We are all creatures of habit, and daily routines offer a great way to boost your physical and mental health in these times of uncertainty.

Working from home can be great, but also means that there is no set routine which enables you to switch from work to play mode. A bit of planning can help to structure your day better and keep your anxiety levels at bay, instead of constantly asking yourself if you’ve achieved enough.

Being a freelancer and running my own business, I figured out early that in order to be productive I have to create my own daily schedule. When there’s no boss to tell you what to do and no external benchmarks set, it’s often easy to get in the habit of procrastination. And into the habit of thinking that you haven’t achieved enough. This is also the case for working from home, like during the current lockdown.

Below are just some simple things you can do day-to-day to create a personal routine you‘ll love. 

Maintain a consistent time for waking up and going to bed
If there’s no set office hours to adhere to, it’s easy to get into a slump and stay in bed. Or have one too many wines and go to bed very late. By setting yourself realistic times for waking up and calling it a day, you achieve a better quality of rest. And better rest means lower anxiety levels and more energy. 

Make time for exercise 
Whatever your favourite sport is, exercising it will have a positive effect on your health, motivation and self-esteem. By setting your alarm clock just a little bit earlier and doing an exercise routine of your choice, you’re energising your body for the day ahead. A 10-15 minute sun salutation yoga routine in the morning can be great for grounding and back straightening. A run in the park is also an excellent option to get some fresh air and get your blood circulation going.

Set small, achievable goals
Don’t kill yourself with unachievable goals. The world is upside down right now and most of it is outside of your control zone. So there’s no point in beating yourself up about it. See if there’s any small goals you can actually achieve within the current situation that will help you to come closer to where you’d like to be headed in the long run. Additionally, the act of writing it down into a list can make you feel in control which always feels empowering. 

Self-care routines before bedtime
Pre-bedtime beauty routines are a great way to relax and unwind. Focusing on pampering your body can be a great way to take your mind off negative thoughts and to make you feel better in your own skin. Trying out a new facial mask or indulging into a facial massage are all things that can bring great joy and add some excitement into your daily beauty routine. By performing a little beauty ritual you also set a deadline to where work ends and relaxation begins on the day.

But don’t forget, everyone’s unique and so it’s up to you to set your priorities and create your very personal daily routine. As long as you take some time to find out what they are and organise your day accordingly, a little structure can go a long way to help you lead a healthier and more efficient life.

Marina from Fais