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A lot of us have spent the best part of the past year staring at the same four walls. Most people have been instructed to work from home if they can, and by now, we’re getting sick of the sight of our homes!
Without the opportunity to see other people, working, and living in the same space with no break can be boring. You start to notice every imperfection in your paintwork and lump in your carpet. You’ve probably worked a new groove into the sofa where you sit with your laptop, and visually explored every nook and cranny.
How to Shake the Work-From-Home Fatigue
It’s easy to fall out of love with your home when it’s where you spend all of your time. These tips will help you love your house again and help you shake the work-from-home fatigue.
Create a gorgeous outdoor space
As the weather improves, it might be beneficial to work outside to give you a change of scenery. Getting out in the fresh air can help you with your concentration levels and allow you to have a better focus on your work.
To set up an outdoor work area, you don’t need to go for anything fancy, just make sure the area is clean and well-maintained. Paint your wood to protect it and keep it looking fresh. If you don’t have an outdoor table, consider getting one to park your cuppa while you work. Some greenery will also create a relaxing atmosphere. If space is limited, a couple of potted plants should do the trick.
Take structured breaks
When you’re working from home, it’s tempting to plonk yourself down and plough on with your workload. In a normal workplace, you would probably get up and stretch your legs, speak to a co-worker and take your turn on the tea run. At home, without distractions, it can be easy to miss out on breaks and stay in the same position far too long.
Set a timer on your phone to tell you when to take a break. Staring at a screen for too long can try out your eyes and increase levels of fatigue. Make sure you get up frequently and walk around your home. Stay hydrated, and don’t be tempted to eat your lunch while you work. Instead, take at least 15 minutes to yourself when you eat – this will help you feel refreshed when you continue with your workload.
Increase your exercise
When you work in the same place you do everything else, it’s tempting to stay cooped up all day. The day-to-day monotony can suck all the energy from you. Even if you feel totally exhausted by how samey every day is, it pays to exercise.
I’m not particularly active, but I work from home and I’m home-schooling the kids too. I definitely couldn’t muster a run, but I manage to get out for regular walks. I can drag the kids along with me too, and even if they protest, they enjoy themselves once they’re out.
If you’re a little more active, you might want to get up early and start the day with a workout. Exercise is known to help create better mental clarity.
Although it looks like restrictions will start to be lifted soon, a lot of places are considering more work-from-home options. If you can create the perfect atmosphere to work in at home, then you might be able to save money on commuting if you can spend part of your week at home.
Consider making these small changes and see if it improves how you feel.