The pandemic started last year but now, it’s far from being over. While it’s better than before, the situation has left many people feeling stressed. A lot of changes happened, such as the work setup.
Most people work-from-home (WFH) now and while it sounds more convenient, it has created a negative impact on mental health. Other than the loss of social contact, it’s also become more challenging for those who juggle work and the household.
It’s far from being a 9-5 job, as WFH feels endless so you have to know how to relieve yourself when working from home. Other than increasing productivity, having the peace of mind you need can help your mental and physical health.
If you can, find a tranquil, naturally lit room that’s free from distraction and noise. This will help you focus and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
It would also be beneficial if you can make the area smell good. Take advantage of aromatherapy using essentials oils to relieve depression and anxiety.
Set boundaries between your work and personal life by creating a realistic and sustainable schedule. Organize your activities by creating a list of your goals divided into smaller tasks and include a time for relaxation.
Start the day with a quick meditation or stretching and end it with a simple reward, especially for obtaining a goal or following your schedule. This can be a treat or activities you enjoy, such as having a quiet time with tea, binge-watching your fave show, etc.
When you’re under pressure, your body tenses and your breathing becomes more shallow, limiting the oxygen supply of the body.
One of the best ways to overcome this is to implement breathing techniques. It’s simple, free, and highly effective. All you have to do is learn how to breathe in deeply, pause, and breathe out for a few seconds.
Whenever you are stressed, chances are you’re dwelling on the past or worrying about the future and the fastest way to avoid this is to be in the moment, to stay in the present.
Learn how to gently bring your attention to the surrounding by noticing the things you see, taste, smell, or feel right now. Active mindfulness is not only easy; it’s also a cost-efficient way to practice self-care and reduce being overwhelmed.
You can also pause for a moment and use guided meditation or any mindfulness apps so you can learn how to relax when you work from home.
You may be alone working at night or anytime but it’s not really “alone time” because your attention is on your boss, your project, colleagues, or other distractions. This won’t help reduce stress at all.
What would help is if you can give yourself a few minutes to relax, meditate, and just be alone, and by that I mean, listening to your body and focusing on the mind-body connection.
Another way to relax is to loosen up a bit, have fun, and socialize. This can either be catching up with a friend o or meeting virtually. Interacting with others and opening up about what’s happening to trusted people can release tension and relieve stress.
You can also go out and socialize in person provided that you take precautionary measures.
A change in your everyday routine can be refreshing and this can include going out for a quick walk, changing the scenery, and allowing the mind to rest from work or any situation from home.
This is helpful not only when relieving stress but also for driving motivation and improving productivity.
While there’s no guarantee that you will not be stressed, especially when working from home, these simple tips can help cope up when you’re under pressure.
Feel free to add a personal touch or explore alternatives, too.
As always, I am more than willing to hear your experience and tips so don’t hesitate to share them below.
leave a comment