One of the biggest challenges remote workers face is that it can be difficult to tell when you’ve finished your work day. It can be hard to know when you need to take a break, and when you are wasting your time. As well as making you less productive, overworking can lead to a whole host of problems down the line, from mental health problems to stress-related illnesses.
It's hard to know when you're burning out at home. After all, you're motivated and feel you're giving your 100%. You're not physically and mentally exhausted, but the stresses of your business and life are wearing you down. Sometimes you don't even feel you're working: you're just going through the motions.
So how can you ensure you're not burning out? Here are a few things you should do to avoid burnout.
1. Get up and move!
Working at home can mean you are sitting for long periods of time, so it's easy to forget about keeping your body moving. It's important to get up and move around for a few minutes every hour. Stand up from your desk when you're on calls – stretch or go for a walk.
Getting up will help keep you focused, too. Studies have shown that a few minutes of movement can refresh your brain and improve your mood, which can help make working from home a more positive experience!
2. Declutter your workspace
It's no secret that cluttered work spaces can cause you to feel stressed. So it's no wonder that working from home can feel chaotic. You have loads of distractions hanging around in your home office and this can be exhausting to look at.
It's important to declutter your workspace before starting work. Try throwing out old things, or organising your space with proper storage, like a mobile pedestal cabinet, so there’s plenty of space to move around in your office. Removing distractions will allow you to stay focused and avoid mental fatigue.
3. Have a routine that works for you
Having a routine is important, especially if you're working from home. Set up a morning routine or an evening routine that works for you. This will give you a structure in your day and stop you from feeling like you're just going through the motions.
A good night's sleep is also important. Try to get at least 8 hours each night!
4. Don't be afraid to ask for help
It can sometimes be difficult to ask for help when working from home. If you need support, speak with your boss about it.
He or she may be able to provide some remote support for you, or point you in the right directions for resources that can help you manage your workload.
5. Make time to have fun
Work never ends… but it can just stop for a little while, even if you're working from home! So it's important to have some fun in your life. Go out with friends, volunteer and enjoy time spent away from work. These activities will help you unwind and give you a break from the stresses of your business.
Try emptying your calendar at the end of each day for an hour. You can use this time to do some work or simply spend it with family and friends. This will allow you to re-energise for the next day!
6. Be consistent about seeing a health professional
It can be hard to see your GP regularly, but it's crucial if you want to avoid mental health issues caused by burnout. Being consistent about seeing a health professional will help you prevent symptoms of burnout. It's important to look after your health and wellbeing at all times.
Your GP can also connect you with other medical resources in your area if you need them. So don't be afraid to make appointments regularly!
7. Take some time for self-appreciation
It's easy to forget you're doing a good job when working from home, but it's important to remember your own achievements and appreciate yourself.
Take some time each day or week to appreciate what you've achieved so far, and this will boost your productivity when working from home.
8. Find the Right Job
Working from home is a brilliant choice for some, but not for everyone. You need to determine what type of work will suit you best. Will you be able to stay productive working from home? Do you find solace in working alone or are you a social person?
It's important to do some research on your own needs, as well as how well remote work would suit your personality. You should also see what industry will best suit your skills and experience – and whether you’ll be able to get into the right mindset for working from home.
So, if you work from home and are worried about burnout, don't be! While working from home can be beneficial for many types of people, it’s important to find a job that suits your personal needs and life circumstances. That way you can avoid burnout and prevent it from stopping you from succeeding in your business.
If working from home isn't for you, that's OK too! There are many opportunities out there for remote workers, and finding a job that works for you is important. A bit of dedicated research can help you find the right fit for your work style and personal needs.
