Working from home has become a way of life for many for the majority of this year. With the public health at risk, working from home has offered a flexible and adaptive approach and made sure people can still continue working as normal in the comfort of their own home. There are many things to consider when working from home. A big advantage is that employees are able to save on certain costs such as transport, or needlessly buying that coffee on the morning commute. Another plus point is the flexibility that comes with it, the ability to work through tasks and split up the working day in a way that suits your specific routine. On the contrary, many employees are struggling to switch off and strike the balance between work and home life. Working from home can also induce stress, through adjusting to new technology and keeping on top of deadlines.
There are a few things to consider when trying to ease stress from working from home. If you are struggling with how to juggle all your tasks in a concise way, it is a good idea to devise a structured plan for the day. Setting out a time limit and planning some down time in between is an effective way to get through your to-do list and also avoid feeling burned out in the process. During the course of your working day, you should always try to make time for mindfulness too. Half an hour reading or listening to music will allow you to feel relaxed and ready to go back and complete the rest of your tasks. When the time you typically finish work approaches, if you have stuck to your plan you will feel more inclined to switch off your computer. Put work out of your mind for the day, safe in the knowledge that everything has been done and you are not burning yourself out.
An efficient way to ensure you are in work mode is to have a set workspace where you are devoid from distractions. It is a good idea to work at a desk with a comfortable chair as sitting on the sofa or in bed may cause health issues further down the line. Many people find it hard to focus when family, TV, and other matters are close by. A quiet setting with everything required such as your stationery, laptop, chargers, phone, etc will ensure you do not become easily distracted through the everyday happenings in your home.
It is really important to ensure you are setting boundaries for yourself and always taking breaks throughout the day. Sometimes because you are working from home you feel as though you must work a lot harder, but this isn’t necessarily the case. It is fundamental to avoid burnout and strain on mental health, which can be done by taking a walk or just removing yourself from looking at your screen by having a coffee and food break. Sitting at a desk all day is not healthy for you physically or mentally, so it is really important to ensure you are stretching and removing yourself frequently.
Setting boundaries is essential as you must ensure you have a healthy balance between work and home life. It is a beneficial idea to let your family know your schedule for the day and allow them to deal with errands or things that will interrupt your schedule and mean you have to work later into the day. Although flexible working is encouraged, it is not always necessary to work until 7 or 8 at night. It is important to switch off and spend quality time with your family at the end of the working day to ensure you are still feeling motivated and in a good place mentally.