by Guest Author, Lucy Reed
More people are working from home since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While working from home can be convenient, it also puts you at risk of burnout. According to CNN Money, research shows that people who work from home tend to work more hours in the week, increasing the likelihood of overworking and fatigue. Luckily, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize your risk. Read on to find out more.
Eliminate clutter and negativity from your surroundings
Clutter doesn’t just look unattractive. It can also increase the risk of anxiety, resulting in your mind being constantly stimulated. Take the time to pare down your belongings and stash away items so they aren’t in plain view. Storage bins and boxes are useful towards this end. While you’re at it, eliminate any negative energy from your space that could impede your productivity. RedFin has a checklist for clearing out bad energy, like smudging the space.
Create a dedicated workspace where you can focus
It’s important to set up a dedicated workspace for your professional life at home. While working in your bed or on your couch can be cozy, it can be hard to focus. Designate a quiet corner of your home for your work area. Don’t put it in a place that sees a lot of foot traffic, like the kitchen or living room. It’s worth investing in ergonomic office furniture like a desk and chair to minimize aches and pains.
Use time-tracking and productivity tools
Often when people feel like they’re working too much and at risk of burnout, part of the problem is that they’re not maximizing their productivity. Distractions in the middle of the workday can impede your progress, resulting in a simple task taking longer than it should. Time-tracking and productivity tools can help you stay on track. Options include RescueTime, Adobe Time Tracking Widget, and Eon.
Take regular breaks to unwind
Breaks are essential to any workday, whether you’re in an office or at home. However, when you don’t have the structure of office life—like coffee breaks with coworkers—it can be hard to remember to hit pause. Schedule regular interruptions throughout your workday and use them to relax. The Mayo Clinic recommends meditation as a way to decompress. You can also try something simpler like going for a quick walk.
Create an outdoors relaxation zone
Spending time outdoors can be good for your mental health, so having a relaxing spot is a great way to combat burnout. A porch or patio in your garden is a great option. Get your yard cleaned up to create the perfect zen space by hiring a local contractor who does backyard work. Make sure to read reviews and compare costs before meeting with professionals. If you’re worried about money, you can also look for current deals on Angi.
Recognize when it’s time for a job change
If you’re still feeling stressed at work and on the brink of burnout, it may be time for a career change. Start by dusting off your resume and updating it according to the position you want to pursue. It can also help to start practicing for interviews. Career-Resumes provides tips for how to make job-hopping look good in an interview, like highlighting how it’s allowed you to accelerate your career development.
Burnout can have serious repercussions for your health, causing issues like difficulty sleeping and anxiety. Taking proactive steps to prevent it when working from home is essential and will benefit your personal and professional life. The above tips can help.
For more tips on finding career satisfaction and for help creating the perfect resume for your next job, visit the Career-Resumes blog.
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