How to Overcome Boredom at Home: 6 Hacks to Stay Sane Working From Home
In recent years, the work-from-home (WFH) model has become a staple for many professionals. While working from home offers flexibility and convenience, whether it’s from your home in Seattle, WA, an apartment in Kirkland, WA, or a rental house in Shoreline, WA, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and burnout. Whether you’re grappling with monotony or struggling to find the right work-life balance, finding ways to reignite your enthusiasm and make your remote work experience more enjoyable is important. Here are some tips and strategies on how you can overcome boredom at home and boost your productivity while working.
1. Structure your day
Organizing your day can really boost productivity and well-being, especially when you’re working from home. Whether you have a cozy corner in your room, a small office in a spare bedroom, or just a little nook in the living room of your apartment, having a designated desk space is crucial for staying focused and overcoming boredom. One thing is for sure— the days of working from the couch or bed just won’t do the trick anymore.
Create a dedicated workspace
The therapists at Puget Sound Psychotherapy say it best: “To combat burnout while working from home, create a dedicated workspace— even if it’s just sectioned off by a curtain— so you can “close” work at the end of the day and stick to set work hours.”
Ben Knudsen from furniture store Digs Ballard stresses this point further, stating, “Work-from-home burnout is a real struggle, especially when the lines between work and personal life blur into a pixelated haze. Set clear boundaries by demarcating the shift from work to non-work roles. “Whatever your indicators are, make sure to enact them daily to facilitate the transition from ‘work mode’ to ‘home mode’.”
“Putting your body in a space where work always happens makes it so much easier to stay focused,” explains Jonathan Berner from Yarn Dragon. “Following this simple process prepares your mind for work mode and makes it easier to get going.”
Find a routine that works for you
Psychotherapist, ponderer, and pop culture savant Rachel Gabrielle suggests that “setting up a routine for yourself can help immensely. A helpful routine might include getting dressed in real clothing instead of pajamas for your workday and minimizing distractions when in work mode.”
Time blocking
Jenifer Baker from Technique Pilates & Fitness Studio highlights the importance of blocking time in your schedule for better productivity. “Start by doing a quick scan of your email and calendar and triage any high importance items,” shares Baker. “Next, designate two to three hours of uninterrupted productive work time.”
If you find making your own timeblocks difficult, Michel Anais Paves from Nerdwax Candle suggests “Downloading some free apps that can put your tasks on a spinning wheel or randomizer. The ‘surprise’ element will help with initiating a task and building momentum.”
Squeeze in those much-needed breaks
While focus time is essential, Kristen Stewart from Dandelion Wishes Candle urges the importance of also taking small breaks and soaking up some sunshine when you can to help overcome boredom at home. “Try whipping up a coffee (or go grab one!), clear your mind, and then tackle the rest of the day.”
2. Revamp your workspace
Don’t underestimate the power of transforming your home office setup to tackle WFH fatigue. This small change in your environment can significantly boost your productivity and enhance your overall work experience. Here are a few ideas to invigorate your workspace.
Update your office supplies
By curating a selection of functional and inspiring office supplies, you can create a workspace that not only meets your professional needs but also motivates and energizes you throughout the workday. If you’re in the Portage Bay neighborhood of Seattle, WA, explore a stationery shop like Dahlia Press for a new notebook, pen, or stationery set. Simple changes can spark creativity in unexpected ways. Often, just writing with a fresh set of tools is enough to unlock new perspectives and reinvigorate your thinking.
Ignite your senses
To elevate your work-from-home experience, consider igniting your senses as a way to activate more areas of your brain. Linda Takano from Lulumiere candle company suggests, “Changing the scent in your space can be as simple as lighting a candle or even using a scent diffuser. Try a citrus aroma like lemon or grapefruit for focus, a grounding botanical like lavender or cedar for calm and whatever is your current favorite smell for when you just need a pick me up during the day. And remember, you don’t have to stick with the same scent all day long. Once you start experiencing olfactory fatigue, it might be time to switch it up.”
Michaela, co-owner of candle company Summit & Terrace echoes this idea. Create a sensory escape right at your desk. Pair invigorating scents from a lit candle with moments of deep breathing or a quick stretch to reset your focus and reduce stress. Taking time for these mindful moments can significantly help in combating WFH burnout and overcome boredom at home.”
Swap out your virtual background
It’s tempting to opt for a blurred background or a plain white wall during virtual calls, but adding a personal touch can make a big difference. “Choosing a favorite piece of art for your background whether you are on Teams or ZOOM, can create a brighter mood and a more inviting environment for both you and your meeting participants,” Kerry Gates from Fogue Studios & Gallery in Seattle explains.
3. Incorporate movement and mindfulness
Adding in some exercises can really lift your spirits and help you tackle the day with more energy. We hear from some fitness instructors on the best way to incorporate movement while working from home, from incorporating short stretching routines between meetings to prioritizing movement throughout the day.
From flow to go
Nadia Rodriguez from Bodytonic Pilates located in Seattle’s Pioneer Square emphasizes the importance of incorporating some sort of movement into your WFH routine.“Some work-from-home employees find entering a flow state easy without the distractions sometimes found in on-site work settings,” explains Rodriguez. But did you know spending too long of a stretch in a flow state can be counterproductive? On the contrary, movement breaks have been shown to increase productivity, creativity, job satisfaction, and a healthy mental health status. Movement breaks can be as short as 5 minutes to as long as an hour.”
