No more pyjamas: Why you NEED to dress up while Working From Home

As the world continues to grapple with the spread of novel coronavirus, nations across the globe have implemented strict lockdown orders and closed their borders. As of now, there are over 23,077 confirmed cases in India and more than 4,749 deaths. Since the virus that is known to cause COVID-19 mainly spreads through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales, staying cooped up inside our homes has become absolutely essential for survival and to contain the spread of the pandemic.

Schools, theatres, malls, colleges etc. have been shut down and organizations across the globe have asked their employees to work remotely to combat novel coronavirus. With no definite vaccine in sight, more and more people with non-essential jobs have been asked to stay at home.

Working from home may have sounded like a sweet deal in the beginning (hello comfy pyjamas), as some people feel that they are more productive when they don’t have to commute for hours and get into office pleasantries. Yes, while some may enjoy working quietly from the home, the lockdown may spell trouble for those who love the idea of meeting their colleagues, catch a hot cuppa or two and break away from the monotony of their homes.

So, if your days and nights have begun to merge into each other, be rest assured that you are not alone. As we touch day 31 of lockdown in India and know that the WFH culture is here is to stay for a certain period of time, it is crucial to make certain amends.

As we are spending weeks after weeks cooped up in our houses, it is easy to get comfortable with spending the entire day in pyjamas and sitting in front of your laptops, as soon as we open our eyes. Think about it, when you are repeating the same outfit for a couple of days out of comfort and/or laziness, you will have a hard time separating your work life from personal life.

To put it simply, when you are still wearing your sleep wears or pyjamas, it may send a single to your brain that it is still bedtime

Here are important reminders of why you should dress up in the morning:

When you take a shower and get dressed, it will help you switch on the work mode and separate your personal life and work life.

Those unexpected video calls from the office won’t leave you looking for a tidier shirt or a comb if you have got ready in the morning itself!

If you are in a habit of trimming your beard daily or putting on lipstick to begin your workday, doing the same it home will help you realise that situations might be temporary, but you are still you. Makeup or no makeup, there is no denying that a little tidying up can certainly boost our spirits.

While we are certainly not asking you to dress in formal attire or wear those unbreathable pair of denim, it is important to take time out in the morning to shower and slip into something comfortable yet zoom-call appropriate. From colourful T-shirts, printed leggings/ jeggings to floral casual dresses, there is still a lot to choose from.

Remember, when we put on clean clothes in the morning, it has a direct impact on the way we feel throughout the day and even leaves you motivated and inspired.