The COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 has forced the vast majority of the workforce to switch to a work-from-home (WFH) setup. While the pandemic is gradually abating, most companies have extended their WFH policies. Some have even made these policies permanent. Despite the benefits from working from home, it’s not as easy as most people think.
A WFH setup can have a significant impact on the mental health of workers, and it may even cause the work-life balance to erode when work begins to seep into their personal lives. If you’re currently working from home, here are some tips to keep you from getting burnt out.
Follow a Strict Routine
The most basic step to maintaining mental health is to structure your day. Working in an office entails that you have time specifically allotted for work. A routine is what helps keep your days predictable and familiar. Even when your home is now also your office, it’s important to establish the same cycle as this helps you set clear boundaries between work time and home time. Establishing these boundaries allows you to get the most out of your resting periods both physiologically and mentally.
Compartmentalize Your Spaces
It’s important to have a dedicated office space in your home and to confine your work to that space. This not only allows you to focus your attention on your work, but this also sets a mental marker that tells your brain when to work and when to rest. The moment you leave your office, your brain shifts to a rest and recreation pattern. This keeps you from worrying about work during the hours you should be resting.
Stay Physically Fit
It’s easy to forget the benefits that regular exercise can give you, especially when work hours are demanding. This shouldn’t be a reason to neglect your physical health, especially when it’s the best way to trigger a boost of dopamine and serotonin. You’re never too busy to sneak in a workout, and there are many ways to work up a sweat. Indoor sports such as table tennis are fun ways to stay fit while indoors. Do take note, that when choosing between a joola vs stiga table, a STIGA table is far better suited for home use.
Socialize
Another obstacle with working from home is that workers have very little chance of interacting with co-workers. It’s easy to take seemingly-trivial office interactions. The sense of belongingness is more important than most people think. Try to stay in touch with your co-workers. Socializing boosts happiness and it helps workers cope with adversity.
Limit Screen Time
It’s easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle when working from home. Extensive screen time and poor sleep will not only affect your eye health, but it will hinder your ability to get quality rest. Try to find ways to reduce the time you spend in front of a screen. This is essential for proper rest.
Working from home yields numerous benefits, but it is not without its own set of challenges. Ignoring these challenges can have a significant and adverse impact on your quality of life and on your productivity. Never neglect your mental health.