Easy ways to fill your cup when you work alone at home
There’s no doubt many of us are feeling a little stressed, over it, mad, sad [enter the full spectrum of emotions here] about the current lockdown situ. It’s not a fun time. And while as a freelancer or solopreneur, working from home on our own is often the norm, it isn’t always good for us. So here are a few lockdown-friendly ways to fill your cup and shift some energy when you’ve been spending too much time alone. By Haley Berryman.
#1 Send flowers—to brighten your own damn day
Often when we work for ourselves especially, we don’t stop to celebrate the little wins (or even the big ones). We’re so busy chasing the next goal or doing the next things on the to-do list our achievements get washed away and forgotten. If you did something amazing at work you might get given flowers, so why not send yourself some when you work for yourself too!
#2 Take a meditative walk—to connect with the world
Take photos, pick flowers, actually stop to smell the roses, or simply listen to the sound of the pavement or leaves under your feet. The goal here is to be present with the world around you. Nature has a powerful ability to recentre us, plus it’s pretty damn beautiful when we stop to tune in.
#3 Try virtual coworking—to find your flow
Working alone can increase depression, and while it’s natural for our motivation and creativity to go up and down and shift in cycles. And motivating ourselves can be a real challenge sometimes (especially amongst change, uncertainty and competing demands). But when you need to get something done or want to prioritise your most meaningful work, a virtual coworking session can be a gamechanger. Being around others and hearing what they’re working on can give you that all-important boost of motivation you need to begin.
#4 Cook a beautiful meal—to share with friends
This one may take a little longer to prepare, but nourishing your belly can nourish your soul. And sharing it with friends over great conversation is even better. If you can’t do it face to face, why not share a fave recipe with a friend and both cook a meal and enjoy it together over Zoom. Or if cooking isn’t your thing, pick up some yummy cupcakes or a healthy slice and drop in for a cuppa with a friend. That impromptu act of service will give you both a beautiful pick me up.
#5 Just dance—to shift energy
It might feel a bit silly at first, but throwing on your fave tunes first thing in the morning (or anytime) is a really amazing way to shift energy quickly. Whether you’re mad, sad, happy, celebrating, bored, tired or plain ol uninspired, music is the perfect sidekick to allow you to feel what is there, and move through it. I’ve spent countless hours trying to ‘push through’ emotions that were simmering under the surface and kept working. What happens is you simply can’t focus, you’re less productive, more distracted and ignoring how you really feel. Don’t deny it babe, dance it out, move your body, scream into a pillow if you need. I promise, you’ll end your dance session feeling great for honouring how you truly feel instead of fighting it. Then keep some great tunes playing to get you through the rest of the day.
Over to you!
How do you fill your cup?
Written by Haley Berryman
Almond latte drinking, nature lovin’, mama of two. Endlessly coming up with ideas for others. Hippy at heart. Says ‘babe’ way too much. Shares personal musings on topics including freelancing, marketing, wellbeing and happiness. Connect @haleyberryman__ or haleyberryman.com.