More of the world’s workforce is working remotely than ever before. While many of us may be working from home on a temporary basis, millions of people work remotely every day.
Although it has its perks, working from home does not guarantee that you will avoid stress. In fact, for many people, working remotely is more stressful than working in an office setting. Whether it’s your usual gig or you’re working from home for the first time, you need to be intentional about managing stress if you want to avoid burning out. Here are some tips.
- Stick to a schedule
When you’re working from home, one of the best ways to manage stress is to stick to a set schedule. If you don’t, you risk allowing your work to seep into your normal life. To avoid unnecessary stress, you need to be able to disconnect from work. Once your work hours are completed each day, turn off the computer and try not to think about work until you “clock in” next.
- Take breaks
It’s also critical that you take breaks while working at home, just as you would in the office. Keep yourself hydrated, eat your lunch, use the bathroom, and stretch when you’re starting to feel cramped. You might also benefit from short walks outside to get some fresh air and to give your eyes a break from looking at your computer screen.
- Stay connected with colleagues.
Office environments provide the benefit of conversation and connection with others. As a remote worker, you are more likely to feel disconnected and lonely, so it’s important to find ways to connect whenever possible. You could create a group chat with your team via Skype, for example, to ensure that everyone is connected throughout the workday. You will inevitably talk about work, but you can also make jokes, share funny stories, and virtually keep each other company through your days. This connection will ease your stress and help you avoid burnout when working at home.
Whether you’re working from home temporarily or indefinitely, follow these tips, and you’ll be more likely to thrive as a remote employee!