The work from home setting isn’t new for many of us, but it has gained a different kind of popularity due to the current pandemic. Suddenly, it has become the default mode of working, and like any other things in the world – it has its pros and cons.
How are you enjoying the perks of working at the comfort of your home? Zero commuting, comfortable clothes, money-saving, flexible schedule, the list could go on. But, if you’ve been doing it for a long time, you’ve surely come across its disadvantages too. And they can get overwhelming.
So, here’s a how to thrive guide to make your work-from-home experience effective and efficient:
Self-Care Tips While Working from Home
1. Schedule a proper sleeping time
When you’re working from home, you have the tendency to reduce your bed and wake up time for the reason that you don’t have to prepare for a commute. That can mess up your sleeping pattern, and there is a study by the UN International Labour Organization claiming this.
Drawing the line between rest and work can be a challenge and it is an endeavor that requires mindfulness and discipline. Stick to a proper sleep and work schedule. That’s an important part of self-care. If you don’t have a plan, you’ll end up groggy the whole day and that could adversely affect your productivity.
2. Establish your own workspace
Even though you have freedom choosing where you want to work as you are working from home. You just can’t sit on your bed with your laptop the entire time, can you?
That isn’t healthy. So, part of the work from home self-care is to have your own designated workspace.
It doesn’t have to be lavish, but it has to be practical and adequate. Assign yourself a proper work space on your kitchen table, and a real chair to sit on for proper posture.
3. Have a break!
Wherever you work, breaks are crucial.
It isn’t counter-intuitive to take little time-offs and stay away from the computer. As a matter of fact, you will be surprised to learn that taking short breaks make you even more productive. Stretching after sitting for a long time, and going to the washroom would help you refresh both physically and mentally.
Make that time a priority for your own sake. It must not be compromised.
If you’re lucky enough, your company may allow you to work on a flexible schedule. If not, do your best to have scheduled breaks on specific instances. That’s another part of self-care. The last thing you’d want is creating a long list of to-dos that would stress you out. Don’t forget to breathe!
4. Grab Real Food
As you start working from home, you might find yourself developing unhealthy eating patterns. Be conscious and cautious! Find time and sit on a healthy breakfast or lunch before anything else. This is a basic but many people tend to forget or dismiss it, most especially when they are too engrossed at work.
Is this a challenge for you? Then maybe you can have your lunch in advance. Stay hydrated as well. Don’t compromise your health. Fill up a bottle of water and always place it within your reach.
5. Work it out!
Our access to technology makes everything possible – and that includes working out at home. Since you don’t have to commute to an office, why not dedicate that time to establish a workout routine?
While it can’t be as intense as in the gym, for you don’t have the equipment and space, the effects on your body and health can be equally beneficial.
There are many advantages to a regular exercise. It would increase your immune function, which would in turn, give you a fresh perspective on things. This is based on the review of Journal of Sport and Health Science in May 2019. It would also elevate your mood. Sneak in a 15 to 30 minute cardio or hiit, and boost your energy!
6. Go to an office!
This means that you have to pretend like you’ll really go to an office even if you’d do it at home. It helps to make a mental association between work and office so that you’re productive and efficient.
Dress up like you are going to your office. Buy the same coffee. Take a walk outside to mimic your journey to the office.
It can feel a little funny at first but once you’re used to it, you find that it can eventually become an important part of your routine.
7. Stay away from social media
While social media allows us to communicate with others easily, it can also be a distraction if you don’t know how to control it. Fast Company suggests that you log out from your accounts, and remove them from your shortcuts, or go into a private window just to be sure.
Clean up your toolbar bookmarks too. Don’t get us wrong. We’re not saying you’d use social media intentionally, but there are times when we have an uncontrollable impulse to click on the bookmarks we see on screen when there’s a downtime. Prevent this from happening!
8. Get your family involved!
Are your children or family at home as you work? If yes, involve them by making sure that they’re aware of your schedule.
Working while your family is around can be a big adjustment, most especially if you are not used to the set-up. Respect each other’s personal space by allowing the setting to work for everyone.
You can schedule a time where you eat or bond with each other. They just have to know what works for you. At this point, structure is everything. Be strict to the regimen and practice a routine that is effective!
9. Don’t overwork!
Working remotely increases the chance of you overdoing it. And that can be unhealthy when done regularly. Avoid it before it occurs.
You can come up with a pre-work ritual that would substitute your commuting home. Close your work mail, change to your sweatpants, and enjoy your dinner. There should still be balance!
It’s always a matter of routine. If you’re not self-aware, you might always get caught up on tons of work, and that can lead to burn out. Work smart, be effective, and call it a day!
The Future of Work from Home in an Economic Crisis
The huge potential of work from home can’t be ignored nor underestimated in times like this.
This phenomenon is just getting started. More and more companies, and even giant corporations, are embracing this new norm. There are experts who believe that even after Covid-19 has died down, Working from home might remain a popular option for companies.
Anybody who’s given the chance to participate in this kind of setting is lucky because in the midst of an economic crisis when many people are losing their jobs, you are provided a platform to gain financial stability and survive the downturn.
Use this to your advantage and thrive with this set-up!
If you are concerned about the upcoming recession, find out if you are adequately prepared by taking our free recession proof quiz here.
