Turn WFH into Working For (Mental) Health
If, in between Zoom calls and homeschooling, your mental health and productivity have taken a dip, you’re not alone. Here are a few simple ways to keep your mood and work-levels boosted.
Set a routine and stick to it
Working from home comes with more freedom, or the illusion of it. But that added freedom makes it easier for work and home life to bleed into each other. Keep your alarm set for the same time each day, put on your normal work clothes and even allow yourself a ‘commute’. Go for a walk around the block. Do yoga in your front room. Or escape with a few pages of a good book. Following a set routine each day will help your brain know it’s time for work.
Log off at the end of the work day
Working from home has seen the working day extend for a lot of people. Without a tube to catch or a walk home to signal the end of the day, many are staying at their desks for an extra 30 minutes or more when they’d be commuting. Just as you should set a morning routine, you should set an evening routine. Turn off your computer and work phone when you’re due to finish work and use that saved commute time for yourself.
Make a home office
Ideally, set up your desk away from rooms that should be relaxing like the living room or bedroom. And ideally at an actual desk – not at the dining room table or on the sofa. This will help you create boundaries between your work and home life. But also with anyone else who might be working or studying from home at the same time. At the end of the day, shut the door to the room.
Set boundaries with your household
It can be hard to focus on the job when there are distractions from family. Children or others in your household may feel like working from home means you’re more available. Let everyone understand your needs, and that you still need quiet time to do your work. Try sharing your schedule with them or letting them know hours when you can’t be disturbed.
Take regular breaks
Remember to take breaks and stretch your legs now and then. Get away from your desk for lunch and take a walk for a change of scenery and fresh air. Without colleagues around, there are fewer reasons to get up from your seat, so remember to book in tea breaks or a few minutes to look out of the window. It’s just as important to give your eyes a rest from the screen as your mind.
Make time for water-cooler chat
You might not be able to bond with colleagues over an impromptu tea round in person, but catching up over Zoom is almost as good. Make time in your schedule for those impromptu chats you’d have in the office and check in with each other. (Don’t forget to keep a stash of biscuits on hand.)
Be kind
If your productivity or mental health are lower than normal at the moment, remember you’re going through an unusual time. Instead of adding extra pressure to be as productive as you normally would, be realistic with what you feel you can achieve each day. If you work with or manage a team, acknowledge that they will be facing challenges too. Encouraging a kindness culture where colleagues can share how they’re doing and their needs with each other will help nurture better mental health for everyone.
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Remember, while you’re working from home you can still introduce Zero Deposit to your tenants and landlords. You can carry out the entire process from the comfort of your home office. Just make sure your properties are clearly listed with the option of a Zero Deposit™ Guarantee. Check out our one-pager on how to list your properties with Zero Deposit. Plus, we’ve made some handy branded graphics to make it even simpler for you.