With COVID-19 having changed the way we work, flexible working has now become a normal part of our lives. Whether you work from home full-time, half the time or are location independent, embracing flexibility seems to be the preferred way to work these days.

If you’re working hybridly from home and the office or just exclusively from home, you may have established a well-worn routine throughout the pandemic. Or you may still be struggling to get one properly implemented into your life. To help you get a solid routine that actually sticks, we’ve provided a list of tips.

Stick to start and finish times

It’s quite easy to work beyond 5pm, especially when there’s no train to catch. You might think, ‘I’ll just finish this one last thing off’ and then find yourself in the exact same spot two hours later. This is why boundaries need to be put in place so you’re not burning yourself out. Set a concrete start and finish time and make sure you log on and log off at those times. Don’t be tempted to check your emails at 9pm, they can wait until the morning.

Schedule in your commute

On the days you're not commuting, allocate your normal commute time to something else that helps improve the quality of your life or gives you a mood boost. Whether that’s cooking a healthy breakfast, exercising or simply using that time to relax and recharge, do things that are enjoyable so that you're starting and ending your day in a positive way.

Change clothes

Get out of your pyjamas! The temptation to roll out of bed right before your start time is high, but this won’t help you in the long run. By going through the motions of changing clothes, you’re also changing your mindset into work mode... it’s said that the clothes you wear can affect your mental and physical performance. There’s no need for a three piece suit or heels though, just comfy clothing will do the job.

Get a proper desk

Transitioning your makeshift office from your bed to an actual desk will help you to get your mind in the zone much more quickly. Not only will sitting in an actual chair help with your posture but you’ll be less inclined to tune out in your video meetings and ‘rest’ your eyes. While not everyone has the luxury of having a separate office space, ideally you shouldn't set up desk space in your bedroom, especially if you have trouble sleeping. Sleep science suggests by associating work with your sleeping space, it's more difficult to switch off at night. And that brings us onto...

Morning and night routine

The importance of having a morning routine has long been reported on, with journaling, meditation and going for walks, some of the ways to kick-start your day productively. But having a relaxing night-time routine has often been underestimated. Getting into a restful state before bed may just improve your sleep quality and having a proper routine can lessen stress so you’re not running around at the last minute trying to get everything done. Simple tips such as making a to-do list for the next day, reading a book, or having a bath can all help to get you in the right state of mind for slumber.

If you have any questions or need extra support, we're here to help you anytime in any language. Simply start a chat with us via the home screen of the Sonder app to connect to our team of qualified, caring health professionals.

Information sourced from: Black Dog Institute, Scientific American and NHS.

Image credit: The Office

All content is created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional.