Work is a major source of stress for many people, which can have negative effects on your physical and mental health.
According to the American Institute of Stress, “Numerous studies show that job stress is far and away the major source of stress for American adults and that it has escalated progressively over the past few decades.”
Yet, for those who do not desire to be an entrepreneur, a great career option is working remotely. Many companies are now offering more flexibility in working from home, whether part-time or full-time.
“Employees who work from home at least once a month are 24% more likely to feel happy and productive at work.” (Owllabs)
However, remote work can reduce your stress and revitalize your mindset. I’ve been working remotely full-time for just over two years and it’s been an amazing experience.
Below are some reasons why you might want to consider working remotely.
Avoiding the commutes of traffic
Nothing is more soul-crushing than being in a massive traffic jam, when you might only be a few short miles from your destination.
Now, extrapolate that stress, anger, and anxiety to every week day, mostly likely twice a day (pending how bad the traffic is to and from your job).
Even without traffic jams, commuting just takes up time. According to CNBC, In the U.S., the average, one-way commute time is 26.1 minutes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. If you commute to a full-time, 5-days-a-week job, roundtrip that adds up to 4.35 hours a week and over 200 hours (nearly nine days) per year.
Traffic can certainly cause you stress and anger being stuck and avoiding other angry drivers.
Work in your own environment
While you might have your own desk, cube, or maybe private office that you can organize to your liking, it’s not really your “own” and there are limitations.
But when you work from home, you can be more creative or create a space that will fuel your work.
Maybe that is art, pictures, having a couch close by, or maybe it’s just having music playing. Many of these things you might be able to do in the office, but at home you can really do whatever you want. It feels less like a corporate job and more of your own thing.
You Can Spend More Time With Family
When you work from home, you can connect with your family better. Whether that is your significant other or spending time with your children.
Of course, remote work sometimes can be hard to turn off, but you do have more opportunity to spend time with your loved ones.
Time goes by fast and wasting it on work commutes takes away moments you have with your family.
Helps you save money
Remote work can save you money, which also can help you feel less stressed about your finances.
For example, being a remote worker puts less wear and tear on your car, causes you to spend on gas traveling every week day, and lowers temptations to spend money going out for lunch or coffee.
It’s not a guarantee to fix all your personal finances (if it needs fixing) or increase your savings rate dramatically, but it can put the extra dollars back in your pockets for other uses.
Less workplace distractions and drama
While it’s good to be social and connect with colleagues, the office environment can also bring a lot of distractions and drama. The office politics and the cliques of departments can sometimes feel like high school.
It’s kind of funny in a way when you think about it, but unfortunately can cause unnecessary stress that you just don’t need.
I’ve personally felt like I’ve done my best work my being full-time remote, with less office distractions and politics. Now, I have my own space and can work with a focused approach.
Your home office can have distractions too if you don’t create a good space, but I think the drama free atmosphere is already a major stress reducer.
Gives you time to pursue other things
Remote jobs tend to be pretty flexible, even with the larger corporations too. This means your hours of working can be open, which allows you to pursue other things that bring you joy.
After a long commute, a lot of times the last thing you want to do is work out, pursuing a hobby, or even starting on a side hustle.
But when you are happier, less stressed, and in a good mindset, you are much more likely to take an interest in hobbies, side hustles, working out, or whatever your interests may be.
Remote work is not for everyone
Going full-time with remote work is not for everyone. You do need to be a self-starter and able to cut any distractions you may have at home. Remote work can also be somewhat alienating, especially with a lack of in-person social interaction.
It’s a good idea to ensure you do get facetime with colleagues, work away from your home some days, and create a space you’ll feel comfortable and at peace with on a daily basis.
The best thing you can do before going full-time remote, is take on either part-time remote work or ask your job to work from home 1-2 days a week to get a feel for it.
But, it has great potential to reduce your stress and revitalize your mindset. So give it a shot!
Photo courtesy of Pexels.