Working From Home Morning Routine

These are some very scary times.  As someone who suffers from an anxiety and panic disorder, all of the uncertainty right now is not great for my mental health.  This is why routines are so important, especially when all four of my family members are home all day and working from home/doing online school.

These times are already scary and weird, but on top of the weirdness, I started a new job on Monday!  I am now working in the Alumni and Donor Engagement office at one of the local universities and I was so excited to start.  Well, I went in for my first day on Monday, and during the day they told everyone to start working from home the next day, Tuesday.  So throughout the week I've been doing online trainings, meetings, and offering to help in whatever way that I can.  It's definitely difficult to learn the ins and outs of a new job while working from home, but we are all figuring this out together since this is a first for everyone.

So, in the spirit of trying to stay sane during these uncertain times at home, here is the routine that has been working for me while I navigate a new job and working from home for the first time.

Pic from when sports still weren't cancelled 😔

7:45am // This is usually when my final alarm goes off, and I finally get out of bed.  I don't have to sign on to work until 8:30, but I like to have time to myself in the morning instead of just rolling out of bed and logging right on to work.  I immediately start my skin care routine.  I've been struggling with my skin care routine for a long time, and I think that I finally found one that works great for my skin.  I start by washing my face with the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin.  Afterwards I use the CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, and finish it all off with the Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisutrizer with SPF.  I have a different routine at night, but I still use the same order.  Face wash, serum, and moisturizer.

8:00am // After I finish my skin care and brushing my teeth, I make my bed.  Even though I'm not leaving my house, I always make my bed.  I love getting into a fresh bed at the end of the day, and it helps provide some normalcy into my day.  I then get dressed into something comfortable but still nice so that I look presentable on Zoom calls.  This usually means leggings and a sweater.  I like to still get dressed instead of staying in my pajamas because it makes me feel more productive.  If I'm still in my pajamas, then I'm going to want to be lazy and lay around all day instead of getting things done.  I then read my morning devotional.  I'm currently reading New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp and I am loving it!  Check it out of devotionals are something that you're into.

8:15am // Once I am dressed, I head downstairs to make some breakfast and get some coffee.  My parents are already starting their work by this time so I say a quick "good morning" and let them get on with it!  I've been loving avocado toast with hot sauce on the top, some yogurt with various toppings, or just a protein bar if I'm not too hungry.  But no matter what, I like to start the day with a little something, especially when I'm going to have coffee (aka, every day).  My mom and I drink cold brew, so we make our pitcher at night so that it's ready to go in the morning.  I poor my cold brew, take my breakfast over to my designated work space (the couch/coffee table) and read through my newsletters that get sent to my email.  This way I get a quick refresh of what's going on before I start my day.

8:30am //  I log onto my email and start my day!

Hope this was helpful for anyone else who is trying to find a little normalcy in these uncertain times.  Stay safe and healthy everyone!  And if you can, STAY HOME!

xoxo, Hannah