Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many people were forced to switch to working remotely. And while it has been a drastic change for many, especially within the first couple of months of the lockdown, not so many are willing to return to that regular “in-office” mode now. This is completely understandable, considering that the ability to work from home brings more flexibility to your working schedule and frees up a lot of time you would otherwise spend commuting.
However, over time, it might get more challenging to stay disciplined and maintain a proper work-life balance when you’re most of the time at home. Lack of proper rest, poor sleep, and tons of time wasted on procrastinating are just a few of the possible challenges you may encounter when working remotely, and they will inevitably impact your mental and physical well-being.
In the article below, we share several self-care tips and practices you can use to survive your working-from-home era, not overwork yourself, and even more so – avoid burnout. Even as simple as getting yourself blue light blocking glasses can make a significant change. So, here is what you need to do:
Stick to a Schedule
When you work from home, you are your own boss, which gives you a lot of freedom in choosing the time of the day when you start working and when you finish it. However, this might do more harm than good because it’s way too easy to get distracted by the numerous household chores or other things you can do around the house instead of focusing on work. This is why you need to create a schedule for yourself and strictly stick to it.
When creating your working schedule, try to be as realistic as possible and consider the time of the day when you feel most productive. For some people, it might be early in the morning, while others are better at working in the evening. Once you know what time works best for you, add some buffer time in case you need to do additional tasks or something unexpected comes up.
Add Breaks To Your Schedule
When working from home, it’s crucial to add breaks to your schedule so you can take a step back, relax, and recharge your batteries. This is especially important if you’re working long hours. Try taking a break at least every couple of hours to stretch your legs, grab a snack, or just step outside for fresh air.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
One of the most important things you need to do when working from home is to create a dedicated workspace for yourself. This can be anything from a simple desk in your bedroom to a full-fledged home office. The important thing is that this space is specifically designed for work and helps you stay focused and motivated throughout the day.
If you don’t have an extra room in your house that you can use as your home office, try to find a place where you can set up your desk and make it as comfortable as possible. Add some personal touches like photos, plants, or anything else that can make this space feel like yours.
Get All the Essentials You Need to Work Productively
Another important thing you need to do when working from home is to ensure you have all the essentials you need to work productively. This includes everything from a comfortable chair and a proper desk to all the necessary office supplies and equipment.
If you don’t have a printer at home, for example, consider investing in one, so you can print documents whenever you need to. Alternatively, a high-quality pair of blue light blocking glasses will allow your eyes to rest and prevent eye fatigue.
Eat a Real Lunch
When working from home, it’s all too easy to just grab something quick and unhealthy for lunch because you don’t have to go anywhere or have time to cook. However, this is not the best idea if you want to stay healthy and productive throughout the day.
Instead of eating junk food, try to prepare a healthy and balanced meal that will give you the energy you need to power through the rest of the day. Also, remember about staying hydrated throughout the day – it’s easy to forget when you’re not leaving your desk the whole day.
Find Time for Physical Activity
As you probably know, working from home doesn’t mean you have to completely ditch your gym routine or other forms of physical activity. In fact, regular exercise regularly can help you stay motivated and just make you feel better.
Fortunately, when working from home you have more time for it. Try to find time for at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, and do your best to make it part of your schedule.
Conclusion
Working remotely is an excellent option for those who don’t want to spend half their lives commuting to and from work. But it can also be challenging, especially if you don’t have the proper tools and techniques to make your work-life balance work. If you want to ensure you stay productive and healthy when working from home, use the tips we’ve shared in this article.
Keep in mind that it takes some time to adjust and get used to working remotely. But once you do, you can enjoy the numerous benefits of working from home, including flexibility, fewer distractions, and a bit more time to focus on the things that matter the most to you. Take care!
