4 Tips to Reduce Stress When Working from Home
Working from home blurs the line between work and life. Here are four tips to help you reduce stress and find a better balance.
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iWallet | Blog Yazarı
March 03, 2020
5 min read
The never-ending quest for work-life balance has recently been thrown a curveball. With companies large and small asking employees to work from home to slow the spread of COVID-19, we didn't know how to strike a balance when work and life happen in the same place. On top of the mental energy needed to adapt to this new way of working, restrictions on movement, entertainment and socialising bring uncertainty and anxiety that can be mentally draining.
Being a remote worker comes with its own challenges. Back in the office, you were used to getting quick answers to your questions and could always see when people were at their desks. Now you're flying solo, and at times you may feel cut off from your manager or team.
Tip 1: Define your zone
Maybe you already have a home office, or maybe you're making do with whatever space you can find. Ideally, you'll have a dedicated spot at home that is your workspace. It could be the kitchen table or the armchair in the corner, but stick to it. If you don't have one place as your "office", your whole home becomes the office, which makes it harder to close the door at the end of the day and get back to your home life.
Tip 2: Use quality equipment
For remote workers, technology that doesn't work as it should, or is too complicated to be useful, is incredibly frustrating. That's why giving remote employees quality communication equipment matters. A good headset, a clear camera and a reliable internet connection make working from home far easier and more enjoyable.
Tip 3: Go for a walk
The more you work from home, the more you notice you're not getting much exercise. Remember to take breaks while you work. If you can, go for a walk (with your dog, if you have one) or find some simple stretches and exercises you can do at home. Some gyms that were forced to close have kept in touch with members by offering daily or weekly home routines. Many sources suggest workouts based on equipment you already have at home. Whatever level you're starting from, there are plenty of free apps to guide you, and many paid fitness apps offer free trials. Whichever you choose, these small healthy habits add up and contribute to good mental and physical health.
Tip 4: Stay connected
Feeling isolated is one of the biggest sources of stress when working from home. Schedule regular video calls with your team, hold short daily check-ins and make time for conversations that aren't about work. Agreeing expectations and working hours with your manager reduces anxiety caused by uncertainty. Stay in touch with friends and family too; social connections are one of the strongest ways to stay balanced in difficult times.
Being a remote worker comes with its own challenges. Back in the office, you were used to getting quick answers to your questions and could always see when people were at their desks. Now you're flying solo, and at times you may feel cut off from your manager or team.
Tip 1: Define your zone
Maybe you already have a home office, or maybe you're making do with whatever space you can find. Ideally, you'll have a dedicated spot at home that is your workspace. It could be the kitchen table or the armchair in the corner, but stick to it. If you don't have one place as your "office", your whole home becomes the office, which makes it harder to close the door at the end of the day and get back to your home life.
Tip 2: Use quality equipment
For remote workers, technology that doesn't work as it should, or is too complicated to be useful, is incredibly frustrating. That's why giving remote employees quality communication equipment matters. A good headset, a clear camera and a reliable internet connection make working from home far easier and more enjoyable.
Tip 3: Go for a walk
The more you work from home, the more you notice you're not getting much exercise. Remember to take breaks while you work. If you can, go for a walk (with your dog, if you have one) or find some simple stretches and exercises you can do at home. Some gyms that were forced to close have kept in touch with members by offering daily or weekly home routines. Many sources suggest workouts based on equipment you already have at home. Whatever level you're starting from, there are plenty of free apps to guide you, and many paid fitness apps offer free trials. Whichever you choose, these small healthy habits add up and contribute to good mental and physical health.
Tip 4: Stay connected
Feeling isolated is one of the biggest sources of stress when working from home. Schedule regular video calls with your team, hold short daily check-ins and make time for conversations that aren't about work. Agreeing expectations and working hours with your manager reduces anxiety caused by uncertainty. Stay in touch with friends and family too; social connections are one of the strongest ways to stay balanced in difficult times.