7 simple tips to tackle working from home

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has meant big life changes for us all, including adjusting to new ways of working. While some of us have returned to our normal workplace, many are still working from home or going through a phased return.

Working from home does have perks that some of us enjoy (bye bye commute!), but for many among us, changes like these have been challenging too.

Feeling stress, lack of motivation, anxiety and uncertainty is completely normal. Alongside this, many of us might be worried about future job prospects or the best way to juggle work with our personal and family life.

These simple tips can help you feel more productive and motivated, and take care of your mental health while working from home.

1. Set and stick to a routine

Without steady schedules, the lines between work and personal time can get blurred and be stressful to get right.

Follow your normal sleep and work patterns if you can, and stay consistent.

Get up at the same time, eat breakfast and get out of your pyjamas. Try scheduling in your "commute time" and spend it exercising, reading or listening to music before logging in.

Most importantly, when your workday stops, stop working. Shut down, stop checking emails and focus on your home life. And at the end of the day, try to get to bed at your usual time.

2. Make a dedicated workspace

If you can, find a quiet space away from people and distractions like the TV (or the kitchen, when you feel snacky).

Get everything you need in one place, before you start work – chargers, pens, paper and anything else – and shut the door if you can. Even in a small or shared space, try to designate an area for work.

Lastly, get comfortable. While it might be tempting to sit on the sofa, it's much better to sit at a desk or table. Use the NHS guidelines to set up your workspace correctly, as much as you possibly can.

If you do not have office furniture like an adjustable chair, try using things like cushions to support you in your chair, or a box as a footrest.

How to set up your workspace correctly

3. Give yourself a break

Making time for breaks is important to help manage feelings of stress.

Try to take lunch and regular screen breaks, and give yourself time to concentrate on something else so you feel more focused when you return. Even just 5 to 10 minutes of short breaks each hour can really help your productivity too.

If possible, spend time outdoors when you can. Regular time in green space is great for your mental health.

Set a time to go for a walk, run or bike ride for some fresh air, or a coffee.

Better Health: Home workout videos

4. Stay connected

While working from home has its benefits, you may also feel more isolated. But there are lots of ways to stay in touch with those who matter – boosting their mental wellbeing as well as our own.

In and out of work, human interaction matters so schedule video calls and pick up the phone instead of emailing. If you're struggling with working at home, speak to your colleagues or manager about your concerns.

And remember, your colleagues probably feel the same as you. Ask how they're doing and whether there are ways you can support each other.

Make time to socialise virtually – schedule in a digital coffee break or Friday online get-together.

5. Set boundaries

Setting boundaries with other members of your household is key to mental wellbeing while working at home.

You can be more flexible when working from home, so enjoy it. But it can also be difficult if there are other distractions to deal with, like children at home, who may think you are on holiday and want to spend time with you.

Have a discussion about your needs, especially with family. Remind them that you still have work to do and need quiet time to do it, and share your schedule.

Similarly, set boundaries with work. It's easier to stay logged on when your home is your office, but try to switch off when the work day is over, and enjoy time with family at home.

6. Think longer term

You may be continuing to work from home for a while, so think about ways you could improve how you work while at home. If you have a room that's warmer or has a window that lets in a lot of light, could you work there instead?

Try to explore how you work with others. Are there different ways to talk online or new software you could use?

7. Be kind to yourself

Remember, this is an unusual situation and things will not feel normal.

Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you might not be as productive as you usually would be. Be realistic about what you can achieve given the circumstances, and relax when your work is done.

Source: nhs.uk

Collect by Minh Tien - Sapuwa