Working from home is definitely a change of pace from the typical office environment. While there are definite upsides (your day is likely more flexible, no one is judging your attire, you have the freedom to exercise during your lunch break, and you don’t have to drive anywhere.) There are also some clear downsides (you may be tempted to work more and spend less “you” time or time with loved ones, you may start to associate your home with work, and you may go days without actually seeing or talking to someone in person.) Here are some things you can do that will make working from home a lot more joyful.

Take Breaks

When you’re working alone, it can be really easy to bury yourself in work and forget to take breaks. Studies show that overworked employees deal with higher levels of chronic stress and can even increase the risk of having a stroke.Simply adding a few breaks throughout your day to take a walk, do some yoga, or meditate is one of the easiest things you can do to enhance the quality of your work days. Try setting timers on your phone that are set to go off every 1.5 -2 hours, and don’t skip over them.

Separate Your Personal Space from Your Work Space

Separating these spaces is crucial for a healthy living environment. If you don’t set these boundaries, you may start to associate your entire home with stress and work and you’ll be reminded more frequently of things you still need to get done. Our suggestion is to set up either a room or a small space for yourself that is completely dedicated to work, and don’t let work come outside of that space.

Listen to Music

Music has an amazing ability to ease the mind. It’s been shown to decrease anxiety, reduce the perception of pain, and improve the quality of life for those dealing with dementia . Try listening to your favorite upbeat, energizing music during the day to enhance productivity and switch to more calming music during the evening to help your mind slow down and get out of work mode.

Use Aromatherapy

Scents are able to communicate almost immediately with the brain to elicit emotions. For instance, peppermint has been shown to increase productivity and alertness. Citrus oils are known for their ability to bring about feelings of joy and peace while lavender has been shown to reduce feelings of stress. Try starting out your day diffusing oils like rosemary, lemongrass, and peppermint that are energizing and ending your day with oils like chamomile, lavender, and rose to help ease you into states of deeper relaxation.

Set Intentional Work Hours

Make it a habit to start and end your days at specific times. Sticking to a specific schedule helps your brain create a habit that you will eventually start to stick to unconsciously. Intentionally setting these hours makes it more likely that you will take the time you need for yourself and also ensures that you’re making time for the people you love. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup!

Make Socializing a Priority

Humans are social beings. Social interactions help us to connect and form bonds with other human beings that result in sources of joy and gratification in our lives. Try to make it a point to meet up with a friend at least once a week. Even if you're quarantining at home, set up FaceTime dates of Zoom calls to get your social fix in.