Romanticize Your Workdays this Fall

I’ve been cutting down on wine lately because, well… I’d like to sleep through the night without sweating to death (can I get a witness?!).

But I didn’t want to lose the ritual of ending the workday or week with a glass in hand.

So instead of pinot, I pour a kombucha spritz over ice into my fanciest red wine glass. Even with sparkling water, it keeps the romance and ritual alive.

You can do the same for your workday, too. Here’s how I’m romanticizing mine this season.

• Read the video transcript

  Fall is absolutely my favorite season. We're talking crisp air, cozy sweaters, and candles everywhere.

  But let's be real, Q4 pressures can turn that vibe into inbox overload and burnout real quick. So, how do you keep your peace and productivity? By romanticizing your workdays, of course.

  Romanticizing your workday isn't about ignoring deadlines.

  It is about adding little rituals that make the grind feel a little bit lighter. Here are a few things that are saving me right now.

  • Remember what you like.  Focus on the part of your job that lights you up, even if it's small. 

  • Make tiny upgrades. A  candle, a blanket, or even swapping out your desk chair can totally uplift your mood. 

  • Plan your breaks.  Not doomscrolling! But walks, coffee rituals, and even making a phone call to someone that you love.  

  • Engage your senses.  Cozy playlists, tea or infused water, comfy clothes, art that inspires you.

  • Take your time.  Not everything is an emergency. I used to have a boss who would say, " We're in HR, not the ER, nothing's urgent here." And I agree. Pause before answering that ping. 

  • And finally, morning rituals. Even taking five minutes before jumping into Slack will make your whole day feel different.

  And it's not about perfection. It's about creating these micro-moments to remind you why you're doing the work you're doing in the first place.

  Romanticizing your workday will not erase Q4 chaos, but it will keep you grounded and make your work perhaps more enjoyable again.

  So tell me, what's one small ritual you can romanticize and bring into your fall routine?