Congrats! You found your dream legit work from home job and landed the role... Now what?!
Switching from working in an office to a work from home job, can be exciting and liberating, but it can also be challenging to adjust to this new work lifestyle. The transition can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety, especially on Monday mornings when the work week starts all over again. To help alleviate your Monday stress and help you make the best of your work from home job, in this blog, we'll explore the top 10 ways to avoid feeling stressed on a Monday. No more Monday blues from now on!
Start your day on Sunday night:
Avoiding Monday stress begins with your Sunday night routine. Your workload could be the same, but you can tackle it differently, depending on how you set yourself up for it. Instead of leaving everything until Monday morning, take some time on Sunday night to set up your work area, plan for your to-do list, and visualize your day, so you can jump right into it.
Organize your workspace:
Before you begin your workday, make sure your workspace is organized. A cluttered or disorganized workspace can be overwhelming and can lead to stress. Creating an organized space can do wonders for your mental state and helps you focus on work instead of distractions.
Create a routine:
Create a routine for your workday, starting from when you wake up until you log off for the day. Having a routine can help you manage your time and make you feel more in control of your workday. Your routine should comprise of activities that help you re energize and stay focused.
Take breaks:
Taking breaks may seem counterintuitive, but it is vital to avoid burnout and overcome stress. Straining too hard for too long can negatively affect your productivity and overall mental health. Taking intentional and mindful breaks, whether it's an outdoor walk or a yoga session, can reduce stress levels and boost productivity.
Connect with colleagues:
Work from home can get lonely, and it is essential to stay connected to avoid isolation. Connecting with colleagues and collaborating on assignments can alleviate the sense of burden and make you feel more involved in the company. When you feel connected to colleagues, it can serve as a motivator to make an impact, to stick to deadlines, and meet deliverables.
Move away from your work area:
Although working from home comes with many benefits, being cut off from the outside world can add to stress on your failed workdays. To maintain perspective and maintain a balanced work/life balance, it's essential to move away from work, whether it's going for a gym, running errands, or hanging out with friends. It's crucial to take the time to disconnect from work daily, stop thinking about deadlines and meetings, and just enjoy the moment.
Fuel your body with healthy meals:
Eating and drinking healthily can make a world of difference in reducing your stress levels. Proper hydration and nutrition can improve brain function, increase energy levels, and elevate mood. Simple snacks such as dark chocolate, nuts, or fruits can help reduce midday fatigue and keep you energized for the rest of the day.
Manage your technology:
Technology has revolutionized the way we live and work, and it can be difficult to switch off after work. However, it is essential to manage your technology use to avoid overwork and burn out. It's best to set clear and sustainable boundaries for tech use, such as unplugging when work is over and not checking work emails notifications during personal events.
Communicate with your family:
Working from home blurs the lines between home and work-life, making it harder to separate the two. Discussing your work situation with family and loved ones can go a long way in reducing stress and setting boundaries for everyone's benefit. This creates an understanding environment, allowing you to establish a healthy balance between work and home life.
Reach out to your manager
Transforming from an office to work from home environment comes with unique challenges. Your mental and emotional well-being is crucial, seek out support if you need it. If you experience concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your manager. Together you can discuss ways to improve workflow, communication, or mental wellness and make solutions that work for you and the company.
Conclusion:
Switching to a work from home job can be exciting but also challenging to adjust to. Feeling overwhelmed and stressed on Monday mornings is common, but with these 10 strategies, you can minimize your stress levels, stay organized, and improve your overall work from home experience. When implemented, they create a harmonious balance between work and home life, thereby improving your quality of life. Remember, it may take practicing a few strategies to figure out what works for you, so consider experimenting with several approaches to find the ones that bring you balance and peace. Cheers to a stress-free Monday!