Work from home has rapidly gained traction in recent years and is now the preferred choice – even the norm – for many.
But the flip side of this freedom and flexibility has been an increase in stress. There has been a notable uptick in a lack of work-life balance and increased demands from employers for tracking remote workers’ production, which is contributing to mental health issues.
So if you are struggling to cope with this stress, then these five tips will help you create a healthier work environment, set the right boundaries, and make working from home fun again!
1. Create A Daily Routine
If you find yourself losing track of time while working on one thing, with ten other things on your plate, then you need to develop good time management skills.
Create a to-do list first thing in the morning. List your tasks in order of priority and try to finish most of them before the end of the day.
Structuring your day this way will give you a bird’s eye view of your day so you can tackle your work with ease and prevent the last-minute stress of approaching deadlines. It will also help you develop a healthier day-to-day routine in the long run.
2. Separate Your Work And Personal Life
Working from home can blur the boundary between work and life, ultimately leading to stress. Employees are always advised not to bring their work home. But what does one do when home becomes one’s workspace?
Begin by assigning yourself a separate workstation. Though working from bed is tempting, it is not only bad for your physical health but can also disrupt your sleep pattern, among other things.
And if you’ve been having your meals while attending meetings, it’s time to stop. Just as you wouldn’t sacrifice lunch time at the office, don’t sacrifice it at home, either.
3. Communicate With Your Manager
Do not feel like you need to say ‘yes’ to everything. If you’re being asked to work outside working hours or being given an overwhelming amount of work with short deadlines, you need to learn to say no.
Connect with your manager and let them know if you’re struggling with a project and discuss how things can be made easier for you. A healthy work-life balance is only possible if you maintain clear communication with your colleagues.
4. Take Care Of Your Health
As they say, a healthy mind lives in a healthy body, so stop eating junk food and have proper meals. Eat healthy foods like whole grains, fresh fruits, and leafy vegetables, which are not only good for your physical health but also your mental health.
It goes without saying that sitting in front of your computer for long durations is not exactly a healthy lifestyle. But since it can’t be avoided, you need to create balance. Get at least 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity every day to release pent-up energy.
Irritability and anger can be signs of severe stress. If you feel like things are getting out of hand, take proper steps for anger management by consulting a professional.
5. Don’t Forget To Have Fun
Once you have logged out for the day, watch that movie you saved for later. Read a book or do some gardening – whatever helps you relax, disconnect, and release stress.
Step out on weekends and indulge in some fun activities. Spend time with your family and friends. Disconnect from work and reconnect with your loved ones, and you’ll be prepared to tackle work with a fresh mind again!
Take It One Step At A Time!
Though it may seem overwhelming and challenging at first to separate your work from your personal life, it’s extremely crucial for your health and non-negotiable if you want to eliminate stress.
Practicing self-care and maintaining good work hygiene is the best way to mitigate work-related stress, whether at home or at the office. So take it easy and slowly inculcate healthier habits and better boundaries!
