The most successful people in Central Oregon have one thing in common: they’ve figured out how to create a better work routine. Whether they’re running a Fortune 500 company or starting a local Bend business, they know how important it is to create healthy habits that help them reach their full potential at work.
It means creating rituals for yourself, like:
- Making healthy meals—and sticking to them.
- Allowing extra time in the mornings to plan and prep for the day.
- Keeping your phone away from your bed (yes, this is a tough one!).
To get started, try these tips to create structure for your remote or work-from-home schedule.
Create a morning routine you enjoy
- Grab a slow coffee downtown before logging on. Even a 15-minute walk + latte ritual counts. Bellataza, Thump, and Backporch are all great spots to implement this morning ritual.
- Walk a loop through Drake Park or along the Deschutes River Trail. Starting your day with a quiet stroll near water is proven to improve your mood and focus.
- Bask in your east-facing window or step outside and soak in sunlight—particularly important during these Central Oregon winters!
Your morning routine can help set the tone for your day and get your mind focused on what matters most. It’s fine if some mundane tasks are involved in making your passion sustainable. However, it’s important to find a balance between enjoyable and unmotivating to dos.
Set a time to start and end work—and stick to it
Listen, we get how flexible work can be in Bend. And who can blame us? Morning ski sessions at Mt. Bachelor, afternoon in-house happy hours, and paddleboarding on the Deschutes River just steps from your desk? Yes, we’re in!
However, when play permeates work schedules (as it often does in Bend), it’s important to schedule work and play times.
- During winter, schedule time to play or take breaks midday, as our daylight is limited. We encourage remote workers to recharge outside during the winter!
- During summer, take advantage of those early sunrises and late sunsets paired with warm temps; handle work during the peak heat times (hello, A/C!).
Have a designated workspace
This is one of the best things that you can do for your remote work routine.
When you’re working remotely, it can be challenging to separate “work” and “home.” You’ll have a harder time committing to work when you’re surrounded by distractions, and you may have trouble getting yourself in (and out) of “work mode.”
Creating a designated workspace is imperative. Whether it’s a home office, a coworking space, a private office, or even just a small office nook in your living room, it helps.
Finally, don’t spend time in your workspace if you’re not working.
Start your most important tasks first
The most important tasks are often the ones that are the most difficult. Consequently, they can take a significant amount of focus, concentration, and energy. As such, they should be performed earlier in the day.
This is known as “eating the frog.“
Get into a deep work session
One of the most popular productivity tips is to put your phone away for 30 minutes at a time. The idea behind this practice is that it’s easier to resist the urge to check your phone if it’s out of sight. Having your phone out of reach will help with temptation and give you some relief from the constant stream of interruptions.
To get started, unplug your charger and put it in another room. If there are other ways that people can contact you while working—like Slack or Facebook Messenger—close those, too.
Additionally, keep unnecessary browser tabs closed. It might be helpful to set at timer. But, you might find that simply removing these distractions for a chunk of time allows you to better focus.
Work in smaller increments of time
Now, if a timer does work for you, try this. Break up your day into small chunks of time so that you can stay focused on one task at a time. This means setting a timer for 30 minutes (or your desired time) and trying to achieve something in that time period.
You may have heard this advice before—many people say it’s better to work in intervals than to sit at your desk all day. Sitting for too long without moving can make our brains tired and cause us to lose focus.
By taking breaks more frequently throughout the day, your brain can stay more alert. Another reason to pause for play in between work and meetings.
Stay hydrated and move around
When you’re working, your body is under a bit of stress. It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially when you’re focused on your work. To better take care of your body (and mind):
- Invest in a HydroFlask in a fun color, so you’re more likely to grab for it.
- Fill up with citrus-infused water at The Haven or add a bit of flavor to your home water bottle.
- Take a quick 20-minute stroll along the river trail.
- If working at a stand-up desk, walk away from your screen and stretch your body.
- Attend free seasonal yoga for Haven members overlooking the river.
Prioritize self-care during your lunch break
We’ve mentioned several ways to practice work-life balance, both at The Haven and in Bend. But please, don’t skip your lunch break!
- Walk to Deschutes Brewery (5 min stroll from The Haven) for food carts like WillieBurger and Da Nang Vietnamese.
- Purchase a burrito from Tacos Pihuamo, fresh in our fridge on Tuesdays!
- Enjoy your lunch from home on the Haven deck and unplug.
Remote work with community in Bend
With the shift to remote and hybrid work, more people have had to figure out how to create a work routine that works for them. These tips can help you get on track and stay productive in a new work environment.
Are you looking for a dedicated workspace where you can get some alone time or interact with other remote working professionals? Take advantage of the benefits of coworking spaces with The Haven.
Explore our flexible memberships with a trial membership or coworking punchcard.
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