When it comes to working from home, no one is immune from burnout. Perhaps, a couple of days ago, you found your home office quite comfortable, but today, you’ve got zero motivation and no idea how to deal with it. You might even start questioning your ability to work at all.
But wait. Calm down and take a deep breath before you dive into the depths of despair. In this article, we analyze why burnout happens to many of us and what can make you feel much better. Use our tips from a career advice expert to cope with stress – you will definitely catch your second wind thanks to them.
What Does Burnout Look Like for Remote Employees?
When you first switched to the home office, you probably saw a lot of advantages. Waking up later due to saving time on the commute, wearing comfortable pants instead of a business suit – all this could not but rejoice. Yes, the lack of live communication was disappointing, but everyone got into a rhythm somehow. The tasks were finished on time, and meetings took place in Zoom, so everything seemed to have become an everyday routine.
Some individuals even started analyzing their professional path and looking for better jobs. Of course, any job search begins with creating a bot-beating resume, and now there are more career resources than ever before. Job seekers can easily get professional help with crafting winning applications.
However, before choosing a specific platform, it is better to study the users’ feedback about it. For example, check out Resume Genius reviews for the pros and cons of the site. Then, you will decide whether this service meets your expectations.
So, what happened to remote employees next? Something has changed: it was difficult to sit down to work in the morning as many felt completely wiped out. The feeling of loneliness was overwhelming too.
No doubt, remote work requires excellent discipline. And it’s not easy to handle all the responsibilities alone if you face tight deadlines and rarely leave the house.
Signs of Burnout
Formally, burnout is the result of chronic stress. Check out the list of the most common signs – it’s likely many of them are already known to you.
- It’s hard for you to get the essence of the problem.
- You regularly complain about your work to others.
- You procrastinate, distracted by social media, TV, tidying, etc.
- You feel exhausted, both mentally and physically.
- You simply can’t get started.
- It seems to you that no one appreciates your efforts.
- You miss the office.
- You don’t feel like going out or interacting with people even though you feel lonely.
If you are experiencing any of these things, know that you are not alone in such a situation. The main thing is to start doing something about burnout before it grows into something more.
How to Deal With Burnout?
You can try these simple strategies to get away from the tension and stress of an online job.
- New Workplace
Our brain quickly gets used to the daily routine and the surrounding environment. Sooner or later, we just get bored. Therefore, to stay creative and motivated, you need to find new stimuli and change the scenery.
If possible, try to get out of town and work outside. Find a new coffee shop or open space outside your neighborhood. Plus, why not work while traveling? In fact, even a new workplace within your apartment can make a huge difference. Rearrange your table and add some cozy details, be it a pillow or new music in the background.
Try to work outside the home at least one or two days a week. Due to new experiences, you will break out of the stuffy routine and get fresh impressions.
2. Finding Reasons to Feel Happy
Experiencing emotional burnout, we don’t notice positive aspects of the situation. What all psychologists say is that we underestimate gratitude practices. Have you ever heard of the Pollyanna rule? The main character of Eleanor Porter’s book teaches readers to find joy in simple things. Let’s agree, one can find positive details even on the most typical day.
Some people keep a paper gratitude journal to relax from digital screens. See what you can write down. For example, when you’re out of the office, you don’t spend your mornings on a crowded bus, you have more time to be around your loved ones, or you don’t engage in office gossip.
In moments of despair, reread your notes, and you will be surprised at how good your life is.
3.More Breaks Outside
If you sit in front of your laptop all day long, no wonder you feel overwhelmed. It is quite inefficient to stay at the workplace for eight hours in a row. According to research, we are much more productive when we take breaks, especially when we walk, spend time outside, and de-stress in nature.
Start with the classic Pomodoro technique. Set a timer for half an hour and try to work without distractions. Then, take a break for 5-10 minutes. Go outside, drink coffee, and exercise.
4. Paying Attention to Your Look
When companies first began to switch to remote work, many advised employees to dress like they were going to the office to feel more organized. Surely, it can be too much to sit at the kitchen table in a business suit, so stick to what you feel comfortable in. At the same time, this does not mean that you should walk around in pajamas all day long.
It may seem strange to think through your look when no one is watching, but it’s actually a very effective technique. Right clothes will help you feel confident, focused, and able to cope with various tasks.
5. Changing Your Schedule
Another plus of remote work is the ability to create your personal schedule. On the one hand, it should meet your company’s needs, and on the other hand, it should coincide with the hours when you are most productive. Are you a morning bird? “Eat a frog” for breakfast, and the most energy-intensive task will not further disturb you. Also, schedule a virtual coffee break with colleagues for the afternoon. This way, you’ll definitely cheer each other up.
Conclusion
We hope the tips mentioned above will help you stay motivated and productive. You should be able to invest in your career and take steps to your bright future at work. Remember that your work-from-home experience depends on your organizational skills and mental hygiene.
Don’t be afraid to change things from time to time, and find as many reasons to smile as you can. This way, you’ll have the energy for great accomplishments.
