Wellness tips for working from home

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about many changes in the way we approach life. The shift to working from home has been significant, and while it may have been the dream for some, it is suddenly the norm for many.

Working from home brings with it a number of challenges, especially when you’re juggling home duties, caring for children and self-care. Staying motivated can be tough, along with managing your time effectively. However, working from home can be an opportunity to create positive habits and embrace a new way of doing things.

These six wellness tips will help you to maintain your mental health and wellbeing while getting the most out of your days working from home.

1. Have a designated workspace

As tempting as it is to work from the couch or even bed, having a space that is set up specifically for working is the best way to approach working from home. Try to create a home office that is comfortable, free of distractions and has plenty of natural light. Ensure you have a comfortable chair, sufficient space and the chargers you need are easily accessible.

2. Structure your day

Having a plan for each day will ease your mind and help you focus in a strategic way. Know what time you want to start, what tasks you might work on in particular time slots and when you want to head to lunch. An ideal day should feature regular breaks too. Set aside time to get away from the screen and stretch your legs. Don’t forget to set a firm finish time for your work day. If you have children, consider timetabling their days too. This can help everyone be more productive and content. It’s a great opportunity to help children learn about reading time!

3. Get dressed for work

This may sound obvious, but when you work from home, getting out of your pyjamas isn’t necessarily a priority. However, getting into work attire can help you to transition into the right headspace for your role and maintain a sense of normality in your work day. When the work day is done, you can slip back into your tracksuit pants and relaxation mode.

4. Keep in contact

Working from home can make you feel detached or even lonely at times, so keeping in contact with others is important. Aim to have at least one phone call or video chat with colleagues or clients each day. Staying in touch can help everyone feel connected, motivated and supported. If you don’t have colleagues to speak with, a conversation with a friend or family member during your break is a great way to add human contact into the day.

5. Stay healthy

Incorporating movement into your day will help relieve stress and improve your energy levels. Make it part of your schedule by taking a morning walk each day or doing yoga in the evenings. Prepare healthy meals and snacks to keep you going and feeling good inside and out.

6. Find what works for you

When it comes to working from home, everyone is different. Many people find getting up and starting the working day earlier in the day makes them feel on top of things, whereas others prefer to have a slow morning and start work later. Experiment until you find a work routine that feels best for you.

Enjoying the flexibility of working from home

Be patient and kind to yourself as you adjust to this new way of living and working. While structure is useful to maximise productivity and wellbeing from the home office, it’s okay to be flexible when needed too. For example, working from the couch now and again won’t hurt. Or, if children need more one-on-one time from you on some days, do what you can and complete tasks in the evening or early morning.

The move to working from home will require us to approach things differently, but with an open mind and a plan, there are many benefits to be enjoyed.

 

We’re here to support our learners and clients during this time, so if you have any questions please contact us!