Avoid the WFH Slump: Essential Hacks for Work-Life Balance and Productivity

With an increasing number of employees becoming burned out from the mundane and stifling days of working from an office, it’s no surprise that remote and hybrid jobs are some of the most sought-after roles on the market. No forced cooler chats, catching up on laundry while on break, working in your sweatpants without anyone knowing, what’s not to love? 

I am fortunate enough to have a remote job and to be honest, I wouldn’t trade it for all the office happy hours in the world. However, you know what they say, all that glitters isn’t gold. Just like anything else, working from home can have its drawbacks if you don’t exercise your freedoms correctly. 

With longer periods of isolation, many people have experienced getting into a slump or even depression due to staying inside 40 hours a week. 

I too, have experienced this slump. After a while, staying in the same 4 walls 24/7 can get boring and take a hit to your overall motivation. Fortunately, I have found ways to avoid getting into this slump and fully take advantage of the remote lifestyle. Here are my tips:

Put Some Clothes On

Hear me out. It can be tempting to take advantage of not being seen by others and work in some sweats and an old T-shirt from your 11th-grade debate team but I urge you to reconsider. I used to be cozy in a robe and sweats all day, but after a while, I was finding myself getting sluggish and unmotivated during the day. Taking the time to put together a decent outfit, do my hair, and put on a little makeup not only made me feel like being more productive but also made me feel good to look good. There is actually science behind this. Social psychologists say that getting dressed triggers a phenomenon called enclothed cognition in which the clothes you wear put you into different psychological states. So getting dressed properly can better put you in the mind state to get stuff done as opposed to dressing bummy which will likely make you just want to take a nap.

Designate Your Workspace

Since your home is essentially your office, creating a clear boundary between the two will allow you to properly separate work from play.  Similar to the clothing phenomenon, when you attempt to work in spaces that are typically where you relax, it can send mixed signals to your body hindering your productivity and mood in the process. If you work from your couch you may be more inclined to put on your latest Netflix obsession or reach for your phone. Don’t even think about working from your bed because you will be more inclined to hit the sheets for a nap rather than create a budget in Google Sheets. Even if you don’t have a huge living space, you can create an intentional work area with limited distractions that is strictly for work and nothing else. This allows you to relax fully in your home space when it’s time to log out.

Take a Small Break From Screens

Yes, working from home allows you to have a much more comfortable workday compared to being stuck in a fluorescent lit office all day. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that being glued to a screen for 8 hours a day can be seriously draining. Take small breaks as much as you need to but take them the right way. Don’t just scroll on TikTok for 10 minutes or catch up on a show. This might give you spikes of dopamine in the moment but you are still bound to crash eventually. Instead, do something that doesn’t involve screens for your break such as catching up on dishes, putting in a load of laundry, or making a nice little snack. If you really want to get your wellness points for the day, go the extra mile and go for a walk, do a light stretch, or do a quick meditation. Regardless of what you do, taking a moment to completely unplug will help you feel more refreshed and present when you come back to work and when you leave work.

Change Your Environment

This is highly important. Working from home eliminates the need to commute and go to an office but it doesn’t eliminate the need for you to get out of your apartment from time to time. When you are working remotely, it’s easy to let a whole week go by without you stepping a foot outside. This might not sound bad to all the chronically introverted homebodies out there but staying in too long can be harmful to anyone. Studies have shown long periods of isolation can lead to worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety. Combat this by changing up your work locations from time to time. Coffee shops, libraries, and coworking spaces are great alternatives to your home office. Putting yourself in an environment designed for focus, ideation, and creativity can be a huge motivation booster while also shaking up the routine work week.

Move Your Body

Along with isolation, if you’re not careful working from home can lead you to foster a sedentary lifestyle. Even though typical office environments don’t require much physical labor, you might be getting more steps in going to and from an office than walking from your bed to the desk in your living room. Luckily, an advantage to remote work is increased flexibility, giving you more time to pick up a consistent workout routine. Even if you are not going to the gym every day, stepping away from your laptop to go a brief walk or yoga sequence can save you from a multitude of health issues down the road.

Take The PTO

No matter where you are working from, work will always be work. You have more flexibility than most workers but no matter how you spin it hours of answering emails, prepping slides, and “circling back” is still a huge energy drainer. Taking advantage of your PTO is not optional when it comes to your mental health, it is a necessity. Whether you are using your off days to go on an Instagram-worthy getaway, spend time with family and friends, or simply sleep in and catch up on your favorite show, it can be highly beneficial to your overall well-being. Studies show that using PTO can not only reduce stress but also improve employee productivity by 80%. So using your vacation time is not only a win for your personal life, but it can greatly enhance your work life as well.

All in all, achieving a healthy work-life balance when working remotely is about setting healthy boundaries. When lines between work and home get blurred, it can invite distractions, lack of discipline, and neglect of your personal needs. Implementing these tips into your work week can have a profound effect on your mental space, allowing you to find harmony on and off the block.

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