Still Working From Home? Here Are 18 Items That Will Elevate Your Experience
I remember the early days of rushing to and from the office at my corporate job and thinking to myself, “If I could only work from home, then all of my dreams would come true.” At the time, only one person at my company was remote, and I remember my seething jealousy over how luxurious her days must be.
After grinding away in a windowless cubicle for seven years, I finally worked up the courage to give my boss an ultimatum when my husband and I decided to relocate for his job. In essence, it was this: “I can either put in my two weeks notice, or you can let me work from home.” Little did I know that the majority of the world would be working from home only eight months later (and wouldn’t have to rehearse a speech to do so).
As someone who’s an introvert through and through, working from home really has been a dream come true, although not inherently as glamorous as I once imagined. The biggest lesson I’ve learned about making this lifestyle fulfilling and worthwhile is that you have to actively work toward that goal to make it happen.
Working 10 hours straight from bed in old crusty pajamas while you drink stale coffee from a chipped college mug just isn’t gonna cut it. I hate to say it, but living that way truly can be a recipe for depression. Not only does setting “office hours,” designating a specific area (note: not your bed), getting dressed, and taking an actual lunch break increase efficiency, but these things also help you set healthy boundaries.
Furthermore, having a routine that you look forward to each day when working from home can enhance your overall mood and increase energy levels as well. While we are quickly approaching our three year anniversary with the Covid lockdown (how romantic) and it seems that there’s no end in sight, it’s more important than ever to invest in items that make you feel inspired and motivated to start your day from home.
Even if your job isn’t as glamorous as you’d like, you can still romanticize your day with tiny practices that make you feel like you’re living your best life. If you’re new to this exercise, here are some easy swaps to use as an example:
Black coffee in a chipped coffee mug → Frothy oat milk latte in a beautiful textured glass
Stained mismatched pajamas → Cute matching loungewear set with hoop earrings and a stylish scrunchie
Screeching smartphone alarm putting you into panic mode → Sunrise alarm clock to wake up your body slowly and naturally
News channel blaring on your TV → Smooth French jazz playing in the background with a chamomile oil going in your diffuser
Are we on the same page yet? My body reacts differently just reading those back, so imagine the difference you’ll feel when you actually make the switch in real life.
If you’re still working remotely (or if you always were), let this post be a sign that it’s time to level up and romanticize your WFH routine. Without further ado, here are 18 items that will elevate your experience.
1. Matching Loungewear Set
Pale Pink (Top, Bottom) | Brown (Set) | Ivory (Top, Bottom)
A matching loungewear set is the ultimate hack to looking put together with minimal effort (and maximum comfort). Snag one, or all, of these cute sets to make your mornings easier and your IG story cuter.
2. Aesthetic Coffee Mug
Monogram | Textured Glass | Handmade
I may or may not have an entire 4-tier cabinet full of cute coffee mugs. Hint: I do. For some reason, I have this urge to match my coffee mug to my outfit every morning even though I know for certain that I’m the only one who will see it. Is that weird? Nevermind, don’t answer that. Just trust me when I say that drinking your morning latte out of a pretty mug makes everything better.
3. Bluelight Glasses
Okay, so the official verdict is out on whether bluelight glasses actually work, but I gotta say that I love mine regardless. As someone who wore fake glasses in middle school on the reg, I have always felt like they made me more focused while working (plus, I look smarter in them too, it’s just facts).
4. The Five-Minute Gratitude Journal
5-Minute Gratitude Journal, an Original Daily Gratitude Journal for Happiness, Mindfulness, and Reflection
If you choose only one item off this list to treat yourself to, let it be this journal. I promise you: starting your morning with a 5-minute gratitude practice will change your life. Although I will admit that I fall off the wagon here and there when it comes to journaling, I notice a huge shift in my mental health when I take the time to write down my gratitude list each day.
5. Sunrise Alarm Clock
Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock
There’s nothing more jarring than the screaming chimes of your smartphone alarm going off at 7am, am I right? Skip the cortisol spike (that may be leading to your weight gain and lack of energy), and opt for an alarm clock that wakes you up in accordance with your body’s natural rhythm.
