There are countless stories of remote workers expressing their initial joy and happiness upon learning their employer granted them to work from home. With no dress code, supervision, or commute time, many employees rejoiced at the idea of having the freedom to work virtually anywhere!
The idea seemed fantastic at first glance; you wake up later, start your day at your leisure, and conduct your day-to-day responsibilities as you would in the office. However, the only difference was your setting.
Switching office desks for kitchen counters and couches and eliminating conference room meetings for Teams video chats seemed right until it wasn’t. Many workers don’t realize the challenges that working remotely can promote.
With stress and burnout being the most significant results, this article aims to change the narrative by providing you with ways to deal with stress when working from home.
Set a Routine
One of the most significant drawbacks of working from home is a lack of structure that affects the ability to carry out daily routines. Without having someone there to enforce deadlines and goals, many can experience a lack of motivation.
However, establishing a routine and doing your best to stick to it can encourage a positive mindset and prepare you for the new workday.
Channel Stress Into Physical Activity
There’s no doubt that stress is a monster, and when you succumb to its grasp, it can blur your train of thought and encourage negative mindsets. Instead of allowing stress to ruin your day, consider channeling emotions into physical activity.
If you don’t already have one, consider designing and building a home gym in your space. This space can help you get away from life’s stressors, whether it be through a 20-minute run on a treadmill or 30 minutes of aggressively striking a punching bag.
Establish a Designated Work Space
Looking for a space that eliminates distractions and allows you to focus is like looking for a needle in a haystack. For parents, establishing a spot that doesn’t contain children’s toys and TVs playing reruns of the same kids’ show is a never-ending journey.
After locating an area, keep your setup minimal by adding your desk, laptop, and computer screens. Remember that you’ll be working here for eight hours a day, so you may want to invest in a comfortable, ergonomic chair.
Dealing with stress when working from home is a significant battle that some remote workers continue to struggle with today. While juggling your home and professional responsibilities isn’t easy, it’s essential to give yourself grace and patience as you navigate your way through what people call “the new normal.”
