Start your work-from-home day right with a fun, energising morning routine that boosts focus, productivity and motivation, pyjamas optional!
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Let’s be real, working from home is the dream... until it becomes a daily game of “Can I make it to the end of the day without turning into a couch potato?”, the allure of wearing pyjamas 24/7 and eating cereal for lunch is real.
The secret to staying on top of things while working from home is not magic (although, let's be real, magic would be handy). It is creating a solid morning routine that sets you up for success, even when you are 10 minutes away from your first Zoom call and still in bed.
Here’s how to craft a morning routine that is not only doable but fun, energising and designed to help you crush your workday.
Waking up early might sound like a challenge, especially when your bed feels like a luxury resort but starting your day before the world needs you gives you precious time for yourself. It is that calm-before-the-storm feeling and it is priceless.
Why this works: Waking up a little earlier means you are not immediately jumping into your inbox, Slack or social media. Instead, you get to start the day on your terms, giving yourself some space to breathe and take care of your own needs before the demands of work take over.
Pro Tip: Set your alarm to something that makes you feel like you are on vacation. Think tropical birds chirping or ocean waves crashing. Anything but the usual “beep beep beep” alarm that feels like a stress test. Trust me, it makes a difference.
Before you pour that cup of coffee (which we know is calling your name), grab a glass of water. And no, this is not just some wellness buzzword, it is science.
Your brain and body are about 50% to 70% of water and when you sleep, you lose a lot of that hydration. Starting your day with a glass of water can help you wake up faster, clear out toxins and keep your mind sharp.
Why this works: Hydration is essential for mental clarity and productivity. It also helps your metabolism and digestion, which means you will feel better physically too.
Bonus Tip: Add a slice of lemon or cucumber to your water. You will feel like you have just stepped into a spa (and secretly be doing your body a favour).
Getting your blood pumping first thing in the morning does not have to mean committing to an hour at the gym (unless you want to, of course). The key is to wake your body up and get it moving, whether that means a full workout or something as simple as stretching.
Why this works: Movement increases blood flow to the brain, helping you feel more alert and energised. It also boosts your mood by releasing those feel-good endorphins, making you feel less sluggish and more ready to take on the day.
Ideas to get moving:
- Stretch it out: You do not need a full yoga session (unless you want to). Just try some light stretches to loosen up your muscles.
- Dance party: No one is watching, so feel free to bust out your best dance moves. 5 minutes of dancing to your favourite upbeat song is enough to get your energy flowing.
- Walk or jog: If you have the time, a 10-minute walk from one corner of your house to the other can work wonders. It gets your body moving, gives you fresh air and can help you clear your mind.
Now that your body is awake, it is time to work on your mind. This is the moment where you set the tone for your day and create space to mentally prepare for the tasks ahead.
The temptation to check your phone or dive straight into emails is real but here is the thing: you do not want to start your day reacting to everything. Set the tone with a quick practice that centres your mind and helps you feel grounded.
Why this works: Taking time to focus on your mindset before diving into your workday can reduce stress, enhance clarity and help you feel more in control. It is your chance to breathe and focus on what truly matters before the flood of tasks arrives.
Ideas for mindful practices:
Journaling: Spend a few minutes writing down your thoughts. You can jot down what is on your mind, what you are grateful for or set your intentions for the day.
Gratitude practice: Take a moment to think of 3 things you are grateful for. It can be anything, big or small. This practice helps shift your focus from “what’s wrong” to “what’s going right”.
Meditation or deep breathing: If you have a little more time, meditation can help calm your mind and focus your energy.
Now, let’s talk about the most important meal of the day, breakfast. You do not need to spend hours on a fancy spread (unless you are in the mood for it) but fuelling your body with something nutritious is key to staying energised throughout the day.
Why this works: Breakfast jump-starts your metabolism and helps balance your blood sugar levels, which keeps your energy stable and prevents that mid-morning crash.
Quick breakfast ideas:
Oats with fruit and peanut butter: A satisfying and nutritious choice to keep you full for hours.
Avocado toast with eggs: Simple but packed with healthy fats and protein to power you through the morning.
Smoothie: Blend up some fruit, oats, almond milk and protein powder for a delicious, nutrient-packed drink. (Bonus: It is Instagram-worthy too!)
Coffee? Yes, coffee is allowed but try to wait until after your water and breakfast for the best caffeine buzz.
You are working from home, so why bother getting fully dressed, right? Wrong. Changing out of your pyjamas, even just into something comfortable and presentable, gives your brain a subtle signal that it is time to shift gears.
Why this works: Dressing for success (even if it is just the top half) helps you mentally transition from “home mode” to “work mode”. And when you look good, you feel good and that confidence can boost your productivity.
What to wear: No one is expecting you to wear a suit and tie. But throwing on a clean shirt (or at least a fresh top for Zoom) and comfortable pants will help you feel more professional without compromising comfort.
This might be the most important step, setting your intention for the day. Before you dive into the chaos of your workday, take a moment to decide how you want to show up. Do you want to be focused? Calm? Organised? Kind?
Why this works: By setting an intention, you are giving yourself direction for the day. It is like programming your brain to focus on your priorities, which helps you avoid distractions and stay grounded when things get hectic.
Example intentions:
- “I will stay calm and focused, no matter how many meetings I have”
- “I will prioritise my tasks and not get bogged down by small distractions”
- “I will stay positive, even if something goes wrong”
We’re all familiar with the morning commute, the one where you are stuck in traffic, fighting for that last parking spot or squishing onto a packed train. Well, your “fake commute” is the complete opposite. It is a ritual that helps you transition from home to work mode, while also giving you a chance to breathe and mentally prepare.
Why this works: By physically moving your body (even if it is just for a short walk), you signal to your brain that it is time to start working. Plus, it helps clear your head and gives you a chance to mentally “arrive” at work.
Ideas for your fake commute:
- A short walk in your garden.
- Listening to a podcast while you do something else (fold laundry, make tea, etc.).
- Watering your plants or taking care of something in your space.
Working from home does not have to feel like a chaotic, unproductive mess. With a solid morning routine, you can set yourself up for success, feeling energised, focused and ready to take on whatever the day throws your way.
Remember: it is not about perfection. It is about designing a routine that supports your goals, makes you feel good and helps you thrive in your remote work environment.
So here’s to pyjamas with purpose, coffee with confidence and routines that actually make sense for real life.
Now go out there (or stay in there) and own your day like the remote rockstar you are. You have got this!
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