For some, teleworking is the perfect solution in order to create a better work-life balance. It can lessen some of the pressure that comes with going into the office every day, such as the stress of traffic or working under a manger’s supervision. There’s a sense of flexibility and freedom as you have more say over your time and schedule. You’re able to prioritize your assignments based on your peak productivity hours, take a longer lunch, or get a workout in.
For others, working in an office brings upon the opportunities for regular social interaction and connection with co-workers. However with COVID-19, we are all navigating uncharted waters with this virus making it important to find new ways to work and interact. Many are now teleworking full-time for the first time. Their daily living routines disrupted, now cut off from those social interactions not just with co-workers, but also friends and family. It’s completely normal for this disruption to lead to feelings of disconnection, stress, and anxiety. For those who aren’t used to working from home, it can be difficult to set boundaries. While it might seem helpful and efficient to get a couple of household chores done between answering emails and calls, the lines between work and home can blur and you might find yourself logging more work hours than needed, interfering with family time or your sleep schedule. It’s also not uncommon for stress and anxiety to increase because teleworking can create a unique pressure to appear busy. You might feel pressured to be constantly available or online every hour in order to prove you’re spending your time in a productive way.
While getting your work done is important for business, staying mentally and physically healthy is just as crucial. Here are are some helpful tips for working at home:
1. Establish a Work Zone
Having a dedicated workspace at home can significantly impact your productivity and focus. Have a workspace that you can go to for work and that you can leave or walk from once the workday is done. Even if it’s a seat at the dining table or in the corner of a room.
2. Maintain a Regular Schedule
Set a schedule and stick to it. Work designated hours and then stop once those hours are up. It can be tempting to work more while at home, but it can also be taxing on your health and well-being.
3. Create a Morning Routine
Routine helps us mentally and physically prepare for things. Whether it’s having a cup of coffee, doing morning yoga, or going for a walk, setting a morning routine can greatly help you get ready for the work-day at home.
3. Exercise & Stay Active
Exercise reduces stress and increases endorphins. Complete one of our workout cards or tune into our daily classes to get you moving.
4. Take Breaks
While completing a workout is extremely helpful, it’s not enough when you’re sitting for a prolonged time. Set a time every 30 minutes and walk away from your work.
5. Leave Home
Fresh air and new scenery can do a lot of good for your mind. It’s important to leave your home and give yourself new space to breathe, work, or exercise.
*Important to note that during COVID-19, it is still okay to leave your home so long as you are following social distancing. Social distancing is not coming into contact and staying at least six feet away from others. Of course if you are feeling sick, then you should stay inside completely.*
Specific tips for staying healthy during COVID-19:
1. Stay Informed
It’s good to stay updated on progress being made to combat the virus. It’s important to get the latest updates from reliable sources, like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
2. Limit Media Consumption
Stay informed, but limit how much news you read or listen to. Continuous exposure to news, media, and social media can trigger or increase anxiety, stress, or panic.
3. Prioritize Personal Hygiene & Limit Contact With Others
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 second and use hand sanitizer regularly. Disinfect areas and objects that are touched regularly with anti-bacterial wipes. Avoid contact with those who are sick and avoid touching your face.
4. Stay Connected
Use technology, like Facetime, Skype, and Google Hangout to stay connected with family, friends, and support systems.
5. Distract & Redirect
Engage in activities that benefit your well-being and bring your joy. This could include meditation, journaling, reading, cooking new recipes, or listening to podcasts or music.
-Paulina Le, Health Fitness Specialist