3 Tips for Managing Work-From-Home Stress during the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has got hundreds of Americans working from home. However, this isn’t nearly as simple and easy a solution as one might think. Working from home poses a number of challenges and major schedule adjustments which can induce stress and despair.
Here are a few tips to keep the work-from-home stress at bay during the health crisis.
Set Up a Dedicated Work Space
You may no longer be working in your office cubicle, but that doesn’t mean you can’t set up your own work station at home. In fact, we highly recommend designating an area inside your house for your office work. Try to utilize the space in a separate room or a low-traffic area within your home (if you share space with others) where you can continue to work without getting distracted or being disturbed.
This doesn’t have to be a fancy arrangement. If you already have a study desk, you can simply use this for your office work as well. Similarly, if you live with family or roommates, then pick a corner where you’re least likely to be disturbed during work hours. Avoid working from your bed or your couch. As comfortable as those may seem to be, not only will working from them slow you down and affect your productivity, but will also negatively affect your posture.
Create a stimulating work environment in your living space. Keep this area clutter-free, and designate it for work only (at least during work hours) so you don’t have to keep moving your stuff every now and then. With a proper work station, you’ll be able to focus more on your work and reduce work-related stress.
Establish Boundaries
Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you have to stay glued to your computer screen all day. Work-life boundaries are even more important during this time to create a balance between your professional life and personal life.
It’s important to know when to shut your laptop and put your phone on silent. Your work hours still e
xist, even if you’re no longer obligated to stay within a certain office space during that time. Try to manage your work during those hours, just like you used to when you weren’t working from home. It may seem like there’s no escaping work life now that you’ve already brought your work home, but drawing boundaries is important to avoid work-related stress.
Know when to “leave” your office. Communicate to your colleagues that you won’t be available for work-related queries after your shift ends or before it begins. Don’t center your entire day on your work schedule. Take breaks, attend to your household chores, and avoid working at odd hours
Plan Each Day
Without the daily commute to and back from work, it can be a little tricky to stick to a schedule. This can lead to feelings of stress and despair, and make you lose focus and motivation while working.
This is why it’s important to plan each day as it comes. Before you start your work for the day, list down at least three tasks that you want to accomplish along with a time frame. Prioritize these tasks so that you’re organized during your work. By setting short-term goals, you can help maintain a daily schedule and avoid work from home stress.
Comprehensive Counseling Services, LLC offers mental health counseling services and behavioral therapy Winder to help you tackle work-related stress.
Learn more about our services here.
