Now that working from home is part of the new normal I have been encouraging myself and my clients to include easy intentional mindful practices that won’t require much time but help to stay aligned, focused, and productive throughout the day.
When you start your morning by planning it intentionally it helps you to get the results and keep your energy balanced rather than drained.
My “lockdown” life started already years ago when I became an online entrepreneur. After I became a mother, I needed to tweak and change my habits even more as I didn’t have that much time for wellbeing and self-care, working and balancing life while everything is quite chaotic.
I needed to learn how to ride on the chaos, lead myself in the new setting to stay sain, work for 15-20 hours per week, manage my schedules, energy and time efficiently, so that I have energy for playing with her and household chores.
Now she’s a toddler and we can do a lot more fun things together.
I created this practice and a habit that when it’s my turn to take Stella to the nursery in the mornings, we focus on admiring nature and the surroundings; the birds and trees, and smells of flowers.
She’s sitting in the stroller and often nodding strongly along with her bright “Joo” (yes in Finnish), and pointing things out on the way. Sometimes she just sits still, and it seems like she’s getting herself ready for the day as well.
I share with her the plans for the day as much as with myself to get my mind organized for the day. Speaking our mind, our desires and intentions, out loud is a lot more effective than just thinking about them.
It’s like a meditative mindful walk, being present, connected is a great way to get the day on the right track.
I used to do this with my planner, but now as I don't have too much time while working from home and having a toddler, I've found this to be a helpful way to support myself, feel centered and productive.
As I do this, I’m ready to get started and can start working right away when I get back home.
A few years ago, before I brought in this kind of habits into my days, I often didn't get much done during the day. Even though I worked long hours and was so busy with my business that I didn't have time for personal life or self-care. And I didn't even have a small child!
I neglected my body, skipped mealtimes, and when things didn't work that well I had a tendency to push myself forward and work even more!
That led to negative cycles, anxiety, and exhaustion until I realized it and made some radical changes.
Slowing down, bringing in these kinds of habits and ways that give me clarity, and structure for my work has positively affected my performance and energy levels; how I feel about work and myself. Also, I have done a lot of work with my past conditioning, thought patterns and mindset.
Upgrading the beliefs has allowed me to give myself permission to feel SAFE to know I am enough, do enough and just allow myself to enjoy life and work more.
That pressure that I felt inside before has released, bringing the feeling of calmness and trusting the process of co-creation.
Are you working at home, or you are forced to work from home or are you in lockdown again?
Getting yourself intentionally ready for what is to come makes a great difference in how your day goes and ends.
You see different results and feel different: Complete and successful by the end of the day.
Going out for a short walk and getting your body and mind intentionally ready for the day makes miracles on how your day goes.
You will be more focused, productive, and relaxed - throughout the day
This is why it’s worth making the effort, which it doesn’t actually require that much. Only a little bit conscious awareness and willingness to be well, feel well while getting amazing results.
When you take time to focus on yourself, your well-being you are staying more aware, present, and simply, happier when you are able to see and feel what is going on.
So here’s a recipe for a mindful, grounding, feel-good walk (you can do this anytime during the day and enjoy the benefits):
1) Just get out and walk around a few blocks. Explore the surroundings, like a child. Go slowly, take your time. You will see a lot of details that you might have missed!
2) Feel how you and your body feels & breathe and relax tensions consciously.
3) Set three intentions for your day. Visualize your day from the morning until the evening with the best, your desired outcome.
4) Think about your workday, and where will you start when you go back home so you know what you are going to do first.
Productivity & Success Tip:
Always start with what feels most difficult first in the morning. That tackles the procrastination as your mind is not that distracted yet, and your creativity is high. Then you also minimize the real threat that your mind starts creating all kinds of excuses, denial, and busywork that prevents you from taking action that you actually want and need to take.
Is this helpful? I'd love to hear from you. What ways help you to get things done efficiently when you're working from home?
Much love,
Jenni