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In 2019 it’s thought that around 40% of the workforce work from home at least some of the time. Some, work running their own home business, or as freelancers or bloggers based at home. Others work for a larger company but can work some of the time from home. Some run their own businesses outside of the house but often bring work home. Some of these people will work a few hours a week, or in a more random way from home, while others will work full time out of their house. Whichever group you fit into, working from home can have many benefits. The most obvious is, of course, flexibility. Many home workers would say that without this option, they would have minimal earning potential if any at all. A benefit that many people assume that they will have is the ability to relax and take it easy. They think that working at home will be less stressful and more chilled out and that they will have more significant opportunities to take care of themselves.
If you do it right, this can be true. But, for many people, it isn’t the case. They find it hard to leave work behind at the end of the day. They never really clock off, and they put immense pressure on themselves to work more. Many home workers report feeling increased stress and suffer from mental health issues. They can find it hard to sleep, and their relationships can suffer. Like most things in life, the key is balance. If you want to work well out of your house, you need to learn how to practice self-care from your home office.
Get the Set Up Right
Designing your own office is exciting, and it’s easy to get carried away with wall colours, plants, decorations, and furniture at the expense of comfort, support, practicality, and ergonomics. If your office is uncomfortable, you can’t ever find things, and you are straining your neck, wrists, and eyes, work won’t ever be a pleasure. So, take the time to get your office right. Take some display screen equipment online training so that you know how to look after yourself, and make sure you have everything that you need.
Take Regular Breaks
A lack of structure can hamper home workers. You might decide to skip dinner breaks to finish early, but then end up taking more on. Take regular breaks throughout the day. Get into the habit of taking a full lunch break, and shorter breaks at regular intervals, and make sure you leave the office.
No matter how well your desk is set up, hours sitting in the same position isn’t good for you. So, stretch. Get up regularly, stretch your muscles out, and go for a short walk.
Clock Off
When you leave the office at the end of your workday, leave work behind. Don’t check emails on your phone, don’t check on business news or answer calls, stop working, give yourself a night off.
Eat Well
Another big problem for those that work from home is food. Many gain weight due to unhealthy snacking throughout the day when there’s no one to judge or say no. Prepare healthy snacks and drinks beforehand to help you to avoid temptations.
Photo by Allie Smith on Unsplash
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