While it can be rewarding to work on your own terms from the comfort of your own home, the benefits can come with unique challenges and stresses.
According to a poll conducted among US-based companies, more than 69 percent of remote workers report experiencing stress and burnout as a result of their situation. And employee health and well-being aren’t the only things impacted by stress in the workplace; productivity and efficiency can be affected too.
Multiple factors can contribute to an already stressful work environment. For instance, a worker may have feelings of isolation when working from home, anxiety due to a sudden change in routine, feelings of being overwhelmed by the demands of various diversions, or a shift in work style as a result of joining a virtual team.
With this in mind, here are some useful tips on how to deal with the stress of working from home to ensure that you can be as productive – and happy – as possible.
Plan Ahead
Even though you’re working from home and have the freedom to pick when you work, it’s still crucial to establish a routine and stick to it rather than working whenever the mood strikes. Focus on the most difficult things at the time of day when you are most alert and focused, with as few interruptions as possible, and you’ll find not only do you get more done, but you’ll feel you’ve achieved more too, which will help motivate you to continue.
The best way to plan for the day ahead is to do it the day before. If you make planning the next day the last job you do each afternoon, this will become a habit, and it will soon become easy to do. Plus, it will indicate to your body and brain that your working day is over, and this can help you relax more in the evening, ensuring that you are more alert the next day.
Think about what needs to be done and make a to-do list in order of priority, ensuring that you can do the most challenging tasks at the right times, as we mentioned above. Leave time for lunch and other breaks, and don’t forget to schedule meetings or catch-ups with your colleagues.
Have A Dedicated Workspace
It’s tempting to do your work in bed or from the couch, but it’s better to set up a workspace where you can concentrate on nothing but your work. Even if you only work out of a spare bedroom, setting up clear physical boundaries between your job and home life will help you make the mental transition from one to the other more smoothly. It could make it easier to “leave the office” after the workday is over.
Your home office doesn’t have to be anything fancy. You can have a good desk and ergonomic chair and plenty of natural light if possible, and that might be enough. It will depend on how distracted you find yourself getting and how much you need to separate your work and home life. It will also depend on how much room you have for a home office.
However, even if you have to use a corner of another room, such as the living room, try to put up a physical barrier like a screen, for example, or a desk that closes so you can’t see your laptop anymore. This will help you stop working, which is crucial. If you’re having trouble winding down at night because you’re living and working in the same place, try meditation, going for a walk, or perhaps some Delta 8 Gummies – but only when you’re completely finished for the day.
Keep Up With Your Social Life
Friends, family, and coworkers are potential distractions, but equally, they can be there to help you get things done, whether you’re at the office or at home. If you’re feeling tired and unmotivated, spending time with people you love could give you a much-needed lift. To relieve some of the pressures of working from home, take short breaks and chat with your coworkers for a few minutes – you’ll be amazed at how refreshed and remotivated you are once you get back to your work.
One of the biggest issues with working remotely is isolation. Even those who like to be by themselves a lot of the time will probably start to feel down eventually, especially if they are used to being around people in the office. This is why it’s so important to keep up with your social life and see people, whether they are colleagues, family, or friends. Loneliness can lead to mental health issues, and just chatting with friends can prevent this from happening.
