Happier Way Original –
The pandemic changed the way we think, feel, and act. This means that virtually all aspects of life were impacted. As employees shifted away from the office and the lines between home and work became blurred, it became even more important than ever to dedicate mental strength toward maintaining a healthy work-life balance while working from home. If you are looking for some helpful tips to improve your work-life balance and improve your overall mental health, here are four ways you can make it happen.
1. Establish a Routine
When people first began working from home at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, their routines were thrown off completely. But routines are what allow us to maintain a schedule and to be aware of the hours we are putting into our work—and, likewise, the hours we should be putting into our personal lives. That is why establishing a structured routine while working from home is so important for a healthy work-life balance.
2. Take Necessary Breaks
It is easy to get sucked into your work when you are working from home. After all, you do not have the same office distractions that previously derailed your productivity. But that means you need to be even more cognizant of your breaks. In a study of its own employees early in the pandemic, Microsoft found that its workers were putting in longer weeks than pre-COVID. Rather than power through your work, take a break and step away from the screen for a little while. Your mental health will thank you.
3. Know When to Turn Off
When you trade your daily commute for more time at home, it is natural (and far too easy) to donate that extra time to your employer—whether you are conscious about it or not. The reality is that if you are maintaining high productivity while working from home, then it should actually require fewer hours to get your work done, not more. That is why knowing when to turn off your computer for the day is so important for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Instead of spending extra time logged in, spend it with your family, doing a hobby, or just getting some fresh air away from a screen.
4. Prioritize Your Mental Health
Whether you are a world-class athlete, an HR manager, or an Uber driver, maintaining good mental health at work is vital to long-term success and wellness. When working from home, it is just as important. You may not realize your mental health is suffering, since you are not actually leaving the house, but improving your work-life balance will improve your mental health as well—and vice versa.