Have you discovered that working from home is suddenly a lot less enjoyable now it’s so much colder and darker outside? Are you wishing you could return to the warm, bright haven of your office ASAP?
Don’t despair – all you need are a few simple tips, tricks and little luxuries to transform your at-home experience.
Here are just a few ways to make working from home more enjoyable in winter…
1. Pull on the winter woollies
Feeling the chill but don’t want to have the heating on all the time? A pair of woolly fingerless gloves will keep your hands warm but you’ll still be able to type. Thick socks – warmed on the radiator before you put them on – will make sure your tootsies stay toasty.
2. Slip on a slanket
Sleeves + blanket = slanket. Was there ever a more cosy equation? With one of these genius garments you’ll stay snug as a bug in a rug, but your hands are free so you can carry on working.
3. Banish drafts
You’ll be amazed what a difference it can make to the temperature of your home when you plug pesky gaps that let draughts in and heat out. There are some very cute animal themed draught excluders available to buy, or you could have a go at making your own.
4. Fire up the fire
Lucky enough to have a fire in your living room? Don’t wait until nightfall to light it – the warm glow will brighten up even the dreariest of days.
If you haven’t got your own fire, Netflix is here to help. Load up ‘Fireplace for Your Home’ and enjoy a crackling log fire along with soothing background music.
5. Light scented candles
The next best thing to a fire, scented candles give off a lovely flickering glow and fill your home with fragrance. Try a Christmas themed candle infused with the aroma of pine needles and spices.
6. Posh snacks
Now is not the time to scrimp on snacks, so buy the posh biscuit selection, the luxury crisps, or the Colombian coffee that’s double the price of your regular Java. Little treats go a long way.
7. Do 10 minutes of exercise
Feeling sluggish? Starting your day with a quick blast of activity will pep you up and make you feel like you’ve achieved something before the working day begins. Try 10 minutes of yoga or stretching to get your muscles moving.
8. Take a lunchtime walk
Similarly, a brisk walk at lunch will help prevent that familiar afternoon slump and will make you appreciate how cosy it is indoors.
9. Get life admin done during the day
While you’re out on your lunchtime walk, don’t just wander aimlessly, take the opportunity to go to the post office or get those groceries you need for dinner. That way, when evening comes, you can relax and don’t have to think about any more life admin.
10. Prepare hot lunches
Still munching sandwiches and salads for lunch? You need to turn up the heat in the kitchen. Try making a big batch of hearty soup or stew on Sunday so all you have to do is pop a bowl in the microwave and you’ve got a tasty hot lunch ready in minutes.
11. Pin up holiday pictures
One of the hardest things about this year is not only that we haven’t been able to travel, it’s that most of us still haven’t got any holidays in the diary to look forward to.
Pinning up photos of previous trips or places you’re dying to visit is a great way to remind yourself that you will be able to get to that white sand beach or those stunning mountain peaks, eventually.
