From distance learning for kids to a lack of socializing for adults, COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on work-life balance.
While there are definitely good things about working at home, re-finding a healthy stability within your life can be complex. If COVID-19 has you feeling exhausted, overworked, and anxious, below are a few methods to manage your work-from-home routine to make for a better work-life balance.
Work-Life Balance or Work-Life Integration?
Have Flexible Expectations
Even though some people might see remote work as an opportunity to use traditionally off-hours for greater efficiency, other people might feel bogged down by the sheer volume of changes to a highly structured day. With regards to creating a new work-life balance, a good first step is to take on a flexible mentality when it comes to expectations.
Give yourself permission to make mistakes and have unproductive days. Any new routine takes time to get used to and being open-minded will allow you to navigate the transition, especially as the lockdown and COVID situations evolve.
Take Breaks
In a typical workday, you probably stop to speak with coworkers about their weekend, refill your coffee every few hours and leave for lunch — all without thinking about it. When you’re at home, it can be harder to incorporate break times, especially if you’re feeling pressure to “show your work” to your company.
It is critical to schedule breaks during the day, as you normally would. Schedule some “lunch dates” with a family member or take a walk to get that necessary mental break from work. Even research shows that regularly stepping away helps workers be more productive than those who grind away without breaks.
Pay Attention to Your Productivity Rhythm
When most people go into work, they tend to have a routine that has the effect of mentally ramping up to being productive. For instance, when you wake up, you probably make coffee, get dressed and have breakfast. When you work remotely, these routines are lost and the transition from “home” to “work” happens in a matter of seconds.
It is essential to maintain these routines that trigger your productivity. If you used to drive to work, think about taking a brief walk before each workday begins. Also, turning off your computer and putting down your phone when you take a break is a simple way to mentally shift from “work” to “home”.
The key is to pay attention to your mental and physical rhythms. If you’re supposed to start work at 8:30 a.m. but still need a few more minutes, go ahead and take a few moments for yourself before diving into your workday. While you want to avoid slipping into procrastination, you’ll be more productive and more satisfied if you lean into your body’s natural rhythms.
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At SMCI, we help job seekers looking for work during this challenging time. Please contact us today to find the work you need.
