Stress Awareness Month aims to increase public awareness of both the causes and cures of stress. A recent study by the Stress Management Society, identified that 65% of people in the UK have felt more stressed since the COVID19 restrictions began in March 2020.
The three key causes of concern are feelings of disconnection, uncertainty and a worrying lack of control. This is backed up by findings from the Mental Health Foundation which stated that 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.
Since restrictions were introduced more than 12 months ago, working from home has become the new normal for many employees across the region, and despite lockdown beginning to ease, homeworking – in some form - is set to continue for a number of business and organisations. As we try and balance work, rest and play all under the same roof, we outline our top tips for working from home.
Be organised
It is unlikely that you will be able to replicate your usual working week, especially if you are trying to juggle your job with childcare and, if a member of your household had to isolate, schoolwork. Plan ahead and make sure you co-ordinate your diary with your partner if possible so you have dedicated time to make calls or attend virtual meetings.
Understand your working ‘hours’
You may have had to adjust your working hours to manage your other commitments so look to break up your day into manageable chunks with a defined start and end time and regular breaks for lunch and to step away from your desk.
Take some time out
It is always important to take some time out during the working day and without the ‘benefit’ of a daily commute to switch off after a day in the office, it is essential that you make time during the day to get outside and do some exercise. A walk, cycle or run are ideal ways to help boost your overall well-being.
‘Leave’ work at the end of the day
Working from home can see employees doing more tasks in their non-working time as it is hard to separate home life from work life. If possible work in a room that you can close the door to at the end of the day; if not, make sure you tidy away your laptop at documents so you are not tempted to reach for them.
Make weekends different
Remember that Friday feeling? Make the most of weekends whilst working from home but making sure you switch off from work and do something on those days that you don’t have time to do during the week. Take a walk, arrange a movie night, organise a video catch up with friends or family.
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