Is repetitive working from home life getting to you? (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
It’s coming up to a year since we swapped office life for our working from home setups.
At first, lots of us welcomed remote working. Joggers suddenly became a workwear option and being home for deliveries had multiple benefits, not to mention the easy access to the kitchen snack cupboard.
But now, as we approach the year mark, the novelty is starting to wear off and the realisation that we haven’t seen our colleagues in the flesh in almost 12 months is setting in.
When will we be able to resume office life like normal? When can we finally stop working at our dining room tables? And when will Zoom meetings stop being a thing?
If you’re feeling stressed about your current routine, you might be suffering from working from home burnout.
Burnouts typically refer to exhaustion, cynicism and feelings of reduced professional ability.
So it makes sense that WFH burnout is now a thing – we’re tired of doing it for so long and disheartened that there’s no end in sight.
In case it’s all getting too much for you at the moment, we’ve asked experts to share how this burnout can be avoided, but also what to do if you’re feeling a little frazzled.
Create clear boundaries between work and home life
Dr Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder/co-CEO of My Online Therapy, says: ‘It can be tempting to answer emails from your bed and take calls after working hours. But this can quickly blur the lines between work and home life.
‘Many of us are finding this particularly tricky whilst working from home during lockdown, so be sure to set clear boundaries. Don’t take on additional work after hours and be sure you create a separate space for working and leisure.’
Physical spaces can help create these boundaries, so you have spots to work and then separate places to relax in.
‘Even if your office is now a particular corner of the room or a section of the kitchen table, creating a working space helps distinguish between work and home life,’ explains Dr Elena.
This is also important when it comes to eating lunch. While it can be tempting to dine al desko, try to sit somewhere else to eat your food.
It’s a good idea to pack away your equipment on your days off, so it’s not a constant reminder of work.
This is something championed by Dr Rachael Kent, a lecturer in digital economy and society at King’s College London. She says: ‘For those with no separate office space at home – this is a big deal.
‘Yes, it takes time on Friday night (or ideally every night if you don’t have much kit), but if it’s not visible when you’re trying to switch off, it creates a mental division between work and relaxing or family time.’
Take regular breaks
Time away from your screen is vital (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
We can often (wrongly) associate being busy …read more
Source:: Metro