Changing things up when working from home

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Published Date 1/22/2021

The 15-second commute. It is sometimes accompanied by a cup of coffee, often finds you in sweats, and never, ever feels hurried or crowded. It usually involves walking from your bedroom to your kitchen or your kitchen to your home office.

MoneyTalkNew’s Emily Courtney talks about the downside of working from home (WFH) — a feeling of monotony can turn into fatigue, disengagement, and burnout. “It’s clear that remote work is here to stay, so how do you work from home day in and day out without feeling like you’re living at work, rather than working where you live?”

For one, you can change your environs. Think about what it felt like when you worked from an office elsewhere, how you could get up from your desk and roam around, perhaps ending up at the break room for a quick snack. So at home, when boredom sets in, consider switching up your workspace for a couple of days a week — be it the backyard, a hotspot at a park, or simply trade offices with your spouse. A change of work digs will help you feel revitalized. As for that workspace, why not decorate it with colors and items like framed photos, fun desk accessories, and houseplants to improve your energy and mood?

Many of us are less inclined to move away from our computer screens in WFH environments. We plow through our day without taking breaks, only to look up and notice its hours later. This can only contribute to feelings of malaise and monotony — not to mention stress. “To help divide up your day, schedule a mandatory daily lunch break away from your computer,” says Courtney. “While you’re at it, implement the 50/10 rule and give yourself a 10-minute, screen-free tech break for every 50 minutes of focused work time (or 25/5 if that works better for you). Letting yourself recharge with mini-breaks throughout the day will keep you feeling energized and ready to take on the next task.”

You can also have routines in your workday but still switch things up. “Even the smallest things can make your days feel fresh instead of fatigued,” says Courtney. “Do you usually make coffee at home every morning? Head out for a coffee in the middle of the week instead! Are your lunches the same sandwiches Monday-Friday? Chef up a hot, delicious new creation! Even switching up your exercise routine can breathe new life into your workday. Trade your usual evening walk for a refreshing midday run, or schedule an online yoga class at the end of the day to give you something to look forward to.”

Courtney says that engaging all of your senses throughout your WFH workday can help boost your mood, reduce your anxiety, and inspire your work as well. “Pick different senses to focus on throughout the day to keep you feeling energized. Perhaps you listen to a favorite music album while you work on your morning tasks, followed by an hour of an energizing essential oil diffusion (try peppermint or sweet orange!). A tasty afternoon treat and a cozy blanket can help you wrap up your workday feeling calm and soothed.”

Source: TBWS

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