Nothing beats working from home. You don’t have to deal with distracting coworkers or frustrating commutes. You can set up your workspace in a way that perfectly aligns with your personal workflow. And you can grab snacks whenever you want! But the wonderful benefits of working from home do not come without a few drawbacks. Remote workers often deal with feelings of isolation, disproportionate work-life balance, and the taxing mental effects of procrastination.
To help you feel your best while working from home, check out the following tips!
Nip Procrastination in the Bud
Procrastination is a common problem among remote workers. When you work from home, there’s no one around to hold you accountable when you get distracted. Procrastinating not only makes it difficult to get your work done on time, but it can ruin your work-life balance. It will seem like you’re always either working or thinking about work, you’ll feel guilty and drained all the time, and you won’t have time or energy for the things you enjoy.
One great way to avoid procrastination is to take a single step toward the task you’re avoiding. A solid morning routine can serve as this first step. Get out of bed, shower, and get dressed in some work-from-home clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Feeling put together will help you get in the mindset for work! Look for comfortable, stylish loungewear so you can look and feel your best while working from home.
Make Time for Movement
Working from home isn’t the best for your body. According to Prevention, studies have drawn connections between sitting all day and several health concerns, including obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. Combat these health problems by making time for movement every day. Get up from your chair when you’re on the phone or thinking over your next project, take breaks to stretch out those stiff muscles, and schedule time for a regular fitness activity, like yoga. You could even create a yoga room where you can go to relax and unwind after a long day at the computer.
Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
When you work from home, it can be tempting to spend your whole day snacking. The good news is that some level of snacking throughout the day can boost your mood, energy, and brainpower. But these benefits depend on the types of snacks you reach for. Nutrient-poor, sugary snacks will offer a quick burst of energy but leave you feeling sluggish and foggy. Stock your house with healthy foods that provide your brain and body with slow-burning fuel, so you can enjoy stable and consistent energy all day long.
Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Unless your job requires you to be online during certain hours, it’s easy to fall into a poor sleep routine. You may find yourself shifting your sleep schedule later and later, working into the night and catching up on those missed hours the next morning. But a consistent sleep schedule is essential for good sleep quality, which impacts your mood and energy levels the following day as well as your long-term health.
To keep your sleep on track, TheSelfEmployed.com recommends going to bed and waking up at the same time every day—even on weekends and flexible workdays. Promote positivity and calm by keeping your bedroom and home organized and free of clutter. It’s also a good idea to draw a line between your work and personal life. Try confining your work to one room of your house and establishing a regular cut-off time for your daily work. This will help you avoid working late into the evening or sending out emails right before bed.
Practicing self-care is essential to your success as a remote worker. Many people don’t realize how mentally demanding it is to assume complete control over their work-life. Combat procrastination, fatigue, and burnout with a great self-care routine, and you’ll thrive in your work-from-home role!