Back when the 9-to-5 in-office grind was the norm, working from home seemed like a luxury – and for many, it can be. The problems begin where the line between work and home becomes blurred, and perhaps unsurprisingly, this phenomenon is only becoming more common amongst office workers.
There are many reasons why more people are feeling burned out, from the endless demands on our time and attention to the rising performance expectations – but there are also plenty of ways to keep burnout at bay.
Want to learn how to create a more harmonious balance between work and life? Keep reading for seven holistic health tips.
Communicate with words
It’s a cliche expression, but it’s true: your boss and co-workers are not mind-readers! If you’re working at home, possibly without any face-to-face communication, they might not have any idea that you’re struggling.
If you notice yourself slipping into burnout territory or overworking on a regular basis, it’s up to you to raise the alarm. Let your team or your boss know what you need and how they can help you optimise your output, and clearly state your boundaries so that there’s no room for confusion.
Communicate by actions
It’s not enough to tell someone you are going to take some time off – you also need to actually enforce it.
If you’re the type of person who unconsciously slips into work-related tasks, like checking emails, during your days off, make a conscious effort to stop and remind yourself how important it is to take breaks.
Then, make sure you use those breaks to do productive things you enjoy, like exercising, cooking, and spending time with your family and friends.
Choose your environment well
The environment you live and work in can have an enormous impact on your mental and emotional health, for better or worse. If just being in your work environment makes you feel drained, it’s time to make some changes!
Even if you don’t have a designated home office, choose a room to work in that isn’t your bedroom (working in bed is a big no-no!) and fill it with things that make you feel positive. Nothing beats working in nature, but if that’s not possible for you, consider a change of scenery like a shared office space that sets just the right tone.
Prioritise tasks
Do you feel stressed just thinking about your to-do list?
Unless you’re an Emergency Room doctor or nurse, most things probably aren’t as urgent as they seem, and your ability to manage them comes down to scheduling.
The solution is not to let yourself think that everything must be done right this minute. When you know how to prioritise tasks efficiently and get the most important things out of the way first, you’ll find that your day is far less stressful.
Get social
When you spend all day staring at a screen, you might start to feel like your life is one big computer-centric typing fest.
Sadly, you’re not alone, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to feel that way – not as long as you’re prepared to make a few simple lifestyle changes.
If you’ve been feeling down, take a few minutes to organise something that you really want to do for the near future. This will give you a sense of purpose and a chance to connect with other people.
Make time for food
Food is your life force, and if you’re currently surviving on caffeine and microwave meals, you won’t last for very long! That’s why it’s so important that you create a ritual for cooking and eating, especially if you have a family.
The best way to make sure you’re making the most of your eating and cooking time is to create space in your home where you do both of these things and nothing else.
In other words, you should never eat in bed or do your work in your kitchen.
Practice self-care
Self-care has become a major buzzword over the last few years, and it’s not by accident – we need it more than ever.
The beautiful thing about self-care is that there is no “right” way. It’s just about doing whatever feels best for you and makes you happy.
Whether it means something simple like indulging in a regular skincare routine, taking a mid-afternoon walk, or getting out of the house for a meal, assert your right to self-care time and make it non-negotiable.
In many ways, working from home is a privilege. It’s an opportunity to spend more time with the people you love, but if you’re not careful, those all-important boundary lines could become blurred. The next time you catch yourself overworking, keep these tips in mind and make a change for the better.