As we start to emerge from the pandemic, many employers are returning staff to the office. For a lot of people, working from home—at least part of the time—will be the new normal. If that’s the case for you, now is a good time to revisit your working habits. With that in mind, today’s post has eight easy tactics I use to stay energized when working from home.

It’s hard to believe it has been two years since my employer instructed everyone to take their laptops home and prepare for a company-wide work-from-home test. When the test was successful, they told us all we’d be working from home full-time for a few weeks. Who could have predicted that, two years later, many of us would still be making the short commute to our home offices every day?

The home office is here to stay

The world has definitely changed over the last two years. With employees seeking more flexibility, the home office is a permanent part of many of our lives. In fact, in a study by We Work, 79% of executives plan to let their employees split their time between home and the office if their jobs allow for it.

One of the biggest complaints about working from home is that every day is the same and it can be hard to stay motivated and energized. Although I had been primarily working from home even before the pandemic, this is an area I have struggled with on and off over the last two years.

Over the years, I’ve adopted several general strategies for work-from-home success. Despite developing a consistent routine and good daily habits, when working from home became a more permanent arrangement, I needed to adopt simple ways to stay energized throughout the work day.

Easy ways to stay energized when working from home

Here are some of the simple things I do to stay energized and engaged during the workday.

Move regularly

Early in the pandemic, I often found myself sitting at my desk for hours on end without moving. No wonder I was feeling tired and burned out. One of the simplest tips to implement, and one that has helped me a lot, is to make regular movement part of my workday. Here are my tricks to make that happen:

• I downloaded a free app on my phone called Stand Up! It dings every hour to remind me to get up and move. It’s not always possible to get up when it dings but just having the regular reminder helps.
• To make it easier to get in some movement, I made a short YouTube playlist of one- to two-minute routines.
• I keep a set of hand weights, a couple of resistance bands, and stress balls near my desk to get some movement in when sitting during meetings.

Stay hydrated

If we want to maintain peak performance, staying hydrated is key. Even mild dehydration can impair mood, memory and brain performance.

I keep a water bottle at my desk and fill it regularly throughout the day. It’s a good thing to do when my phone app signals me it’s time to move.

Get outside for a lunchtime walk

I’ve written before about the physical and mental health benefits of walking. A short lunchtime walk is an excellent way to stay energized and set your brain up for success in the afternoon. I try to get out for a walk every day, no matter the weather. On the days I don’t get outside for a walk, I notice a big difference in my energy level by mid-afternoon.

Stand up during meetings

You may have heard that sitting is the new smoking. The Mayo Clinic tells us that sitting for long periods of time is associated with higher risks of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, depression and anxiety. It can also lead to reduced mobility.

The solution to this one is so simple and doesn’t require an expensive sit-stand desk. Just stand up for a few minutes during every meeting. I do this, and often do some simple stretches while I’m up.

Adopt the fake commute

One of the commonly-reported problems with working from home is difficulty transitioning from work mode to home mode at the end of the day. When we go into the office, we have travel time at the end of the day to clear our minds and help us make the transition.

Many experts are now suggesting a “fake commute” can help with work-life balance by making it easier to switch from your work role to your home role. It can be as simple as putting on headphones and listening to a podcast, or going out for a walk.  

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Let in some natural light

A study from the Swiss Institute of Technology found that employees working in areas with natural light recorded higher energy levels than those in artificially-lit workspaces. Natural light is especially important in the dark winter months.

Early in the pandemic, I rolled up the blind in my home office and it has been up ever since. If you have the space, set up your home office near a window. If that’s not possible, grab your laptop and sit by a window for a meeting or two during the day.

Play music

I love music but I often don’t think to listen to my favourite playlists when I’m working. Although the science on the benefits of music in the workplace is mixed, listening to your favourite music can definitely boost your mood.

Green your workspace

There’s a good reason many office buildings have installed living walls. Plants help improve air quality and are good for our physical and mental health. In fact, just adding a plant or two to your home office or workspace can lead to improved concentration and productivity according to a study from the University of Exeter.

I don’t have good luck with plants but I do have a couple of small plants on my desk. Just looking at them gives me an instant boost.

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Working from home offers so many benefits, but good work habits and routines are key to making it work. Adopting some of these simple habits can help you stay productive and motivated throughout your workday and beyond.

Will you be continuing to work from home in the future? Do you have additional tips on how to stay energized when working from home? Tell me your thoughts below.