Finding balance
“In our fast-paced world, we’re all striving to achieve that elusive work-life balance,” explains Nina Mullan from Core Havn— a locally owned pilates studio in Seattle. Mullan notes that finding this balance doesn’t have to be difficult. Find a studio like Core Havn that has convenient studios with early morning and late afternoon class times, so you can squeeze in an hour of pilates between meetings, kick off your day with a workout at 8 AM, or shake off the Zoom fatigue with a session at 4:45 PM. It’s the perfect way to recharge and keep your energy high.
Quick chair stretches
“Working from home typically involves a lot of sitting, which creates muscle tightness and tension,” explains Jenny Melville from West Seattle Pilates. “To loosen the hips and glutes, sit on the edge of your chair and cross your left ankle over your right knee. Gently lean forward and you should feel a nice stretch into the hip and glute on the left side. Once you’ve done both sides, sit up straight, shrug your shoulders up towards your ears and then gently drop them away from your ears as you take a long, exhaled breath.”
“Plant your feet on the ground, sit up tall, and hook one hand around the bottom of the chair seat in line with your hip crease,” says Liz Dilley from Radiant Pilates Northwest. “With a straight but not hyper-extended elbow, gently lean away from the hand that’s hooked and reach your spine up and away breathing wide into your back. If your neck feels available, gently turn your head left and right and/or nod slightly and feel your collar bones open. If your arms feel too long, sit to the side of the chair away from the hooked hand. Don’t forget the other side.”
Breathe deep, move free
Aya Yoga Oasis suggests intentionally carving out time for yourself away from the computer each day, even if it’s to simply breathe to help overcome boredom at home. “A few mindful minutes to stretch or practice yoga poses like Child’s Pose or Cat-Cow can release built-up tension, restore focus, and offer many benefits, helping you feel more grounded and refreshed throughout your day. A bonus? Doing this outside in fresh air and sunlight can amplify the benefits and leave you feeling more balanced.”
Endorphin boost
If you have access to recreational fitness centers, they can also help tackle WFH burnout. Lex Clark from Invictus Fitness strongly recommends getting daily exercise somewhere other than your home. “Not only will it help with moving your body and releasing endorphins, but it will also allow you some socialization in your day. With endorphins, movement, and socialization your mood will certainly be boosted and will help with that work from home burnout.”
Structured fitness routine
Establishing a fitness routine and sticking to it is the best way Studio 45 co-owners Sara Hall and Beth Jaculewicz deal with the work from home hamster wheel. “Be sure to prioritize a studio that offers memberships and class packages that allow members to book out classes ahead of time. That way, you’ll know your workout schedule and are able to set that class time, schedule it out, and feel freedom in your daily routine as a result. It is so important to set health as a priority especially when working from home.”
4. Lunch breaks
Another way to overcome boredom at home is to take a lunch break. Ivy Lynn from Empathic Counseling Center points out that working from home can be very isolating. “Without the office camaraderie and chatter, you might find yourself feeling lonely, which is harmful to your mental health. Schedule lunches and walks with colleagues and friends. If you and a co-worker can co-locate at a coffee shop, take advantage of that opportunity to be in-person together for even a small window of time.”
Sarah, owner of clean candle company Sincerely Sarah Jane also emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of lunch break. Working through lunch may seem like a great use of time, but the ability to step away, formally, and have those minutes for yourself can make the rest of your day even more focused and productive,” explains Sarah. “And don’t forget to turn off those work notifications during your lunch break to help prevent burnout.”
5. Engage with nature
Dr. Grace Chang, a naturopathic doctor from Natural Medicine Of Seattle shares, “Research shows immersing oneself in nature can effectively reduce cortisol levels, restore attention, and contribute to improved mood and well-being. No matter how brief, a change of scenery can refresh your mindset and promote mental clarity to combat burnout associated with working from home.”
Dr. Mary Klimek from Skinny Seattle suggests, “Taking your work outside for a bit or adding some plants to your workspace. A brief walk in a park or just sitting outside can provide a much-needed mental reset, allowing you to recharge and come back focused.”
6. Take care of yourself
“We know working from home can afford tremendous convenience without the added stress of a commute. We also know that social connection is essential to our emotional and physical wellbeing,” explains Jenna Melman, LICSW from Greenlake Therapy Group. Melman stresses the importance of “Practicing the DBT Skill of ‘opposite action’ reminding people to ‘get out, get active, get social.’ Even just small daily actions can add up to long lasting benefits and combat symptoms of anxiety and depression.”
“It’s very important to take time for yourself,” says Christine Olson from Sfingiday, a home goods and gift shop located in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. “Starting your days with a long walk to clear your head while listening to audiobooks or music can greatly increase productivity.”
“If you still find yourself stuck in the home office rut, shake it off with a shock to the system. When you’re feeling drained, try a quick cold shower or splash of ice water on your face. This sudden shift can wake up your brain, improve your mood, and get you back into a productive flow” explains Nicholas Carpico from Total Life, offering Medicare-covered therapy.
Ralph A. Fragale, co-founder of Bene Therapy stresses that, “The key is to remember that you are a complex, precious human being who requires good care, and doing something that centers yourself in your body is essential to preventing burnout.
Bored while working from home: Final thoughts
Cathy Kerns from the Hiit Lab workout studio in West Seattle reminds us that, “While the WFH lifestyle can be super convenient in many ways, it’s also really easy to get stuck at your desk all day.” But, by implementing these six hacks— whether it’s creating a dedicated workspace, and taking regular breaks, you can keep boredom at bay and enhance your overall productivity. Remember, it’s all about finding a routine that works for you and allows you to stay engaged with your work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
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