What Happens When You Start Your Day Like We Aren't In Quarantine

Style & WearLifestyle Design
Written By Georgiana Haynes

Like it or not our emotions and therefore our moods impact the way we see the world around us, the way we process and respond to information, and of course how we feel both emotionally and physically. Although I wish that changing our outfit could automatically make the world a better place, I know of course it can't, I have found that it can still go a surprisingly long way to help regulate my mood and productivity. What you do and what you wear when you start your day can have a surprising impact on the rest of your day or even week!

I remember how much I used to look forward to casual Fridays at work. It was more than getting to dress down because our office actually had a pretty relaxed dress code. Looking back I realized that it was really the laid back and relaxed vibes in the office. As we prepared for the weekend, especially before a long holiday, we talked more about our plans and our families. Even if we were crunching to meet a deadline the atmosphere was often less tense because our focus was on the weekend. We looked and felt as if we were already in weekend mode and it not only lifted our mood but often increased productivity because no one wanted work to follow them home. 

But what happens when you have no choice but to take work home with you? What happens when work and home become the same place?

Working from home taught me very quickly that in the same way that weekend wear in the office kept me focused on my weekend plans, staying in pajamas all day made the siren song of my bed and long mid-day naps that much louder. 

I had to learn to start my day as if I was heading to work, even if the office was just two feet from my bed. I had to continue some old routines but at the same time, create new ones in response to the new situation. I wanted to make this transition an enjoyable one. I mean not having to spend two hours, transferring between a bus and two trains, is definitely worth celebrating! 

Besides, what good is being in charge of your schedule if you can't make it work for you? 

I think the most valuable lesson I learned was to create routines. One that involved getting up, getting ready, "going to work", taking schedules breaks, then "leaving work". Some of us have a home office or specific space and tools for work but not everyone does. So when "work" and "play" are in the same place what do you do?

To differentiate between parts of my routines I simply changed what I wore. To go to work I put on work clothes and at the end of my "workday" I took them off. I would change into house clothes to lounge around, watch tv, clean, etc. Then I would change into pajamas when it was time for bed. 

I tried to make a habit of associating what I was wearing with specific tasks so if my outfit didn't match I felt out uncomfortable and was reminded to get back on track. I did nothing but work in my work clothes, so I wouldn't get distracted to start tidying up or watch tv. (Does anyone else clean to avoid things on your to-do list? I do.) Changing into pajamas or house clothes signified that I was off the clock and I tried not to go back to work. It also helped my family get on board because if I was dressed for work they knew not to interrupt me. They would even call me out when I wasn't working.

To make things a little more interesting (because hey, if you're the boss why not make it fun?) I also set the opposite of casual Fridays, dress-up days. Where I would get a little more dressed up than I normally would as if I had a meeting or presentation. You'd be surprised how having that small change in my schedule created anticipation and excitement for a "different day". I was even often more focused and had a little more pep in my step on those days. 

How dressed up? That depends on you. For me, it's sometimes slacks, heels, or jeans and a blazer. These pics are an example of a simple neutral outfit with a sweater, slacks, and heels. 

What are some ways you’ve found to stay on track and lift your mood when working from home? Please share in the comments below. I’d love to hear your unique ideas and you never know who you might inspire!

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