Quick and Easy Work From Home Recovery Ideas

Now that we’re aware of the small ways working from home is potentially wrecking havoc with your mind and body, it’s time to focus on what to do about it (c’mon – you didn’t think  we’d leave you hanging , did you?).

Just as there are little ways that WFH can whittle away at your wellbeing, there are small ways to push back and reclaim your feeling of strength, control, and calm. You don’t need to completely rearrange your life to do it, either – you don’t even have to rearrange any furniture, for that matter. It’s all about adopting little habits and appreciating little victories because working from home can be isolating but it doesn’t have to be all consuming.

Staring At Your Computer Does Not Equal Working

A recent study on the state of remote work in 2021 found that the biggest issue people face with working from home is the inability to unplug. For some reason, we think that sitting in front of our computer constitutes being “on the clock” and therefore being a diligent and responsible worker. But you can – and should – be taking frequent breaks both for your mental and physical wellbeing, and to help stimulate ideas or problem solve. You can still be working while taking a walk or doing errands, and you’re allowing your mind to figure out things or come up with creative solutions while you’re doing it. Sitting hunched over your computer all day isn’t really doing you or your business any good.

Create a Workspace

One the reasons people can’t unplug is that there is no separation between work and life when you’re remote. Not having to traverse physical distance to “get to work” makes us feel like we don’t know where the boundaries exist anymore. Not everyone has access to a home office or studio, but it’s important to designate an area that is for work to help you focus and to re-establish some of those important distinctions.  It can be a side table or a specific chair/laptop combo or some kind of outdoor space – whatever it is that signals to your brain “this is work time” (and, on the flipside, reminds your brain that your living room is “release stress and relax time”)

Get On Track

We mentioned how working from home can exacerbate feelings of “imposter syndrome,” but even if you don’t go to that extreme, you may question how much work you’re actually accomplishing now that you’re free from the trappings of the office.   Tracking your time in whatever way works for you – using a spreadsheet, using a notepad, maybe some color-coded Post-Its – will help you realize that, yes, you are doing a lot.

It’s OK To Seek Affirmation

If you are feeling isolated and think the rest of the world’s workforce is out there crushing it while you sit there in your donut-patterned PJs, there are ways to calm yourself down and refocus. It’s ok to, say, actively seek out reinforcement on projects and contributions. When a work project is submitted, ask for feedback – and don’t confuse mistakes with failures. Mistakes are valuable teaching tools, and we all make them. It’s OK.

Once you get in the mindset that you are surviving in unprecedented times (and you are), then you’ll realize you’re also thriving. We can help with the neck pain or the lower back problems, and help you feel energized enough to tackle the rest.