Do you feel more productive when you are dressed? I do. With the pandemic raging outside, more and more companies are pushing for work from home. And, many are feeling the pressure of less productivity, lack of a strict schedule, and the urge to lounging all day long. Does the way you dress affect your day or mood? Research suggests it does, clothes you wear can affect your mental and physical performance.
As much as we all are tempted to stay in our pajamas all day long, it becomes hard to resist the warm and cozy bed. Quitting my corporate job and working from home has taught me that when it comes to working from home, following a discipline is a must if you want to achieve any productivity. You need to get out of bed in time, make your bed, and get out of your night pajamas. Make it a practice to differentiate between work and your personal time, create work boundaries even if you are working from home.
To make it less overwhelming, I have a list of basic clothing items that are comfortable, and help you create work and leisure boundaries.
Colorful Basic T-shirts or Shirts
A bright pop of colour that makes you feel energized and less tempted to hit the bed again. Made from cotton or cotton/polyester blend these t-shirts are moisture-wicking and soft on the skin. You can throw on a structured blazer or a tailored jacket for a more formal look.
The stretchy jogger pants come with an elastic waistband with drawstrings that is comfortable for long day wear and doesn’t need a belt to hold it in place. Fabric of the jogger pants also gives you the much needed flexibility and breathability. Pair them with a t-shirt or a blazer for a more formal video call.
While shorts aren’t the perfect work outfit in many corporate scenarios, they are absolutely perfect for the at-home work station. Tailored fits or slouchy comfortable ones with stretch in linen or cotton provide excellent comfort, relaxed fit, and adjustable length.
Culottes
Super comfortable pants in a relaxed fit not only keep you comfortable but are also perfect for the formal video calls. The quick-drying fabric with a relaxed fit on waist works well for the bloated days too, giving a comfortable fit around the stomach.
These dresses from Woodland are comfortable and an easy way to look polished and put together while still being comfortable. The airy and breathable dress doesn’t make you feel constricted in long working hours.
T-shirt dresses are casual and comfortable workwear. Apt for a work from home the relaxed and loose-fitting silhouette is a perfect lightweight material that can be layered up with a jacket or a blazer.
Perhaps socks won’t rate high on the hierarchy of comfortable clothing but you should not underestimate the comfort a well-knit pair of sock can add to your day. The ventilation, arch support, and the moisture-wicking property of a good sock will keep your feet dry and fresh for hours. I have seen a few people wear shoes when they work from home; it is a mental association with being at work and not at home. I personally do not wear shoes while working but a good pair of socks does that trick for me.
The days are passing by with a blur between Sundays and Mondays, and no real differentiation between work and leisure times. Staying in night pajamas all day long does not help me create any boundaries and I tend to procrastinate on deadlines too. Dressing up to work from home helps me create a work schedule and not Netflix and Chill.
PS: (This post is in collaboration with Woodland and features their new summer collection.)
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Good article. It really makes a difference on your thought process when you are dressed up versus in your pajamas all day.
Yes it does. And it helps you create boundaries between work and personal time when you work from home.:)