LifeDev

Interestingly, many people don’t really give enough time to refreshing themselves. I mean, when was the last time you had that sigh of relief/relaxation? It doesn’t come often. Especially while we work. Work can add tons of stresses and burdens that keep us from, well… working. It’s a vicious cycle. While the freelancer may have a lot of added responsibility financially (living paycheck to paycheck, etc.), we also have a lot more freedoms when it comes to our work schedule.

So here are some actions that can renew our mind while we work at home. You’ll start to have more focus, more stamina, and you’ll be cheerier to boot.

Take a shower- There’s nothing a hot shower won’t fix. The combination of soothing warm water and the solitary time gives your mind a chance to really unwind and process whatever you’re working on. Instant renewal, people. Also, it washes off the stank that builds up from not having to shower everyday. Your family members will thank you.

Clean your work area- Not only will this relax you, you’ll also be more at ease without the clutter. Cleaning is more of a mental exercise than most people realize. It’s one of those things that allows your mind to focus less on your surroundings and more on your task at hand. Also, the change of pace between white-collar work and cleaning will invigorate you.

Brush your teeth- This one may just work for me, but I’ve found it really helps. (I might add, this is on top of your normal brushing routine.) The physical act of cleaning something, even if it is your teeth, will give you a sense of clean and refinement. Perfect for a quick solution to the doldrums.

Take a brisk walk- Never underestimate the effects of physical activity on renewing your mind. The time spent doing an activity that doesn’t really require brain processing (like walking) gives you time to really process things.

Create a meal from scratch- Turns out mom was right when she said “What you really need is a home-cooked meal”. Cooking a meal, as opposed to popping a Hot Pocket into the microwave, is quite a rewarding feeling. Using your two hands to create a meal makes you really appreciate your meal, and you’ll savor it more than you would a bowl of mac ‘n cheese.

Situps/pushups (small exercise)- These exercises are great because you can do them right next to your work area, without having to set anything up. You’ll be looking like Ahhnold in no time ;)

Listen to some good music- Music *always* seems to lift my spirits, especially when I feel like I’m in a work rut. Turning on some hot beats is a surefire way to make any work environment lighter. While I realize that “good music” is a highly subjective thing, services like Last.fm and Pandora can help if you’re looking for some new tunes.

As you can see, most of these activities are physical, and for good reason. Physical activities make a great switch from the typical, sedentary activities associated with the modern freelancer’s normal routines.

Photo by HappyBubbles.

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