Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, and with the pandemic forcing many of us to work from home, it’s becoming an even more prevalent way of working. While working from home has many benefits, such as no commute, a more flexible schedule, and greater autonomy, it can also be challenging to maintain your wellbeing when your work and personal life overlap. In this article, we’ll explore in-depth some simple wellbeing hacks for remote workers that can help you have a happier workday.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
When working from home, it’s tempting to work from your bed or couch. However, this can lead to poor posture and decreased productivity. Instead, creating a dedicated workspace that is separate from the rest of your living space is crucial. This could be a spare room, a corner of your bedroom, or even a designated area of your living room. Invest in a comfortable chair, a desk or table and ensure it’s well-lit and has all the equipment you need to do your work efficiently.
Follow a Routine
Having a routine can help you maintain a sense of normalcy and structure to your day. Set a schedule that works for you, including when you wake up, when you take breaks, and when you finish work. Stick to it as best you can, but don’t be too rigid. Allow yourself some flexibility to adapt to changes when needed. It can be helpful to start your day with some form of exercise or meditation to clear your mind and prepare for the day ahead.
Take Breaks
It’s essential to take breaks throughout the day, just as you would if you were working in an office. This could be a quick stretch, a walk around the block or even a coffee break. Set alarms on your phone or use a productivity app to remind you to take breaks. By taking regular breaks, you can refresh your mind, increase your energy levels, and prevent burnout.
Taking proper lunch breaks is also important in remote work. Having lunch in front of your computer contributes to others believing you are always available, thus leading to overworking. You can either prepare your lunch the night before, order in or cook a quick meal to ensure that you have ample time to also rest and engage in social interactions.
Stay Connected
Working from home can be isolating, and it’s important to stay connected with your colleagues and friends. Schedule regular video calls or chats to catch up and discuss work or personal topics. Join online communities or groups related to your industry or interests. This can help you maintain a sense of connection and belonging even when working remotely. It’s essential to communicate with your employer and colleagues to avoid feeling isolated by engaging in daily discussions about work. Ensure that you do not skip virtual meetings and try to attend company social events to remain connected.
Prioritise Self-Care
When working from home, it’s easy to blur the boundaries between work and personal life. However, it’s crucial to prioritise self-care and make time for activities that you enjoy. This could be yoga, meditation, reading, or even cooking. Pick activities that help you feel relaxed and fulfilled, and make time for them regularly. Maintaining good physical health ensures good mental health. Engage in daily exercise, eat well and get enough sleep to boost both your mood and mental alertness. Take time for yourself to meditate or take a mini-vacation to unwind from daily stressors.
Limit Distractions
When working from home, it’s easy to get distracted by household chores or social media. To limit these distractions, try using productivity tools such as time-blocking, apps that help you stay focused, or even turning off your phone notifications for a period of time. This will allow you to concentrate on your work and achieve your goals. Distracting items such as TV should be kept out of sight to prevent tempting distractions. Use noise-cancelling headphones if you are living with someone else to avoid background noise and distractions. Ensure that you set boundaries with others in your household to respect your work and productivity.
Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. This could include negotiating set hours with your employer or saying no to work requests outside of your agreed hours. Communicate your boundaries clearly with colleagues and family members to avoid misunderstandings. Ensure that you stick to your limits to avoid feeling overwhelmed and burnt out.
It is important to ensure that you create sufficient work-life boundaries and not get sucked into a constant work cycle. A healthy boundary is when you don’t check emails or attend to work calls outside of work hours. Ensure that you set the appropriate expectations to manage your employers and colleagues’ expectations.
Set Goals
Goal setting is vital for all types of work environments, and remote work is no exception. Setting goals and tracking your progress is an effective way to stay motivated and achieve your objectives. Consider setting daily, weekly and monthly goals to ensure that you are staying on track and achieving what you set out to accomplish. Make sure these goals are realistic and manageable within the given time frame.
Embrace Technology
Remote work is heavily reliant on technology, and it’s important to learn how to use it effectively. Take the time to learn the various software and tools that your employer uses to facilitate communication, project management and collaboration. Embracing technology can also help you be more efficient and productive at your work.
Make Time for Face-to-Face Interaction
While remote work is beneficial in many ways, it can be isolating. Make a point of scheduling regular face-to-face interactions with colleagues or friends. This could be through video calls, attending local networking events or meeting up in person when possible. This can help you maintain social connections that are essential for your overall wellbeing.
Stay Organised
Staying organised when working remotely is key to maintaining productivity and managing your work effectively. Consider using tools like to-do lists, digital calendars, and project management software like Asana or Trello to keep track of your tasks and deadlines. Staying organised also means ensuring that you have the right tools you need to get your job done, including reliable WiFi, a comfortable workspace, and any necessary software.
Take Advantage of Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of remote work is the flexibility it provides. Take advantage of your flexible schedule to fit in activities that might not be possible in a traditional office environment. This could be going for a walk or run during the day, taking care of household chores, or pursuing a hobby. Just make sure that you maintain productivity throughout the day and meet your work obligations.
Stay Informed
Working remotely can sometimes make you feel out of the loop. Stay informed about company news, industry trends and developments by setting up news alerts or subscribing to relevant newsletters. This can help you feel more connected to your industry and colleagues and ensure that you are up to date with any changes or updates.
Be Proactive
Working remotely requires a proactive approach to your work. Without the constant presence of colleagues and managers, it’s important to take the initiative and seek feedback, ideas, and support when needed. Proactively setting up meetings or brainstorming sessions with colleagues can help you stay connected, ensure alignment and help you achieve your goals.
Practice Gratitude
Lastly, practicing gratitude can have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing when working remotely. Acknowledge the things that you are thankful for in your work and personal life. It could be a supportive colleague, a successful project or simply a beautiful day. Practicing gratitude can help foster a positive mindset and improve your overall wellbeing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, remote work has brought about a new way of working, which has many benefits, such as greater flexibility, autonomy, and efficiency. However, it also presents unique challenges for maintaining our wellbeing. By following the wellbeing hacks outlined in this article, you can maintain a healthier work-life balance, improve your productivity and achieve success in remote work. It’s essential to remember that finding what works best for you may require some experimentation and adjustments. Finally, prioritize your health and wellbeing, stay connected with colleagues and friends, and approach your work with positivity and gratitude. With the right mindset and approach, remote work offers endless possibilities for a fulfilling and rewarding career.