Navigating the World of Remote Work
Once upon a time, the notion of working from home was a dream many of us fantasized about—until it became a necessity. Even those who are seasoned in teleworking are finding it challenging to manage #allofthethings during this pandemic. While working from home is undoubtedly a privilege considering the state of the world, we must recognize that it can also be overwhelming and, at times, a nuisance.
However, each individual reacts differently to remote work. Your experiences as a career woman while teleworking largely depend on your lifestyle, habits, and work culture.
Many assume that working from home automatically offers a stress-free and enjoyable environment due to flexible hours, easy access to household chores, and the comfort of wearing pajamas. Yet, this “stress-free” laptop lifestyle can quickly fade when working more than eight hours a day becomes exhausting, demanding, and monotonous. Research even indicates that teleworking can adversely affect your health. So, how can you prevent the mental fatigue that often accompanies remote work? How can you establish a work-life balance that resonates with your lifestyle?
First and foremost, it’s essential for women to stay attuned to their mental well-being by cultivating mindfulness habits that help them assess their feelings each day. Acknowledging that working from home can be emotionally taxing and creating healthy routines to combat this reality are crucial for overcoming the teleworking blues.
Here are a few Pro Tips to help you tackle the teleworking blues:
create an enjoyable workspace
Establishing a dedicated workspace is vital for your mental health and productivity. Ditch the PJs and start your day with a stylish outfit and a fresh cup of your favorite morning beverage. Then, head to your designated work area. Use your creativity to craft a space that “feels good” for you. Some options include: setting up a small desk in the corner of your living room, using your kitchen table as a mobile office, or transforming your guest bedroom or garage into a chic #girlboss workspace.
create and stick to a schedule
Establish a work schedule and set boundaries to prevent burnout and procrastination. By designing a timetable that incorporates breaks for meals or laundry, you can break the monotony of your day while remaining productive. Sticking to a schedule can be challenging, but consider setting time block alarms on your phone or partnering with a colleague or friend as an accountability buddy. It’s essential to adhere to your work schedule and take breaks as planned to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
spend time with friends and colleagues
Whether you’re working for a company from home or running your own business, socializing can significantly alleviate feelings of loneliness and sadness. Interacting with adults can make a world of difference while juggling remote work, homeschooling, household chores, culinary experiments, fitness, and being a supportive partner. A good virtual hangout to discuss work-related challenges or share a laugh about a funny commercial can do wonders for your well-being. Use platforms like Zoom, Google Hangouts, Facetime, or host a virtual lunch, coffee chat, or happy hour.
get some fresh air
Incorporate a bit more vitamin D into your daily routine by taking your virtual office outdoors. Utilizing outdoor spaces like your patio, pool, or a nearby park for a few hours can be beneficial. Consider taking a walk during a mandatory call or simply enjoy the scenery while working on your laptop—either way, you’ll likely feel better and boost your productivity.
priortize self-care
While working from home, try to dedicate at least one break to activities that replenish your energy. It’s easy to use breaks for quick household tasks, but consider spending that time doing something enjoyable or nourishing for your soul—such as yoga, baking, a 20-minute workout, or even taking a short nap. Remember, if your tank is empty, it can be challenging to support others, including your employer or business.
“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
Dolly Parton
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