Last Updated on May 10, 2024 by Katie
7 Pro Tips To Avoid Burnout While Working From Home
A new study found that 76% of Americans chose to stay working from home ever since the government lifted the Covid-19 restrictions. Most people are used to getting the job done in the comfort of their homes. Hence, many are reluctant to return to the office anytime soon.
Working from home has many benefits that working from the office hasn’t. For example, you can grab some groceries and prepare a meal right in front of your screen. Or, get you can get work done in the morning and spend the afternoon hanging out with family and friends.
However, working from home can be more demanding than the office, especially if you have to deal with clients or customers. You must be prepared to work longer hours and take extra care of yourself and your family.
There are many reasons why people get burned out from working from home. This article will discuss the most common causes and how to avoid it.
How to Avoid Burnout While Working From Home
It’s easier to get burned out if you work from home because you’re working alone with less or zero supervision. You can’t always communicate with team members right away to share a work-related discussion. This can lead to feelings of frustration and eventually lead to burnout.
Here are a few tips detailing how to avoid burnout while working from home.
1. Don’t Work too Much in a Short Period of Time
One of the biggest mistakes people make when they start a remote job is that they try to push themselves too hard in the first few weeks or months. This is especially true for those who used to work in an office environment before they chose to work at home.
They feel like they don’t have enough hours left in a day because they can’t take long breaks whenever they want anymore, so they end up working all day long without stopping until bedtime. This is an absolute no-no!
Your body needs rest to function properly, and if you deprive it of rest, your productivity will suffer greatly along with your health. Make sure you give yourself time off now and then, even if it’s just a half-hour walk around the block.
2. Find Something to Increase Your Motivation
This is usually the most common reason why people burnout working from home. Remote working can be extremely difficult for some people with no one there to motivate them. This is why many people choose to work in coffee shops or other public places where they can meet new people and enjoy the busy vibe.
If you get bored easily, you might want to consider working in a place where other people are around so that your mind won’t wander off as often. Or in your breaks, try doing a fun hobby that will help keep your mind occupied.
Some examples are reading, writing, painting, and watching TV or movies. Make sure it’s not too distracting, though, because you’ll still need to get back to work at some point!
3. Create a Daily Schedule of Work Assignments
When it comes down to it, working at home means that you’ll have more time than usual. Planning out your schedule is essential to ensure everything gets done.
You’ll have plenty of time for socializing, but don’t let yourself get carried away by this and forget about the things that need doing, like paying bills, laundry, and grocery shopping.
This will ensure that when weekdays come around, all of these tasks are done, so there’s nothing left for you but work! Having said that, though, don’t overdo things by making too many plans for the day. Leave some room for spontaneity, allowing you to release stress and have fun.
4. Make a Comfortable Working Environment
You must work in a clean and comfortable place to keep your mind focused on the task at hand. You’ll also want to ensure that there isn’t anything around that could distract you (like the TV or kids running around).
Make sure you have everything you need to work, like a desk, chair, computer, and all the other necessary equipment.
Lighting is also important, so ensure that you have at least one light source. If it’s too dark your eyes may get strained. Also, don’t forget to have a fan or air conditioner if you live in a hot climate. Being too hot makes it extremely difficult to focus!
5. Add Exercise To Your Daily Schedule
Make sure you exercise regularly, to help keep your mind sharp and improve your health! It’s also important to avoid getting sick with the flu or other diseases since your immune system will be stronger than usual.
Take walks around campus, or do some push-ups and sit-ups at home. There are plenty of ways to exercise, so just find what works for you. Or, you could join a local gym.
There are many YouTube How-to videos that you can watch when exercising. Some of these exercises don’t require equipment, so you can safely work out at home before work.
6. Set Up Reminders for Important Tasks
It’s important to schedule reminders on your phone, computer, or calendar to help keep yourself on track. Remember to take breaks every once in a while, but if you don’t schedule them, you might get too into your work and never rest at all.
You can also use reminders for when important work assignments need to get done by. If you give yourself deadlines, it makes it easier to get work done, instead of putting it off for tomorrow. And, by getting work in on time, your clients will stay happy and keep working with you.
7. Reward yourself at Regular Intervals
This is something that will really help out with motivation. Make sure you reward yourself after hitting a deadline, securing a new client or getting a big project finished.
This could be something like watching an episode of your favourite TV show, having a few drinks with friends or taking a walk out in nature. Whatever reward works best for you is fine. Just make sure not to reward yourself too often, because it might become less effective over time.
Wrapping Up
Now you know how to avoid burnout while working from home. Anyone can get burned out while working from home if they don’t look after themselves.
The best way to get over this is by setting goals and rewarding yourself when you reach them. Make sure you work in a place that is peaceful, comfortable and fitted with all the tools you need.
This will help you focus on your work instead of having your attention pulled in all directions. That way, you can be more productive and thrive as a remote worker.
Guestpost by Andre Oentoro
Andre Oentoro is the founder of Breadnbeyond, an award-winning explainer video production company. He helps businesses increase conversion rates, close more sales, and get positive ROI from explainer videos (in that order).
Further reading:
- How to Quit Your Job and Work for Yourself (Ultimate Guide)
- 9 Things You Need to Master When Working for Yourself
- 15 Online Jobs that Require No Degree and Pay $20+/Hour
- Business Insurance for Remote Workers: What You Need to Know
- 17 Legit Work from Home Jobs that Pay Weekly
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
