There is a lot of negativity going around during these uncertain times created by the ongoing wrath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Partly because most of us are forced to work from home. Partly because we’re all a little sceptical about what tomorrow might hold.
Working remotely can be an immense challenge, especially if you’re used to an office environment where you frequently interact with others. But the world has changed, and for most of us, the new normal will take some getting used to.
With February being Self-Esteem Month, Day Translations would like to share a roundup of the best tips and tricks that help our team members stay positive, focused, and mentally focused. Seeing that we are a remote organization, we have a few tried-and-true insights that might help you put the spring back into your step while working from home!
Top Tips to Stay Positive While Working from Home
#1 Schedule Team Socials
Video meetings, group chats, and even virtual happy hour events can help you stay in touch with the team you’ve come to love like family. Team social meetings provide a great way to keep in touch and provide the “office vibe” many of us miss when working from home.
#2 Don’t Forget to Take Breaks
In your home office, there are probably fewer distractions that require your immediate attention, which also means it’s easy to get glued to your chair. The bathroom is just around the corner. There’s nobody around you can make small talk with. And in general, you just move less because you’re at home. But it is essential to get up, move around, and take a short break now and then. Not only will this help keep your metabolism going, but it’ll also keep brain fog at bay and boost your mental health.
#3 Keep Your Work in the Home Office
Everyone knows just how important it is to have a dedicated workspace at home, and right now, the right “office space” inside your home can have a considerable impact on just how productive you are while working remotely. You need to set boundaries between your home and your working space. When you’re working, stay in your “office”. And when you’re at home, don’t go near your work spot. Just because you’re working from home does not mean you should be working every waking second, so it’s important to strike that balance.
#4
Working at home becomes more convenient with ergonomics. It’s like tailoring your workspace and environment to support your body’s natural movements. Ergonomic features such as a Wayfair computer desk could well help you prevent discomfort or strains while working. You can look for features like adjustable heights, ample legroom, and other effective functionalities. It’s your best feature to enhance your efficiency and comfort while on a home-office setup.
#5 Limit Your Screen Time
Meetings and lunch breaks with colleagues are digitally dependent when you’re working from home, which also means that you’ve probably become even more reliant on your screen. This is why it is vital to schedule time away from your screen. All those news updates, virtual chats, and WhatsApp messages can wait. Even if it’s just 15 minutes, prioritize screen-free time and find ways to clear your mind from all the digital clutter.
#6 Try a Few Different Techniques
Ever hear the expression “heaven to the cat is hell to the canary”? The same thing applies to remote working, and pardon the pun, but there are many ways to kill this cat. You might have to try a few different ways of working to see what works best for you. Take the Pomodoro Technique, for starters. Work on a task for 20 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this three times and after the fourth “Pomodoro”, take a 25-minute break to recharge and refocus.
#7 Dress the Part
This one seems super simple, but it is also remarkably effective. Your clothes have the power to impact your mood. If you really want to strike the perfect balance between comfort and style, throw on a comfy pair of pajama pants and a classy office shirt. Accessorize and do your hair. Finish off your look by putting on some makeup, and voila, you’re all set for remote working success!
Stay Happy and Healthy. Stay Home.
Regardless of what your work circumstances look like at the moment, finding ways to stay positive while working from home is essential to your mental and physical well-being. It is crucial to be patient with yourself while you adjust to the new way of working.
It’s perfectly normal to feel frustrated, but those feelings can be turned into empowerment by taking the right actions. We’ve shared six of our best tips with you to help you stay positive while working remotely.
But an essential piece of advice we have to offer? Focus on managing your stress levels. Stress can affect your immune system and make you more vulnerable to all kinds of illnesses. Make sure you take enough time every day to focus on your mental and physical health.
If you can’t head outside for some fresh air and a walk around the park, do a few home workouts in your living room. Drink enough water. Follow a balanced diet. Get enough sleep. Connect with those that matter. And above all, keep focusing on the positives and counting your blessings!