Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are working from home. Although this has been going on even before the pandemic, it has become more widespread now. And while there are plenty of advantages to working from home, there can also be some disadvantages – one of them is work-from-home stress.
Many things can cause stress when you’re working from home, such as feeling isolated, having difficulty staying focused, or not having a proper workspace. But don’t worry, there are ways to prevent or manage stress while working from home. Here are 10 tips:
1. Set up a dedicated workspace
If possible, try to set up a dedicated workspace in your home. This can be anywhere – it doesn’t have to be a separate room, but it should be a space where you can work without distractions. This will help you to stay focused and productive, and it will also make it easier to switch off at the end of the day.
2. Take breaks
Make sure to take regular breaks when you’re working from home. Get up and walk around, make yourself a cup of coffee, or step outside for some fresh air. This will help you to stay relaxed and avoid feeling overwhelmed. The important thing is to not work for too long without taking a break. You might also want to try setting a timer to remind yourself to take a break every hour or so.
3. Set regular hours
It can be easy to start working earlier and finish later when you’re working from home, but this can lead to burnout. Try to set regular hours for your workday and stick to them as much as possible. This will help you to maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid working too much. You should also try to take weekends off, just like you would if you were working in an office.
4. Get dressed for work
It might be tempting to stay in your pajamas all day when you’re working from home, but this can make you feel more stressed. Getting dressed for work will help you to get into the right mindset and be more productive. Even if you’re just putting on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, it will make a difference.
5. Stay connected with co-workers
If you’re used to working in an office, it can be easy to feel isolated when you’re working from home. But there are several ways to stay connected with your co-workers, even if you’re not in the same physical space. You can use video conferencing tools like Skype or Zoom, or you can simply pick up the phone and give them a call.
6. Take time for yourself
Working from home can be demanding, so it’s important to take time for yourself. This might mean taking a break to do something you enjoy, such as reading or watching TV. It’s also important to make sure you get enough sleep and exercise and eat healthy meals. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better able to manage stress.
7. Set realistic goals
When you’re working from home, it can be easy to try to do too much and end up feeling overwhelmed. That’s why it’s important to set realistic goals for yourself. Start by making a list of things you need to do and then prioritize them. And if you find yourself getting stressed, take a step back and reassess your goals.
8. Don’t procrastinate
Procrastination can make stress worse, so it’s important to avoid it when you’re working from home. If you have a task that you’re dreading, try to do it first thing in the morning. This will help you to get it out of the way and avoid putting it off. And if you find yourself procrastinating, try to figure out why and find a way to overcome it.
9. Learn to say no
When you’re working from home, you might be tempted to say yes to everything. But this can lead to more stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, learn to say no. This will help you to focus on the things that are important and avoid taking on too much.
10. Seek professional help
If you’re struggling to cope while work-from-home stress, it might be time to seek professional help. There are several resources available, such as counselors and therapists. You can also talk to your doctor about ways to manage stress. By getting help, you can learn how to better cope with stress and find ways to prevent it from taking over your life.
By following these tips, you can prevent work-from-home stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. But if you find yourself struggling to cope, while work-from-home stress doesn’t hesitate to seek professional help.
