Beating WFH Burnout: Tips for a Happier, Healthier Workday
While working from home has become a necessity for many of us, it brings with it an array of challenges, including ensuring productivity and avoiding burnout. Burnout can be caused by several things, including lack of motivation, multi-tasking, and feeling overwhelmed. In this article, we look at some practical tips for overcoming feelings of burnout when working from home.
Streamline Your Tasks
One way to avoid burnout is to streamline tasks as much as possible. Breaking down tasks into smaller chunks makes them easier to manage and complete. Start by making a list of tasks that need to be completed each day. Then, prioritize those tasks so that you know which ones should be completed first. In addition, do your tasks in batches so that you can complete similar tasks in one go rather than jumping between different types of activities all day long.
Don't Try to Multitask
As you streamline your tasks, make sure you're not taking on too many at once. Avoiding multitasking is especially important for entrepreneurs who are often tempted to wear many hats at once. While multitasking may seem like an efficient way to get a lot done quickly, it actually leads to less productivity due to switching focus too often. Instead, focus on one task at a time and set reasonable goals for yourself each day so that you don’t feel overwhelmed during the workday.
Take Breaks From the Screen
Taking breaks away from technology is essential for avoiding burnout when working from home because it allows your mind and body the opportunity to rest and recharge without being inundated with distractions from the outside world. Take walks without your phone or go for a bike ride or hike in nature — this can clear your mind and boost creativity. Other ideas include reading books or magazines or picking up hobbies such as cooking or gardening. Not only can this be beneficial for your mental health, but it can also help you improve your physical wellness and sleep quality.
Refocus Negativity
Reframing negative thoughts is key when trying to avoid burnout, as it helps create healthier thought patterns which ultimately lead to better mental health over time. Whenever you catch yourself thinking negatively, try reframing the thought into something more positive. This might mean simply shifting your perspective towards something more optimistic, even if the situation isn’t ideal right now. Additionally, ensure that you are taking care of yourself mentally by talking through difficult emotions with someone else and seeking help whenever needed. Remember, we can only do our best given our circumstances at any given moment in time.
Learn How to Manage Stress
Learning stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises can also be very helpful as you navigate new situations. Having the skills to navigate overwhelming feelings will come in handy. Staying organized can help immensely. Think about any triggers you may have where stress is concerned so you can create a plan to manage those feelings when they occur.
Try Meditation for Stress
At its core, meditation involves focusing on breathing while letting go of any distractions around us, such as technology or worrisome thoughts. In short, it's simply about being mindful in any given moment. Practicing meditation can reduce stress levels by helping us stay grounded, allowing us time away from whatever worries we may have about work or life in general. Try meditation at home first, setting up a quiet area to focus. The more you practice, the easier it will be for you to practice meditation anywhere, which is helpful when you find yourself in stressful situations outside the home.
Declutter Your Workspace
Creating a workspace that's free of clutter can have a dramatic effect on how productive we are during work hours since it eliminates distractions. This applies to both physical items (paperwork stacked up, office tools lying scattered about) and also digital ones (having multiple tabs open). Additionally, ensuring that the workspace radiates positive energy evoked by things like plants and artwork can help you enjoy the workspace more.
Assess your workspace with a keen eye and think about which items you truly need and which ones you can do without. Utilize storage solutions to keep things neat, especially if your workspace is small. It can also help to set aside five or 10 minutes each day to work on tidying up and resetting your area so you can jump into your tasks first thing in the morning. You can also look for more comfortable furniture, such as an ergonomic chair that offers back support or a footrest that can be placed under your desk. Making your workspace more comfortable can help boost your enjoyment of the work you do.
Consider Using a Shared Workspace
Having peers nearby who understand how challenging work/life balance can be while working remotely can be beneficial in combating burnout. Our shared workspace at Huddle Sharespace is a great way to foster communication between those within similar fields while also providing invaluable networking opportunities. What's more, the security of knowing that other co-workers can be called upon in times of need is incredibly reassuring. Remote positions often come with anxiety around job loss, but working out of shared spaces eliminates this worry and reduces the risk of burnout caused by "remote fatigue."
Working from home can be advantageous, but it is also important to take steps to prevent burnout. Finding a comfortable workspace, setting boundaries between work and personal life, and being mindful of your mental health are all essential to managing burnout when working from home. It’s always helpful to have support systems available, such as friends and family, a trusted therapist, or peers in a shared workspace. With these tips in mind, you can manage your stress levels and achieve an effective balance between productivity and self-care while working remotely.
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Guest Blogger: Camille Johnson