If you own a small business or work from home, you know it has so many perks — but it’s not always easy to stay inspired while working from home, because it means your workspace is also your living space.
Over my past four-ish years as a freelance graphic designer, I’ve tried out different ways to stay energized and motivated in my work, and I’ve found a few essentials that make a huge difference. Whether you’re freelancing, running a small business, or just trying to add more creativity into your day-to-day, here are some simple, effective ways to stay inspired while working from home and breath new life into your routine.
Take Frequent Breaks.
I’ve found that if I don’t take intentional breaks throughout my day, I end up taking unintentional breaks instead (which are much longer, not intentional, and involve lots of scrolling on TikTok). Instead, build breaks into your schedule to maintain your creativity and energy throughout the work day.
Touch grass.
I’m very lucky to live somewhere with lots of parks and green spaces, plus I’m ten blocks from the beach. But even still, this is easier said than done. When you spend hours staring at a screen, something as small as taking a short walk around the block or simply standing outside can clear your head.
Stay hydrated and eat — NOT at your desk.
I use a rule of thumb that for each cup of coffee or caffeinated beverage I drink, I need to drink a whole water bottle worth of water. Staying hydrated keeps my energy up, and so do snack and lunch breaks! I also prioritize stepping away from my desk to eat to focus on one task at a time.
Stretch often and include movement in your breaks.
Walking, simple stretches or a quick yoga flow between tasks keeps my mind moving. We clearly aren’t built to be sitting stagnant at desks for all our lives (source). I find that it’s easier to add movement in throughout the day than trying to get one intense workout in every morning or evening.
Seek inspiration offline.
Screens can be draining (not to mention the effects of blue light), so look for creative fuel outside of digital spaces.
Go people watching.
Seriously. The best ideas almost always come to me when I’m not at my desk. Be around other humans. Observe people, look at nature, go for a quick coffee or take a leisurely stroll to help spark new ideas.
Look at the resources around you.
Dive into your book collection, whether they’re related to your work or not. Fiction, biographies, or design books can all provide fresh perspectives and unexpected inspiration.
Or look at some visual art. Go to a local gallery, or even browse art books or magazines, or through your own collections of photos and art.
Lean into routine.
Even though being a freelancer means I get to do new things every day, I still enjoy having some sort of routine. For me, having a solid routine sets me up for success. I also love the feeling of steadiness that comes with structure and routine. If that’s you too, I recommend using it to your advantage!
Get ready every morning.
Dressing up, even if it’s casual, signals the start of the workday. This small act helps you transition mentally into a productive mindset. I try to look presentable even if I’m not seeing anyone on a given day, because I will see myself! And that matters!
Pick some attainable healthy habits and stick to them.
Incorporate exercise, a consistent sleep schedule, and healthy food into your schedule. These things will help you feel steady and support sustained energy and keep your mind sharp.
Define clear work hours.
Set boundaries with designated work times, so you don’t feel constantly “on.” Mute notifications, ignore emails, or go on “do not disturb” during non-work hours. This helps you maintain a balance and avoid burnout.
Curate your work space and refresh it regularly.
A thoughtfully arranged workspace can lift your mood and increase your creativity. My office really helps me stay inspired while working from home. I personally love decorating and redecorating my home often just by cycling my decor through different rooms. I want my office to be a calming, inspiring space, because I spend a lot of time there!
Have a clean, inspiring office.
I personally can’t start a work week with a messy house. A tidy, well-organized space can help you think clearly and minimize distractions. Keep items that inspire you within view, like plants or meaningful decor.
Create a vision board.
Take the time to create a board with visual inspiration like images or quotes that align with your goals. (See my business inspiration Pinterest board here!) Then, keep it within view of your desk as a daily reminder of why you do what you do.
Play music.
Music can transform your work environment. I love to listen to different playlists to switch it up week to week. But my go-to is to play instrumental jazz (try a playlist like this one) throughout my whole house, not just my office, to create an calm and inspiring space.
Work with others IRL.
Working from home doesn’t mean you have to be alone all the time. Working digitally alongside others can be a great solution, but seeing people in person is great too. Having a little social interaction in your work day is a great way to boost your energy.
Co-work with friends.
I am lucky to know other freelancers in my area as well as other friends who work remotely. So we like to get together every once in a while to work from each other’s homes or cafes. Spending time with others who are working can be a distraction at times, but it can also bring new ideas and perspectives. But most of the time, it just helps me to have another person present, even in total silence.
Work outside of the house on occasion.
Changing up your environment by working from a coffee shop or library can give you a fresh perspective and help you avoid the monotony of the same space every day. I love to work in the presence of strangers and to occasionally have a new environment.
Utilize third spaces.
Even if you’re working solo, sometimes just being around other people in a “third space” like a park, coffee shop, or library can make you feel more connected and engaged. I personally love my local library because it’s two blocks away, there’s nothing to spend money on, there’s always wifi and outlets, and I love being around all the books!
Set boundaries between work and personal life.
Working from home means that your work and home life happen in the same space. So setting boundaries is a huge key to preventing burnout and keeping your sanity.
Don’t work from bed if possible.
Keep your bed and other personal spaces only for rest and relaxation. I’m not going to say I follow this rule all the time, but it’s a great boundary to have. It helps maintain a healthy association with sleep and avoids the risk of always feeling like you’re in “work mode.”
Embrace flexibility and occasionally switch it up.
Working from home gives you a lot of freedom to experiment with different schedules or work locations. Flexibility is one of the perks of remote work, so embrace it when it benefits your productivity and well-being. If one day you really feel like working from bed, do it. If you can work from your dining table for a change, do it. Try blasting classical music to see if it gets you inspired. Try new things and see what sticks!
Staying inspired while working from home doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the smallest shifts, like a short walk, a new playlist, or a new workspace setup — can completely transform your day. I hope these tips help bring a fresh perspective to your workday, and if you have any go-to methods that keep you inspired, I’d love to hear them!
