Working from home is linked to all kinds of positive emotions for isolated workers like freedom, trust, and happiness, etc. However, working from home during a pandemic has been a particularly different experience for some, as a lot of people are working from home more than ever, without preparation or choice. Practically overnight, remote workers were forced to juggle personal and professional duties without training, experiences or resources.
4 Ways to Stay Positive While Working Remotely
1. Set Boundaries
As a remote worker, it’s important to set boundaries between work and home. Sure, there might be times when your schedule is unbalanced, or you have to work a few more extra hours than expected. But on normal days, it’s important to shut work off and walk straight into your home duties and life. Do your very best to keep your work and personal life separate. This will help you stay positive while working remotely, and keep you from becoming a workaholic.
2. Stay Connected
Working from home doesn’t mean that you disconnect from your workmates. You need to connect with them on subjects other than work.
You can hold virtual meetings and other means of working through projects with your team, group chats, etc. But if the effort to proactively connect with your colleagues when you’re working remotely is not sustained, you could find yourself feeling lonely and isolated. Maintaining the bond with others and feeling like you’re part of a community is paramount for maintaining a healthy workplace lifestyle.
3. Work During Your Most Productive Hours
Most people are morning people while some are not. Knowing when you feel the productive, and sticking to that schedule will give you a competitive advantage over other colleagues.
If you’re a morning person, focus on work in the morning and engage in house chores like yard work, or grocery shopping later in the day. While occasionally this may be a nice break, those productive hours should be focused on getting your best work completed. Getting some work done when you’re “in the zone” can help you stay positive while working from home.
Figure out when you are the most active and focused, and plan your work schedule around that time. This way, you are guaranteed 100% productivity and commitment.
4. Get Some Fresh Air
When you are working from your home, it’s easy to forget where the lines are between your personal and professional life. As result, you might find yourself never leaving the house.
But it’s also tricky as you have to take note of your scenery to avoid feeling stuck, it is more likely to feel sluggish rather than energetic as a home has a feeling of comfort and relaxation. Get out of the house often, walk around, this can easily refresh your mind.
Remember, it is easy to get caught up in the stress of trying to balance your new life suddenly focusing on the positive while working remotely can truly make all the difference.
About the Author
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