7 Reasons Getting Ready Tops the WFH Morning Checklist

Should getting dressed be the number item on your work-from-home morning checklist? We think so. If you’re ready for a productivity and mood boost, keep reading.

Many people imagine that individuals who work from home look like unemployed slobs hanging out in their sweats and ripped t-shirts. And while this might be the truth for some people, others take a different approach to their appearance when they work from home. They might find themselves choosing comfortable women’s work pants or wearing a casual business polo instead of looking like they just rolled out of bed.

If you work from home, you know the transition can be tough. While you don’t need to get out of bed quite as early as if you’re driving to the office, a little bit of time spent putting yourself together can go a long way.

Here are seven reasons why you should get ready in the morning, even when you work from home:

Having a Routine on Your Morning Checklist Improves Productivity

Something happens in your brain when you change out of your pajamas into some work clothes. It helps you focus better on work and be more productive.

People present themselves differently to the world depending on what they wear. So getting up, making coffee, maybe working out, and then getting dressed nicer for the day can help you start off on the right foot and get more done.

A Morning Checklist Gives You a Sense of Control

There are so many things in this life we cannot control. Even with that said, there are things we can control as well. A morning checklist helps you get organized and feel confident that everything is in its place.

Routines make it easier to start working on time every day. They can help you keep stability, especially when you have a lot of work to do that can feel overwhelming or out of control. You can control your routines, and that helps a lot.

Dressing Up Can Make You Feel More Professional and Ready to Work

Dressing up can make you feel more professional and ready to work. If you're working from home, it's important to look the part.

You can start by putting on clothes that are clean and pressed. Even if it’s a clean t-shirt and pants, make sure they don’t look disheveled. Wear a nice shirt or blouse, along with pants or a skirt instead of sweatpants.

If you put on shoes, choose ones that aren’t scuffed up. You can even wear heels if you’d like as well.

You can Easily Transition Later in the Day

Getting ready in the morning gives you more flexibility if you need to run out of the house after work. You can be prepared to meet up for coffee or dinner. You can be ready to go grocery shopping if needed, and you won’t need to worry about rushing to get ready.

It’s also helpful if you want to head to the gym to have on clothes that you can quickly change out of. Keep a grateful dead Boston shirt handy to slip into something casual and fun.

You'll Look Put Together for Impromptu Zoom Calls

You never know when your boss might want to have a Zoom call with you or you need to talk to another team member. Getting ready in the morning means that you are always prepared for these unplanned meetings.

It’s important to have a professional appearance even when working at home. Some of you might be able to get away with the basics of wearing a nice shirt and pulling your hair back quickly, while others of you might need to put in a little more effort.

You Won't Feel Rushed When You Start Your Work

When you're rushing to get ready for work, it's easy to feel stressed out. You might find yourself rushing through your morning routine and skipping important tasks like eating breakfast or planning your day.

Working from home is no different, except you don’t have to do the commute. Your day will look and feel much different than when you worked in an office, but it doesn’t mean you should skip out on a morning checklist that helps you get ready and take your time in the morning.

Rushing to login to all your online accounts and be ready for work can increase your stress. A morning routine helps decrease your stress load.

A Morning Routine Gives You More Control Over Your Day

Starting your day off with a morning checklist gives you more control over your day. You’ll have urgent emails to respond to, co-workers to connect with, and projects to get done.

Starting off by getting ready by doing things like showering, eating breakfast, getting dressed in clean clothes, and even doing your hair and makeup can give you back a sense of healthy control over your time. 

What else would be on your WFH morning checklist?