Working from home has become the norm for more people that ever, but while it lends itself to convenience and savings commuting, it can also contribute to work burnout as some individuals are more prone to putting in extended hours, not setting boundaries for themselves.
How do you know if you’re experiencing burnout? Symptoms include a decrease in productivity and efficiency when it comes to your work, trouble focusing on work and forgetfulness, headaches, heart palpitations, indigestion, having negative feelings about work, an overall feeling of laziness or being unmotivated, changes in your sleep routine, irritability or short-temperedness, anxiety and depression.
Needless to say, they’re things we’d all like to avoid.
Practicing Prevention
So, how do we prevent work burnout? Heed these tips…
- Give yourself a break. This could come in the form of going outside for some fresh air or for a short walk. The act of disconnecting from work can help you to return to your tasks fresh and motivated. Working from home means you have more time to get things done, but it doesn’t mean you have to do more. Make sure to make time for breaks.
- While working out has many pros, helping to avoid burnout is one of them. It benefits us both physically and mentally because it releases endorphins, allowing you to work with a clear head. It can also help to release stress that work may sometimes cause.
- Make time for you. Set aside some time to do something you enjoy. Perhaps it’s reading a book or listening to music you love. Give your mind some time off and enjoy a hobby. Treat yourself for a job well done up until that point in the day and return to designated tasks in a healthier frame of mind.
- Set a structure. By developing a daily routine, it will be easier for you to manage work tasks and other responsibilities in the same day. You’ll also want to establish boundaries. Make sure you let co-workers and others know when you are available for work and when you are not, especially during what are typically off hours.
- Schedule vacation time. Just because you work from home, that doesn’t mean you are off or away from work. Taking your due time off is essential, be it to go away on vacation or to take work-free days at home. Your downtime will revitalize you and is beneficial for your mental health.
Learn more about Pagoda Business Network online at pagodabusinessassociation.com and more about Smith Enterprises Consulting LLC at smithenterprisescorp.com.
Nikki Murry is editor of Berks County Living magazine and a freelance writer, editor, proofreader and blogger. In her free time she is an active dog rescue volunteer and enjoys spending time with her 17-year-old son, Riley, and her three dogs: Figgy and Shelly, French Bulldogs, and Bruno, a Boston Terrier.