Embracing Structure: A Work-From-Home Routine
Working from home has become my daily reality, and navigating this space has been a journey of discovery, especially with the unique challenges posed by my health conditions - both mental and physical. Sharing my routine, with its mix of structure and flexibility, is an insight into how I’ve found a balance between productivity and self-care in my workday.
Waking Up: A flexible Start
Some days, my alarm rings around 7:30am, setting the tone for the day. However, my sleep schedule is as unpredictable as weather in Melbourne - thanks to many factors. So, some mornings, it’s an early rise at 4am, while on others, I catch up on much needed sleep until later in the morning. Flexibility is the name of the game when it comes to waking up, honouring my body’s needs for rest and energy.
2. Starting Fresh
As soon as I’m up, a morning shower has become a non-negotiable part of my routine. This ritual has been a game-changer for my self-care. There were times when low energy levels made it hard to maintain regular hygiene habits. Incorporating a morning shower has significantly improved my wellbeing, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.
My daily set up document
3. Daily Set-Up: Structuring the Day
My morning kicks off with a structured set-up routine, a blend of bullet journalling and digital planning. It’s my compass for the day, helping me focus on work while setting clear goals. From appointments to to-do lists and tracking meals, exercise, and finances, this ritual grounds me and prepares me mentally for the day’s tasks.
4. Client Meetings: Morning Interactions
Scheduling client meetings in the morning aligns with my preference for tackling administrative tasks early on. It’s easier to dive into these interactions when my mind is fresh and alert, leaving the afternoon open for more creative work.
5. Graphic Design: The Creative Focus
Next up in my day is diving into graphic design tasks. I save this time for my creative peak, allowing me to immerse myself in designing and ideating without distractions.
6. Content Writing: Afternoon Creativity
After wrapping up the more creative tasks, I reserve my afternoons for content writing. This is when my brain feels primed for dedicated writing sessions. It’s fascinating how this time of day best suits my flow for clear and concise writing.
7. Medical Appointments: Balancing Health & Work
Throughout my week, scattered medical appointments are a common occurrence. I try to slot these in the morning to give me more time to focus on work. Lately, transitioning to more Telehealth appointments has been a game-changer, allowing me to rest between work commitments.
The Importance of Routine
Living with mental health challenges has taught me the immense value of routine. It’s not just about structure; it’s a lifeline that steadies the ship amidst fluctuating conditions. Routine brings me a sense of predictability, aiding in mood regulation and reducing stress. Having a consistent (albeit flexible) structure keeps me grounded, boosts productivity, and contributes significantly to my mental wellbeing.
My work-from-home routine is a fine balance between structure and adaptability. It’s my way of optimising productivity while prioritising self-care. This routine not only keeps my professional life on track but also serves as a testament to the power of routine in managing health conditions and fostering a fulfilling lifestyle.
Crafting this routine has been a journey, a learning curve that’s taught me the importance of flexibility within structure, especially when dealing with disabilities. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most effective routines are those that adapt to our unique needs, paving the way for a balanced and purposeful work-from-home experience.