Working from home can blur the lines between your personal and professional life. That imbalance can lead to elevated stress levels and unhealthy habits. Create structures in your day that prioritize your wellness.
- Stick to the morning routine you had in normal times as much as possible. Make your bed, shower, and change into work attire.
- Plan healthy meals for the week so you’re not snacking frequently just because you’re steps away from your kitchen all day.
- Set alarms on your phone to remind yourself to stand up and stretch, take a lunch break, or go outside for a walk.
- Keep your business-related materials in a dedicated workspace,
- Save housework for dedicated time outside of working hours.
- Set a firm time to stop working, and create a to-do list for the next day. This will help you avoid getting sucked back into work to finish one more thing.
- Plan some virtual social time. Pick a day to hold a virtual happy hour or small in-person gathering that doesn’t involve business matters.
- Avoid electronics after your work is done for the day. Don’t default to watching TV all night after working on the computer all day. Read, hang out with family, or cook.
- Try to go to bed at the same time every night. Before falling asleep, listen to soothing music or use a meditation app instead of scrolling through your phone.
Source: Brittany Wrenn, @properties, Chicago