Five ways to wellbeing while working from home

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Working from home has become a new way of life for many, along with other changes due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While working from home may have been the dream for some, it is now the reality for many and this transition comes with some challenges.

Staying motivated and managing your time effectively can be difficult, however, working from home can be an opportunity to create positive habits and embrace a new way of doing things. These five tips will help you to maintain your mental health and wellbeing while getting the most out of your days working from home.

1. Plan your day

A little structure goes a long way. Heading in to each day with a plan can ease your mind and help you focus in a strategic way. Set a start time, assess what tasks will work best at different times throughout the day and schedule in a lunch break. In fact, regular breaks are best, so ensure you set aside time to get away from the screen and stretch your legs. Don’t forget to also 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, plus it’s a great opportunity to help children learn about reading time!

2. Set up a work station

Your home office should be a place that is comfortable with minimal distractions so you can stay on track while working from home. As tempting as it is to work from the couch or even bed, having a space that is set up specifically for working is a must. Aim for an area with plenty of natural light and sufficient space. A comfortable chair should be a priority.

3. Dress for work

Getting dressed may sound obvious, but when you work from home getting out of your pyjamas might not feel like a priority. Making a point of getting dressed in 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. Fit in human 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 great to add human contact into the day.

5. Healthy body, healthy mind

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.

Get the most out 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.

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