.

Now more than ever we need to keep our mindsets positive. A positive mindset starts with being kind to yourself. Be kinder to yourself, and let that kindness radiate and fill the world.