This is a contributed post. However, all opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.
Working from home became the norm for many of us in 2020, and millions of people all over the world are still working remotely. While there are advantages to spending more time at home, there are also challenges. Just as it’s possible to take steps to protect your body against injuries and illness, it’s also beneficial to try and nourish mental well-being. Here are some tips to take on board.
Time management
One of the main issues homeworkers face is a lack of routine, which means that the lines between work and play become blurred. It’s important to separate work and rest and to ensure you manage your time effectively to allow for downtime, socializing, and enjoying hobbies and interests. Establish a routine that suits you and plays to your strengths and try to accommodate breaks, which enable you to exercise, enjoy fresh air, and clear your mind between meetings and video conferences.
Creating the right working environment
Your working environment has a significant impact on comfort, mindset, and productivity. If you don’t have the luxury of a spare room or an office, section off a quiet area of your living space or commandeer a dining room or the kitchen table during working hours. Ask others to be mindful of your routine and try to make your workspace practical and inviting. Posture is critical to avoid back and shoulder pain. Make sure you have a chair that provides support, take regular breaks, and take a look at wireless accessories and ergonomic laptop stands to enable you to adopt and maintain a comfortable position. If you’re contending with background noise, use noise-canceling headphones. Natural light can boost productivity and well-being, so try to position your desk near a window or door or angle your chair towards the light. It can also be beneficial to add plants. Studies suggest that plants reduce stress and increase output.
Devoting time to activities that make you feel great
Many of us feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Before the pandemic, there was a rose-tinted vision of homeworking, which involved sitting around in pajamas, enjoying lie-ins, and working from the comfort of the couch. In reality, many employees have found that they actually work longer hours when they’re at home because there are no set clock-on or clock-off times. Whatever your working hours, it’s critical to make time for activities that make you feel good. This could be a daily walk, creative hobbies such as painting or drawing, writing, reading, baking, doing yoga, catching up with friends online, or watching TV or movies.
Spending time outdoors is particularly helpful for those who struggle to switch off when they turn off their laptop. Being in the open air can help you to feel more relaxed and it can also provide a welcome break from screens and a distraction from emails or video calls.
Seeking help
There is no doubt that many people have struggled to adjust to homeworking and the pandemic has also triggered a rise in stress and anxiety. If you’re finding it tough to work from home, your workload is making you anxious or you’re finding the whole situation overbearing, don’t hesitate to seek help. Speak to your boss, confide in colleagues you trust, chat with friends, and make use of resources that are there to help and support you. There are online groups and forums you can join and you can also contact charities and seek medical advice.
If you’re working from home, it’s beneficial to take steps to nourish and protect your mental health. Take these tips on board today.
