How to Handle the Stress of Working From Home

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I’m sure that most employees would say that having the flexibility to work from home helps relieve the stressors and pressures of their job but that being required to work from home continuously, as many have had to do this year, can be extremely difficult and stressful.

Below are 9 suggested solutions to try to help with the stress of working from home.

Working From Home

1) Boundaries

establishing some boundaries, both in terms of physical working space and ensuring that those around you know that you’re not to be disturbed during your working hours, is an important element. Whilst this may be difficult to initially do, it will help avoid any conflict or frustration later down the line.

2) Physical space

claiming your own territory to make your designated workspace can also be helpful. Try to use distinct office space and furniture for work use only. Having the luxury of a whole room is ideal but not an option for many so try to reserve a corner or section of a room to work in.

3) Childcare

Although difficult this year, trying to make sure that you have childcare in place will allow you to fully focus on work without distraction. Working from home if you have children can have huge benefits of flexibility and making the school run on time without the time of the commute home first but do make sure that you get some help and support to balance both being a parent and home-worker at the same time.

4) Managing deadlines

employees working from home are often asked more of with a false perception that just because they are not in the office that they ought to be kept busier or given tasks which much shorter deadlines. Try to break down large projects into smaller, less intimidating tasks so that the work seems more manageable.

5) To-do lists

a favourite of many, the to-do list is a great way to start off the week or the day. Prioritising items can also be a useful way to prepare a to-do list as this may visually help you estimate how long it might take to get through certain tasks. If the list looks too long, go through and take out anything which isn’t urgent so that the list is more manageable to tackle.

6) Dress to de-stress

Although the appeal of working in your pyjamas all day is initially attractive, there is a fine line between being relaxed and then being unfocused. Many people find that they are more productive if they get dressed in the morning as they would if they were going into the office and dressing in something you like is also a proven self-esteem booster.

7) Connect with colleagues

Another very difficult thing to do this, year but taking time to even just call or video call a colleague with a cup of tea and chat about something which isn’t work-related can be a great way to destress.

Social isolation is the major cause of stress when working from home and we all need some face-to-face connection in order to manage the stress of both work and daily life. If you’re struggling, chances are your colleagues at home are too so reach out and it will have benefits for you both.

8) Take breaks

Often those working at home feel guilty about taking a break away from their computer screen and being perceived to not be working when they should be. In an office environment, it is important to have short breaks away from your desk, stretch your legs, and recharge by making a coffee. It is just as important to take these short breaks at home too.

9) Go home

Having a work/life balance when working from home is difficult so trying to have a sense of leaving the office for the day and going home is really important. Whether it’s closing the door literally on your working day or just metaphorically, having closure on the day will help you feel more relaxed, refreshed, and ready for a new day in the home office the following day.

How to Handle the Stress of Working From Home – 9 Suggested Solutions