With the ever-changing dynamics of the world of work, working from home has become the new norm for many people. While there are many perks — like rocking your pajamas all day — for some of us (raises hand), staying focused and productive at home can be difficult.

Lucky for you, we have found the perfect work-from-home essentials to help you get into the groove of your work day and actually stay in it.

Listening to Music

If we are being honest, working from home can sometimes be a bit dull. The same scenery and everyday routine can become repetitive if you don’t find ways to add a bit of variety to your day. Our favourite way to sprinkle some excitement into our workday is to find music that keeps us motivated and concentrated.

Feeling sluggish and sleepy? Put on some upbeat songs to wake yourself up! Need to zero in and concentrate? Throw on a classical or instrumental playlist.

Cedar + Mint Co. Favourites

We love listening to lo-fi music while working on projects. Its slow tempo and repetitive nature make it the ideal genre for concentrating on our work. One of our current playlist obsessions, Summer Lofi 2024, is the perfect mix of fun and focus to get us through the workday.

We also love mixing it up and listening to live performances, especially from NPR Music Tiny Desk Concerts. These laid-back, easy-listening videos are great for a creative boost or even an afternoon pick-me-up.

A Few NPR Faves:

Other Top Picks:

Using To-Do List Apps

Managing your daily workload at home can be overwhelming, especially when juggling projects and meeting deadlines. Luckily, there are many useful digital tools and platforms to simplify the chaos of the workday.

Scheduling apps are revolutionising the way we organize our work lives, surpassing traditional lists and agendas. These handy apps let you organize your tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress — all from one convenient place.

Cedar + Mint Co. Favourites

At Cedar + Mint Co., we religiously use scheduling apps to stay organized. One of our tried-and-true favourites is Todoist, a versatile app that syncs across all devices, perfect for organizing and tracking productivity. It's fantastic for creating detailed to-do lists, setting priorities, and sending timely reminders for meetings and deadlines.

Another gem in our toolbox is Toggl Track. This app is a lifesaver for tracking project hours, especially with its Pomodoro timer that breaks work into manageable intervals with built-in breaks (plus, we're suckers for its stylish colour-coding).

Have Set Break Times

When most people think of being productive, taking breaks does not usually come to mind. We often think the most successful people are the ones who work long hours, skip lunch and never take a vacation, but these people are more likely to experience burnout and brain fog.

Taking small breaks throughout the workday has been proven to help with focus and stress management. Set specific hours for when you will work and when you will take your breaks to help you feel like you have more control and separation between work and home life.

Cedar + Mint Co. Favourites

When our batteries begin to run low and our attention starts to drift, we know it's time for a well-deserved break. Here are our favourite break-time activities:

Food: Keeping your body fuelled is always important to get the most out of your workday. Grab a healthy snack or a quick lunch to keep your energy levels up. We love snacking on fresh fruit, a delicious smoothie, or, if we are feeling a little extra bougie, a mini charcuterie board.

Recharge: Step away from the screens and give your mind a break. Whether it is a quick stretch, a walk around the block, or simply sitting outside for a quick breathwork session, taking a moment to reset and refresh is incredibly beneficial to your mental and physical well-being. You’ll return to your tasks with a clearer head and renewed energy, ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

Furry Friends: If you have pets, then you know spending just a few minutes with them will brighten any day. Give your dog a cuddle or your cat a scratch; animals have a wonderful way of keeping us calm and boosting our mood.

✿ Written By Tori Warkentin

Hey there! I’m Tori, the in-house writer at Cedar + Mint Co.! With a deep love for words and a passion for storytelling, I specialize in crafting engaging, insightful content that resonates with readers.

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