6. Time Marker Water Bottle
Arc Water Bottle with Times To Drink
If one of your goals for 2022 was to drink more water, this one’s for you. Sometimes when we get into a groove, it can be difficult to remember to pause and take a sip of water. A chic water bottle with a time marker will not only look pretty on your desk, but it will also help you stay hydrated throughout the day.
7. Fuzzy Slippers
While I do advocate for getting changed out of your pjs, I certainly have my limits when it comes to WFH wear. Walking around my house barefoot just feels wrong, but working from home in sneakers or heels feels like the equivalent of wearing jeans to “relax.” Slide into a pair of fuzzy slippers for a compromise you can feel confident showing off on your feed.
8. Aromatic Candles
Rose Sandalwood | Santal Vanille | Espresso
Can you think of anything cozier than a candle burning at your desk while smooth French jazz is playing in the background? Try starting your morning this way and take note of the tension leaving your body.
9. Electronic Candle Lighter
REIDEA Electronic Flameless Candle Lighter
Consider this a totally unnecessary, but luxurious purchase nonetheless. Who wants to stare at a bright orange lighter on your aesthetically pleasing desk when you can swap it out for something slender and chic?
10. Day Planner
There’s something about physically taking a pen to paper when it comes to writing your to-do list for the day. For me, it seems like I get less distracted when planning my day if I’m away from my phone or computer. Plus, you get that endorphin release of crossing something off your list once you’ve accomplished a task.
11. Oil Diffuser
Vitruvi (splurge) | Asakuki (save)
If you’re more of an oil girlie, skip the candles and opt for a diffuser that can keep a cozy scent flowing through your house all day long. There are so many cute options on the market now, so your diffuser can double as stylish home decor rather than being something to hide away.
12. Espresso Machine
Gevi (save) | Breville (splurge)
Is it weird if I want to convert my kitchen island into a fully stocked coffee shop? Indulging in a homemade latte feels like an easy and fairly inexpensive way to romanticize each day. Taking that time to myself to carefully craft a delicious chai tea, matcha, or oat milk latte without stepping foot outside is my idea of a perfect morning.
13. Swivel Chair
Linon Home Ivory Sherpa Swivel Chair
Do I need a cozy and trendy swivel chair? No. But would it make me happy to look at it instead of my cheap hand-me-down? Duh. Sometimes, investing in items that you see and/or use every day, even if they aren’t totally necessary, make a worthwhile difference in your overall happiness.
14. Scrunchies
Vaga Satin Scrunchies, Set of 6
Are you ready to do your hair and your skin a solid? Keep those long strands out of your face in a stylish and healthy way with silky hair scrunchies. Bonus points if they match your loungewear set for the day.
15. Desk Organizer
I’ll admit it, I am a little OCD when it comes to a tidy workspace. Having my documents, pens, and cords organized makes me feel like I’ve got my life together somehow. These desk organizers make it easy by creating a designated space for everything you need to get work done.
16. Neck Massager
Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager with Infrared Heat
After sitting in your chair for hours on end, is it any wonder why your neck and back ache? Invest in a massager for a luxurious rubdown while chipping away at your to-do list.
17. Undereye Patches
Dior (splurge) | 24K Gold (save)
Even if the only person who will see you today is your dog, that’s no reason to skimp on skincare. Throw on an undereye patch in the morning and ice roll over top to get rid of puffy eyes and dark circles.
18. Cozy Throw Blanket
Pottery Barn Cozy Pom Pom Sherpa Throw
Is anyone else always freezing? It doesn’t matter if it’s 70 degrees inside, one thing you can count on is that I’ve got my throw blanket draped over me or my chair while I work. It makes getting out of bed a bit easier in the winter and guarantees that you’ll feel cozy all day long.
Closing Thoughts
Working from home can either be depressing and stressful or a luxurious and indulgent treat. Whether you’re clicking away at your computer for 10 hours a day or finding the balance between work and play, these 18 items will allow you to romanticize the act of working from home.
Do you have any other items that you think elevate the WFH experience? Comment below and tell me what I should add to my lineup next!
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