As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing health situation, more and more companies are starting to adapt to a remote work setup—from gyms taking their fitness services online to agencies boosting their digital presence. The adjustment to this new normal, unfortunately, can feel like a blessing and a curse at the same time.
Despite this, we can still maintain a semblance of peace and order amidst these trying times. Here are some key practices you can employ to help you work peacefully at home.
Pace Yourself
With most (if not all) of your days spent solely at home, it’s easy to feel the pressure to be extremely productive. Although you technically have more time on your hands, overworking yourself can do more harm than good and set you up for burnout. As we’ve previously shared in our ‘Finding Balance in Uncertain Times’ post, it’s important not to add unnecessary pressure on yourself to perform at optimum levels. Instead, gently remind yourself that we are living in unique times that call for a little more self-patience.
In this regard, you should consider incorporating breaks into your routine to prevent yourself from overworking. Not only does it help lighten your load, but it also helps you stay focused and less overwhelmed. According to psychology professor Alejandro Lleras from the University of Illinois, taking breaks helps ensure that you remain engaged, as a quick timeout can recharge your mind — even if it’s just a few minutes of meditation or stepping outside for fresh air.
Practice Open Communication
No matter where you’re working, collaboration and teamwork remain essential workplace values — even more so now. This is why it’s key to be open with your team if you’re struggling to handle all the stress and uncertainty. Maryville University psychologists have found a definitive link between mental health and cognitive development, which means checking in with yourself is integral to maintaining a functional, healthy brain. Pushing yourself to work when your mental state is suffering will take a serious toll on your wellbeing in the long run. Indeed, psychoanalyst Hilary Jacobs Hendel notes that suppressing your emotions can even heighten symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Although sharing your struggles with your co-workers can feel quite scary, always remember that they’re there to support you. After all, they’re your teammates and want to help you succeed. Once you acknowledge what you’re feeling both with yourself and your team, you allow your mind to experience true healing.
Maintain a Healthy Environment
There’s little you can do about what’s going on outside. At the very least, you can try to make sure your indoor setup and flow works to your mental and physical advantage. As an article on Business2Community reveals, having a clean, orderly desk can make the world of difference to your productivity. Of course, it’s harder to plough through deadlines when you keep getting distracted by random objects in your room, or loud noises blaring from your TV.
Another simple yet effective change you can make is to straighten your posture. In a study conducted by researchers from San Francisco State University, it was found that students who maintain a slouched position show higher levels of test anxiety and lower test scores. Despite seeming like an obvious point, the right posture can really help you adopt the proper mindset.
With all that being said, maintaining peace nowadays is easier said than done. Like we mentioned, you’ve got little to no control over the current world order. Your best bet is just to get a handle on what you can control — whether it’s moving your work hours or getting yourself a comfier chair. And most of all: understand that there’s no blueprint for handling a world crisis, so try to remember that even on the bleakest of days.
About the Author: Amanda McKee is a freelance writer and digital marketer, currently residing in Brooklyn. She is also a part-time yoga instructor, vegan, and strives to live a zero-waste lifestyle.