Although there are definitely perks that come with working from home (no commute? yes, please!), working and living in the same space can make it challenging to understand where work life ends and home life begins. This blurring of spaces brings about a unique set of stressors that can negatively impact our productivity levels and overall mood.
Whether you’re dealing with internet issues, trying to juggle all of the housework that needs to get done or just simply missing the camaraderie that comes with office life, working from home isn’t always as comfortable as those pajama pants you’ve been secretly wearing to zoom meetings. If you’re finding yourself in desperate need of a little R&R, we’re sharing six helpful ways to unwind and destress while working from home.
Disconnect From Technology
All of this extra time spent at home has us glued to our screens 24/7. Between online exercise classes, virtual happy hours, and all of the new Netflix shows we’ve been binging, our technology dependence has never been stronger. When your workday is over, try to close your computer screen and commit to going tech-free for a period of time. This will allow you to mentally switch gears from work life to home life. Whether you decide to take a walk or just spend some quality time catching up with your family, giving your eyes and mind a break from the screen will allow you to establish a better work-life balance.
Take a Warm Bath
One of the best ways to unwind after a long day of work is to quite literally wash away the stress. There’s something so serene about lighting some candles, drawing yourself a warm bath and sinking into the tub. Want to up the relaxation factor of your at-home spa session? Try your hand at these easy DIY bath soak recipes.
Sweat it Out
Skip the coffee and opt for an energizing workout on days when you’re feeling drained and tense. Whether you choose to get an early morning sweat session in or finish your day off with a quick yoga flow, getting your body moving will help you relieve any stress you may be feeling and give you a much-needed boost of energy throughout the day.
Listen to Music or a Podcast
Music is one of the easiest ways to change your environment from stressful to positive. Hit play on your favourite playlist and listen to songs that make you want to sing along, just as you would on your commute home from work. If you’re looking for a mood-boosting activity with a little more substance, consider listening to a podcast while you work or as an alternative to mindlessly staring at the tv when the workday is done.
Read a Book
Sometimes the best way to escape the chaos of a stressful day is to transport yourself into another one. No matter if it’s a familiar favourite or a buzzworthy new release, there’s nothing quite like losing yourself in a good book to help get the creative juices flowing and bring about a sense of enjoyment to your day.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
There’s no better way to restore your energy and recharge for the day ahead than getting a good night’s rest, but we know that getting a solid 7-9 hours of sleep is easier said than done. With that in mind, set yourself up for success by ensuring that your bedroom is a sanctuary meant for rest. Remove any distractions that prevent you from getting some shut-eye including any phone or computer notifications, instead opt for a more relaxing activity like reading a book or listening to a soothing playlist.