Ways to Manage Work Stress When Working from Home

With no commute and flexible hours, working from home should feel like a breeze, right?

Wrong.

According to a study conducted by the United Nations, people working remotely actually report higher levels of stress. Here are a few tips to follow to avoid burnout.

Create a Schedule

The things we feel we must do often leave very little time for the things we want to do. To maintain your mental and physical health, you must learn to prioritize and delegate tasks (both professional and personal). Know what you’re capable of – give yourself enough time to tackle each project and time to unwind at the end of each day.

Learn to Say NO

To have enough time to get tasks done right, you’ll have to refuse some of the requests that come your way. That said, it can be quite difficult to say no to people you don’t owe time to. However, it must be done. All you get is 24 hours a day, and saying yes to them is saying no to yourself.

Avoid Multitasking Too Much

Multitasking too much may be counterproductive, and you may just find yourself constantly distracted. If you aren’t checking off entries on your to-do list, you may be multitasking too much. Try to stay focused on your goals.

Create Personal Rewards

Break down projects into smaller goals and acknowledge the completion of each step. This will keep you motivated. Appreciating your progress and celebrating the milestones will give you an incentive to move out of your comfort zone.

Remember to Switch Off!

Using screens late at night negatively affects your sleep quality. To stay productive, you must get enough rest. Remember to turn off your devices and disconnect mentally well before bedtime.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help

Stress is caused by the tendency to take on more tasks than you can handle. If you’re unable to cope on some days, reach out to your coworkers or family.