Working From Home - Stress Management

Remember when working from home sounded like the dream? No commute, comfy clothes, and the luxury of setting your own schedule. Fast forward to now, and suddenly your office is your living room, your coworkers are your pets (or plants), and the line between work and life is blurrier than ever.

This blog article is dedicated to practical strategies to manage that WFH stress. Let's dive in with actionable tips to make your remote work life a tad smoother.

Designated Workspace: The Kitchen Table Doesn't Count

Let's be real—working from the couch might feel luxurious, but it’s murder on your posture and productivity. Your brain needs physical boundaries to switch between 'work mode' and 'relax mode'.

Tip: Carve out a specific area in your home dedicated solely to work. It doesn't have to be a full-blown office—a small desk in a corner will do. This helps signal to your brain when it's time to focus and when it's time to chill.

Dress for Success (or at least a work shift)

Rolling out of bed and straight into a Zoom meeting in your PJs? We've all been there. While the allure of loungewear is strong, dressing up—even just a little—can shift your mindset.

Tip: You don't need to wear a three-piece suit, but changing out of sleepwear can help delineate work time from personal time. 

The Art of the Micro-Break

Staring at your screen for hours on end doesn't make you a hero; it makes you exhausted. Micro-breaks can rejuvenate your mind and keep burnout at bay.

Tip: Adopt focused time with more frequent, shorter breaks. Use this time to stretch, grab water, or stare blankly into space (yes that's a form of meditation). 

Set Boundaries with the Fam (Including Fur Babies)

Working from home often means sharing space with family members, roommates, or pets who don't quite grasp the concept of "office hours".

Tip: Communicate your work schedule clearly. A simple sign on your door or desk can signal when you're in the zone. For pets... a good play or pet break should do the trick. When in doubt bring out that Amazon box for the cat!

Embrace the Power of 'No'

With the digital door always open, it's easy to become the go-to person for every little task. Overcommitment is a fast track to Stressville.

Tip: It's okay to decline non-essential meetings or tasks. Prioritize your workload and remember—saying 'no' can be a form of self-care.

Stay Connected (But Not Too Connected)

Isolation can creep in stealthily when you're remote. While it's crucial to stay connected, constant pings and notifications can be overwhelming.

Tip: Schedule virtual coffee breaks or casual catch-ups with colleagues. Conversely, set 'do not disturb' times to focus without interruptions.

End Your Day Like You Mean It

Without the commute, the transition from work to personal time can be fuzzy. Before you know it, you're checking emails at 10 PM.

Tip: Establish an end-of-day ritual. It could be shutting down your computer, changing clothes, or taking a short walk. Signal to yourself that work is done.

Does your team need to connect and a energy boost? Let's schedule a call to discuss the Workforce Energy Management framework: Schedule Here