Wellbeing in a Virtual World: The Importance of Finding Your Work-Life Balance
We all love to work together at our workplaces, but the present situation demands a short-term shift in our working style, i.e. office to remote working. All though this is helpful for now, it has its own set of challenges. The current structure of remote working primarily focuses only on work.
However, all work and no play can make life gloomy. Present situation of almost every employee who is working remotely is much alike. The extended social distancing norm is very crucial and one of the best ways to stay safe & healthy; however, it has come off as an additional bummer in social life. It has started affecting even those who were previously familiar with remote working and considered it as a perk.
Why Work-Life Balance is Important
When employees feel a greater sense of control and ownership over their own lives, they tend to have better relationships with management and are able to leave work issues at work and home issues at home. Balanced employees tend to feel more motivated and less stressed out at work, which thereby increases company productivity and reduces the number of conflicts among coworkers and management.
8 Steps for Achieving Work-Life Balance and Productivity
The next few months (or years) are sure to bring about many more changes. From hybrid online/in-person school schedules and blended offices to potential second waves of shutdowns, finding balance should be part of everyone’s long-term wellness strategy.
Here are some tips for staying productive, alleviating stress, and avoiding burnout on your work-from-home journey—not just for today, but for the long haul.
1. Create a Schedule and Set Boundaries
Even if your employer doesn’t follow a rigid schedule, creating (and sticking to) a regular schedule can help you maintain productivity and ease some of the stress that comes from working all the time. Set your work hours and log off at the end of your scheduled workday so you can focus on other things.
When your work hours have a beginning and an end, you can more easily set boundaries with your family, coworkers, and manager.
2. Give Yourself Breaks
Once people get the hang of working from home, they often move from task to task and lose track of time, forgetting to take breaks like they would in an office. Going from item to item with no time to reflect and regroup doesn’t allow your body or brain to work optimally. Remember to give yourself a little space between outputs.
Spend ten minutes reflecting on a meeting, take a 15-minute break with your family or a roommate, or go for a quick walk around the block. And don’t be tempted to look at your phone or answer an email during this time. You’ll feel refreshed and reconnected with the world around you.
3. Recreate the Watercooler
Schedule 10 minutes per day to chat with coworkers (via Slack, Zoom, or any other real-time communication tool) about non-work stuff.
Whether you’re talking about your latest favorite streaming show or trading healthy meal recipes, the social support and connection can help you decompress and build relationships.
4. Get Fresh Air
We all know that it feels good to get some fresh air in the middle of a workday, but did you know that it can also improve your productivity? Studies show that breathing fresh air leads to better decision making, higher test scores, and improved information processing—and it’s a wonderful way to support your wellness.
It’s easy to stay cooped up in your home office all day, but make sure to get outside for some fresh air (or open a window!) whenever you can.
5. Make Time for Yourself
Setting aside time to take care of yourself will bring balance to your day and give you the energy and focus to tackle the next task with your mind refreshed. Prioritize exercise, hobbies, or a workday meditation practice—anything that brings you joy and peace will positively impact your ability to achieve better work-life balance when you work from home.
6. Take Time Off
Even if COVID-19 derailed your summer vacation plans, it’s important to still take time off during the pandemic to recharge your batteries. On average, people are working about three hours more per day when working from home. This makes it even more important to check out for a day or two when you can to give your brain a rest. You’ll come back from your time off feeling refreshed and ready to take on work challenges.
7. Keep News to a Minimum
It’s good to stay informed on the current state of things, but try not to make each of your daily “inputs” a news update. Continuous exposure to negative news can elevate your stress and anxiety, and take your mind out of the game when you try to focus on your job.
8. Ask for Support
There may be times when taking breaks and having the best laid plans to take care of yourself are still not enough. It’s normal to be nervous about the state of things right now—like your family, your health, and the economy. Just remember that your mental health is important, too. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a family member, friend, colleague, human resources team, or an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) for support and resources.
Keeping your work-life balance top of mind as you continue to contribute meaningfully and productively to your job combines the best of both worlds. FlexJobs has advice and resources to help you navigate the world of remote work, whether you’re brand new to the journey or are a work-from-home pro. And, if you’re looking to work from home permanently, we can help! Explorer the platform and learn how.
Reference:
https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/work-life-balance-work-from-home-remotely/