Nowadays, working from home is the new norm. Even companies that previously didn’t permit telework or swore it wasn’t possible have adapted and are making it happen. Teachers, as well as their elementary through college students, have, at least at some point, had to navigate the switch to virtual classrooms… and don’t even get me started on how much I empathize with those who are trying to work at home while taking care of a baby and/or ensuring their young child stays focused on their schoolwork.

While we as a society are undeniably blessed to have technologies that allow us to continue making money to support our families and resume learning, there are also undeniable challenges that come with working in the same place that you live, including being stuck in the same place all day and wanting to shut down when the stress hits and your couch is making eyes at you. When you’re having a hard remote work day and need a little pick-me-up, these are 10 simple things that you can do for a quick mental and emotional reset. 

1. Wash Your Face 

Different jobs and learning environments require varying levels of presentability. I know personally that this changes daily, where sometimes I will need to look professional and presentable for video meetings and other times I could lounge in my pjs all day and no one would know the difference.

If you’re having a day where you don’t need to video chat, or maybe after your video meetings end, it is an incredible feeling to put on a face mask and have a little self-care in the middle of your workday. Even just taking a moment to wash your face can be so refreshing, just like the old “splash your face with some water” trick suggests.

2. Get a Yummy Tea or Coffee 

Caramel lattes for the win

There’s nothing like a coffee for a little pick-me-up… or a tea, whatever you fancy. If you have a coffee shop nearby that you can walk or drive, all the better for breaking up the day. If you’re going to Starbucks and need some inspo, click here for my favs. However, if that’s not an option, or if you’re really in a time crunch, popping a K-Cup in the Keurig or brewing yourself a nice cup of tea is quite the treat. My favorite teas are Lipton’s Stress Therapy, Peppermint, and Lemon Ginger. 

3. Take a Short Non-digital Walk

Me and my cute walking buddy, Pete

If you have the luxury of stepping away for a bit, talking a short walk away from your computer screen can be invaluable for boosting your mood. Whether you leave your phone in your office or bring it with you, try to keep it tucked away to give your eyes a much-needed break. Listen to something that’ll make you happy, whether that’s your surroundings, your favorite playlist, or something motivational. The fresh air and sunlight will leave you feeling much better than before. 

4. Move your Body

Yoga is one of my favorite ways to move my body.

Take a quick stretch or do some exercises to get the blood flowing. I sometimes find that handstands, even when I do them against a wall, really help wake me up. Alternatively, blasting one of your favorite songs and having your own personal dance party is also an all-time favorite. 

5. Write Down your Thoughts

If you’re overwhelmed and feel like you can’t focus, brain dump every single thing that comes to mind. If it helps, you can schedule out the tasks and/or rank them in order of priority. However, sometimes I find that just jotting them down makes my brain relax by knowing I won’t forget. I like to keep a “to-do” list of some sort by me all of the time because my brain is always thinking of something. 

If I’m feeling anxious and my thoughts are really spiraling, sometimes I’ll write down everything that is “wrong” or what I’m scared/worried about. Getting it down on paper puts things into perspective and often makes me realize there isn’t as much wrong as I thought. Gratitude is also a popular and wonderful option for resetting your thoughts and reminding you of how blessed you are.

6. Look at Pics That Make You Happy

Like, just look at him.

I’m a hugeeee pictures person. Photos mean so much to me, and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t have my photo gallery open at least once. In fact, as I write this I have 8,401 pictures on my phone and that’s after deleting over 700 today. In the middle of your workday if you’re sad or overwhelmed, it can help to look at pictures with the amazing people in your life- your significant other, parents, friends, and pets- and can remind you how your situation is temporary but better times are to come. 

7. Do a Quick Chore 

If I’ve been sitting too long or am feeling overwhelmed by a messy house, I will take a few minutes to straighten something up. Throw in a load of laundry, unload the dishwasher, or wipe the counters. Pay particular attention to the room you are working in. Sometimes, I like to run my pal Roomie (my Roomba) while I’m working just so I feel dually productive. 

8. Call Someone

Sometimes all it takes is a quick phone call to one of your favorite people. Just hearing their voice and being able to talk out your feelings, hear about their day, or laugh about something that happened, can be just the thing that you need before getting back to it. 

9. Get Yourself a Big Glass of Water and Drink It!!

I know, I know. Water is the cure all to everything. BUT, it actually is sometimes. I’ve noticed both when studying and working that when I have water beside me and sip it throughout the day I feel much more awake and alert, likely because a symptom of dehydration is tiredness.

10. Get a Little Snack

Little treats are excellent to look forward to, particularly if you love snacks like I do. Healthy is always best to avoid a sugar crash, but I’m not going to lie, I’ve definitely had my fair share of ice cream breaks during the day! A snack or two during the day is a great way to treat yourself for your hard work, but watch mindless eating!! It’s very easy to do when you work right next to the kitchen.

How has your work from home experience been? What are your favorite things to do to reset when you need to reset? Let me know in the comments below!

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