Although much of the country has begun to reopen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees are still working at home for the foreseeable future. Working from home comes with some perks, but there is still a risk of burning out. Here are some tips to help you avoid work-at-home burnout.
- Create a separate workspace.
When you work at home, it can be tempting to work from your couch or the comfort of your bed. After all, who’s going to know? However, it’s best to create a separate workspace in your home. When you have a dedicated workspace, you will be less distracted and get more done in less time. When you finish with your work and “clock out” for the day, your mind will also be more ready to make the shift to relaxing if you haven’t been sitting on the couch all day.
- Keep boundaries around your work.
Burnout happens as a result of chronic stress. Working at home presents a unique danger, because, if you’re not careful, work can easily interfere with your home life. To ensure you don’t bring the stress of work into other areas of your life, you must maintain strict boundaries regarding your job. Clock out when you’re done and try not to think about work until it’s time to clock back in. Your clients will understand if you have office hours, even if you’re working from home.
- Take breaks like you would at the office.
Make sure you are taking breaks throughout the day, just as you would at the office. Take your lunch break and allow yourself to decompress before heading back to your desk. Make sure that you’re continually monitoring your stress levels and not allowing yourself to overwork.
- Have some fun!
Last but not least, be sure to incorporate some fun or relaxation into each day. You need to be releasing the stress that builds up throughout your workdays. Find some activities that recharge you and make them a regular part of your routine. If you can’t enjoy those activities every single day, then make sure they are a priority on your day off.
Follow these steps and you’ll be less likely burn out while working from home!