Although working from home may seem idyllic at first, it can very quickly lead to feelings of isolation and burnout. Read on to discover 5 tried-and-tested ways to stay energised and healthy.
With cities worldwide practising social distancing, many of us have spent the past couple of weeks working from home. For some, this is a welcome change – but if you’re not careful, it’s one that may come at the expense of your mental health. Working in isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection and ultimately lead up to burnout. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best tips around to help you re-energise and have a productive workday at home.
Have a Morning Routine
It can be tempting to slack off when afforded the extra freedom. When your desk is only ten steps away, it’s easy to tell yourself that sleeping in an extra hour couldn’t be all that bad. In reality, it’s important to create (and stick to!) a structured routine in order to feel energised in the morning. The first hour is crucial to setting the tone for the rest of the day, so wake up early and get ready for work as you normally would. Giving yourself the time to get ready for work can make you feel professional and prepare your mind to have a productive day.
Get Active
When working from home, it’s easy to find yourself sinking deeper and deeper into your couch. Movement is crucial to your health and wellbeing and being sedentary can further contribute to fatigue. Make sure you’re getting up and moving around regularly, even if it’s just to make your tenth trip to the kitchen for yet another cup of tea. You could even consider taking micro exercise breaks for some quick jumping jacks or pushups.
Maintain Connections
As much as being away from noisy colleagues can feel like a relief at the beginning, you may find yourself losing energy and feeling exhausted as a result. Studies have shown that social isolation can negatively your mental and physical health. In contrast, having strong connections with others has been proven to alleviate symptoms of depression. Taking the time to check-in and connect with your social network can be a welcomed break and can give you the burst of energy you need for the rest of the day.
Take Breaks
We all need a break. Just as we can find ourselves procrastinating, it’s equally easy to find ourselves working around the clock when we’re at home. A study conducted by the University of Illinois actually found that taking short mental breaks while working can improve your ability to focus and allow you to be productive for a prolonged period of time. Stepping away for a quick refresher can prevent burnout and relax your mind, refuelling it to tackle the rest of your workday.
Opt for a Change in Scenery
If you’re finding it difficult to stay focused on your work, a change of scenery could be helpful for jumpstarting your productivity. Just because you’re stuck indoors doesn’t mean you can’t mix up your space! If you’re tired of working at your desk, then why not set up shop at the kitchen table or invest in a standing desk and move it around to different areas of your house? Shifting to new spaces can give you new perspectives on your work and help to reinvigorate your mind.
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