To limit the spread of a new variant of COVID-19 (Omicron), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention & WHO advise people to stay as close to home as possible. Employers are currently enforcing work from home requirements to deal with these directives. However, working from home is a new practice for many people, so schedules, workflows, and how they use their home space may need to be adjusted.
Making such changes while also prioritizing our own and our loved ones’ health may add to our stress levels. We’ll talk about why it’s important to take care of yourself and offer self-care tips in this post.
Self-care entails looking after your emotional and physical well-being so that you can function at your best. In the context of Work from Home, this means putting yourself in a position to succeed and developing a lifestyle that allows you to accomplish your best work while being happy.
Work from Home Self-Care Tips
Many people who have recently transitioned to Work from Home face the problem of maintaining self-care while juggling all of the demands on our time. However, you could be accustomed to keeping your home and workplace separate, and you’ll need to make modifications to balance your professional and personal lives so that you can recharge and start the next day feeling refreshed.
Taking care of your mental & physical health may assist you in dealing with the effects of COVID-19 on your employment.
Make Your Routine More Simple
It’s better not to overschedule your day with too many discussions or online meetings, even if you’re tempted to do so. Spending too much time chatting about work throughout the day leaves you with little time or energy to conduct an actual job, forcing you to work late.
Set a daily meeting restriction of no more than two hours. Allow others to access your calendar and inform them that they can only arrange a time with you up to that limit and during your preferred hours. This will simplify your schedule and prevent meetings from interrupting your most productive hours.
Similarly, every day, make a short itinerary for your activities, chores, & housework and set aside time to complete them. Again, you will feel so much better as you complete tasks and cross items off your to-do list, boosting your productivity immediately.
Stay Away From Daily Hassles
Even though you make special efforts at work and while doing work from home, avoid any recognized triggers or stress-inducing things. Some situations, individuals, or interactions can deplete your energy and make you feel sluggish. You can save energy and improve your mental health by looking for these situations and learning to recognize them.
Let’s imagine a team is accustomed to holding a daily update meeting at the end of the day, but one member is hesitant to participate in a video call for any reason. However, they can be vocal about it and declare they’d prefer to join via audio on most days unless it’s required. It may not make a significant difference for others, but it will enhance that person’s mental health and comfort.
Similarly, if a one-on-one conversation with a specific person consistently makes you anxious or upset, speak up and ask a member of your team or your manager to take over that interaction. Even better, instead of a phone conversation, try to communicate by email or chat.
Short Breaks are Important
You heard it here first: mini-breaks are the new breaks. Unfortunately, remote workers’ physical and mental health can quickly deteriorate by sitting still and staring at a computer screen for long periods. In addition, remote employees often aren’t aware of how little they move throughout the day.
When you’re at work, you’ll take numerous little breaks throughout the day, such as stopping by a coworker’s office for a quick catch-up on your way to the restroom or mingling in the personal room while refilling your coffee mug. Unfortunately, these short breaks are taken for granted in the office.
Because the human brain functions best in bursts of intense activity, stretching your brain or your body during these moments is an excellent way to give it a break. Of course, a fifteen-minute walk every hour is not necessary. Instead, pay attention to your body’s signals. To avoid burnout, give it a break when it’s yelling for one.
Try to Work Out On a Daily Basis
Making time for a little exercise will help you stay motivated and productive. You’ll have more energy throughout the day, even if it’s just a fast park run or a 10-minute aerobic session in your front room. In addition, running or walking with your pet is a fantastic opportunity for you and your dog to get some extra exercise.
Try Meditation
During the workday, take some time to meditate and clear your mind. Meditating will also help you sleep soundly, whether you do some mild yoga or reflect on the day that was.
Hopefully, these self-care tips will assist you in creating the most excellent possible working environment. Amid all the obstacles and stresses of your everyday work life, it’s critical to prioritize self-care for your mental health!
