As quarantine measures remain to be implemented in the metro, employees find themselves struggling to maintain work-life balance in their remote workdays. In spite of the benefits of a WFH setup, it also makes it difficult to unplug from the workday and ease the burnout risk.
The daily increase in active COVID-19 cases and alarming news headlines ultimately make it hard to find a sense of calm and stability. Naturally, people become anxious and restless during these uncertain times. It is important that we become proactive in protecting our sense of peace and encouraging our employees and colleagues to do the same.
Work-life balance remains to be an important aspect of a good work environment—even if that environment is remote. Here are a few tips to find that healthy balance so you can stay motivated and produce great work.
1. Develop a schedule and try your best to stick to it
Working from home can sometimes make you feel like you should be working all the time. And with the flexibility of the remote work setup, it’s easy to find yourself procrastinating and dealing with the pressure of getting tasks done when the day is almost over.
By having and following a schedule, you condition yourself to focus on tasks and make sure they get accomplished by the end of the day.
2. Set no-work zones
As we become more dependent on technology and social media to stay connected, separating work from our personal lives is even more difficult. Checking emails for breakfast during the weekends and taking business calls at the dinner table can easily find their ways in our routine.
Activate the ‘Do Not Disturb’ phone feature after clocking out and/or during weekends to allow yourself some time-off from work notifications.
3. Get creative in your lunch hour
Sans the long fast food queues and city bustle, there are a lot of things you can do in an hour. Make the most of your break time by dedicating it to yourself.
Use this time to recharge for the next half of the day.
4. Meditate or exercise daily
Being locked inside our homes for almost 4 months, with minimal leisure opportunities and social interaction, is tiresome. But if there are two things we can still do at home, it is practicing mindfulness and/or exercising daily.
At this point, it is important that you find (or create) an outlet to release the stress and take a hold of your emotions. This will help you focus more on the job and keep things in the right perspective.
5. Plan your after-work hours
You’ve created a daily work schedule. You should also have one for personal affairs.
Find a new hobby. Watch films with your family. Play with your house pets a little longer. Have a full skincare routine. Video chat with the friends you miss the most. Whatever you do, make your after-work hours about personal things that matter to you.
