Coping with Working from Home Stress
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the number of people working from home. While workplaces are opening post -COVID many people are choosing to continue to work from home as they benefit from greater flexibility, such as experiencing increased productivity, improved work-life balance, cost savings from reduced commuting and eating at-home.
Working from home can be both a blessing and a curse. While you avoid the commute and distractions associated with an office environment, there are still many challenges and distractions that come with working remotely.
Here are some tips for coping with work from home stress:
- Establish a daily routine: Having structure in your day helps create a healthy balance between work and home life. Have a defined start to your day. Plan specific times for meals, set aside time to disengage from work or technology, and schedule time for self-care (such as exercise or mindfulness and stress management techniques).
- Create a designated workspace: Have a designated workspace. This can help you separate where you work from where you relax. Establishing clear boundaries between workspace and the rest of the home can help reduce feeling stuck or like you have to always be working. This can be as simple as setting up a desk in a quiet room, or it could be creating a home office. The important thing is to have a space where you can focus on work without distractions.
- Set boundaries: It is also important to set boundaries with your coworkers and family members to ensure that you have the time and space you need to work. This could include setting office hours and letting others know when you are unavailable.
- Take regular breaks: It’s important to take breaks to rest and recharge. Make sure you get up and move around frequently throughout the day. Go for walks, stretch or do some light exercises. Taking regular breaks will help you stay focused and productive. Taking a break can even help you gain a new perspective and enhance problem solving.
- Stay connected: Working from home can be isolating, so it’s important to stay connected with your boss, coworkers, clients and friends within the boundaries you set for each. This could be through video calls, messaging, or even just a quick phone call. This is also important to allow for brainstorming and collegial interactions.
- Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is important for managing stress. This could include getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and finding ways to relax and recharge.
- Unplug at the end of the day: While it can be tempting to work nonstop when you’re home, make sure you give yourself time to relax and unwind. Carve out time in your day to do something you enjoy, such as reading, cooking, or spending time with family. This will help you recharge and reduce stress levels.
The goal is to create a healthy work life balance. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and it’s important to take care of yourself! These tips can help you manage work from home stress, but it’s important to find what works best for you.
Your consultation
Before beginning treatment one of our clinical psychologists will conduct a complimentary initial consultation with you. The goal of the initial consultation is to get a better understanding of you, your history with what brings you to therapy, and what your needs are in therapy. We feel the fit between client and psychologist is extremely important, and the consultation is a great start for you to get a feel for HealthyMynds and if we are a fit for your needs. Our goal is to work with you in a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings and work toward flourishing.
Contact HealthyMynds in Redondo Beach to schedule a complimentary consultation if you are struggling to cope with work from home stress.
