There’s no denying that working from home is fun. But, it comes with its own set of challenges. Unlike in the office where you interact with co-workers, you’re flying solo, and this might make you feel like you don’t have a lifeline to your team or boss. On top of this, trying to create a healthy balance between home and work responsibilities can make things even more stressful. But there’s a way to mitigate this stress.
Here are five ways to relieve stress whilst working from home.
Create a dedicated workspace
Having a conducive work environment is perhaps one of the most important things when working from home. While it might seem fun to work from the kitchen table or couch, reserving a quiet space such as the extra room in your house or guest room will help you cut out distractions. As a result, you’ll feel happier and become more productive.
Have all the essentials
Besides getting a dedicated space, it is critical that you have all the items you need to get the work done. These can be anything from ergonomic tables and chairs, extended monitor screens, and a full stationery suite. On top of that, ensure that your home office space has sufficient lighting and proper ventilation. These two can help you become even more productive.
Add Flowers
Bringing the outside inside is believed to help workers relax during a stressful day. Flowers, in particular, have the power to stimulate various feel-good chemicals in the brain, including serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine. Because of these chemicals (and the fragrance), flowers help boost your mood and relieve stress, thus making you even more productive.
Invest in the right equipment to avoid tech failure
Few things are more frustrating to remote workers than a failed computer, camera, router, or tech gadgets that are too complicated to be useful. Not only does it get you off your to-do list, but it might also make you miss important deadlines. To avoid tech failures, you’ll need to invest in the right equipment. For instance, get a stable internet connection from a trustworthy provider, a quality router, and have your smartphone on standby just in case the need arises.
Stick to a strict schedule
When working from home, it’s not uncommon to work only when you find the time. While you have the freedom to do this, waiting until you feel like working might leave you with little or no time to hit deadlines, thus making life even more stressful for you. Therefore, you need to set your own schedule and stick to it. Doing this will help you avoid distractions, thus becoming more efficient and productive when working from home.
Take a brief walk
When working from home, it’s possible not to get the much-needed exercise. But that should not be the case. You need to take breaks while working and set aside some time for exercise or a brief walk. Not only do these health interludes help you relieve stress, but they also contribute to good physical and mental health.
The bottom line
Working from home is an excellent way to create a work-life balance. While it provides an amazing sense of flexibility and freedom, it can as well be a source of stress. Luckily, by following the above tips, you might be able to avoid stress and enjoy the added benefits of working from home.
