Thanks to the ongoing pandemic, a lot has changed this year, and we have all had to adapt to different ways of working. There are some advantages to working from home, such as ditching the commute, but it’s also common to find it stressful, boring or uncertain, especially if you aren’t used to it. These easy tips can make working from home easier, to help you feel more productive and look after your mental health in these challenging times.
Set And Stick To A Routine
Without your usual work schedule, the lines between your work and personal time can get blurred all too easily, making you feel more stressed than ever.
Stick to the sleep and work patterns you had before as much as possible, and keep it consistent. Get up at your usual time every day, eat breakfast, shower, and get dressed. Use the time you’d usually spend commuting on something like exercise or reading a book.
When your workday is finished, stop working. Turn your computer off, stop checking and responding to emails, and focus on being at home. Go to bed at your usual time as well.
Make A Dedicated Work Space
If you can, find a quiet spot to work that is away from other people and distractions that might put you off.
Get everything you will need ready to go before you sit down to work, such as laptop chargers, pens, papers, and anything else. If you have a room to work in away from everyone else, shut the door to keep distractions out. In a small or shared space, designate an area for work.
Try to sit at a desk or table instead of on the sofa. Set up your desk properly if you can, so you don’t end up uncomfortable.
If you don’t have proper office furniture, like an adjustable chair, you can make do with things from around the house to get more comfortable, such as cushions to give you more support in your chair, or a box as a footrest.
Find more tips for creating a home office here.
Give Yourself A Break
Working remotely can make it hard not to be available at all times. However, this won’t do you or your company any good if your mental health suffers as a result.
It’s important to make real time for breaks so you can rest your mind and ease stress. Take a lunch break and regular breaks from the screen. With a break, you’ll be better able to focus when you come back. Even just five or ten minutes every hour is enough to boost your productivity.
Working from home means you might be spending a lot of your time not moving very much. If you notice that you feel stiff, try doing some light stretches to loosen up, or use your lunch break to go for a walk, even if it’s only to your nearest coffee shop. The fresh air will do you good.