6 Best habits to create a healthy Work-From-Home ROUTINE

Major companies are bringing workers back to the office. Before, workers were either hybrid or fully remote. Today, corporations are pushing for workers to return with RTO (Return-to-Office) mandates. Companies believe RTO will result in a more productive workday, more engaged team members, though some leaders only want their teams to return to the office. 

However, this comes as a surprise to some regarding the conversations held in 2020. These conversations promised that hybrid and remote work environments would be the outlook.

Many workers aren’t okay with RTO mandates, as they are used to working from home. The RTO policy could lead to a large number of employees resigning. A study conducted by Pew Research Center said that almost half of remote workers (46%) would leave their employer if they weren’t allowed to work from home. 

Whether or not you view working from home as a luxury, there are some benefits and some areas of improvement on the not-so-great moments. 

When working from home, it’s important to stay engaged. Allow open communication so you don’t feel disconnected, anxious, or overwhelmed. Here’s how you can create a healthy and balanced work-from-home routine.

How to create a healthy work-from-home routine.

It’s important to create a healthy work-from-home balance. You don’t want to cross the lines between personal and work, but sometimes things pop up. So, when you’re at your job, do what you need to and leave it there. When you get off, do what you love to do, and don’t mix the two.

Stay engaged.

Don’t isolate yourself. You want to stay connected to others, since you’re the only one in your workspace. Yes, you may interact with your team virtually and maybe share a couple of laughs or two. But you’re still virtually distant on a computer, and it’s not the same as interacting with someone in person. 

Stay engaged with your team. Find a way to make your work fun. What funny stories can you tell others, or what can you do to make yourself laugh? Fill yourself with positive things and light-hearted fun. So, even on your worst days, you can still look forward to cracking a smile and cheering up.

Ask when you need help.

Ask for help when you need it the most. Sometimes we don’t ask for help because we believe what we’re asking is stupid. Who knows? Maybe someone else has that same question, too. 

When you’re stuck, reach out to your team. The longer you wait, the more priorities and tasks will pile up. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help. By not speaking up, you stay stuck and frustrated, not knowing what to do, and it can easily lead to you falling behind.

Create an atmosphere.

Design an atmosphere tailored to you. Create a comfy environment where you can work with ease and get things done. What does that space look and feel like?

Is it bright and airy, colorful, or monochromatic? Try including a beautiful bouquet, plants, essential oils, or smell-good candles. If you aren’t sure what scent to include in your workspace, then try a citrus scent. Citrus can uplift your mood, increase your alertness, and boost your energy levels. 

When you are down, a citrus aroma will promote a better mood.

Shut off when it’s time to.

Just like you would be in the office, when you’re off, you’re off. Stop bringing your work home with you. Keep your work at work. Once you clock out, all the problems and situations you didn’t resolve, you can work on them tomorrow.

For now, rest and focus on yourself because pushing too much is the fastest way to burn out.

Schedule time for yourself.

Take some days off to focus on resting. Enjoy every aspect and live for every moment of the day.

Also, take on a new hobby, skill, craft, or side business after work. This will allow you to do something you enjoy, and it’s a way to do something you enjoy outside of work.

Schedule time for others. 

Schedule time for family and friends. You can spend time chatting and laughing with the people who know you best. Just connecting and being around good company will uplift your spirit.

Working from home has its ups and downs. The upside is that you work from the comfort of your own home, you have reduced stress levels, plus you save on gas. 

The downside is that your co-workers are remote. So, you can lose a sense of personal connection. You may have to problem-solve more. You might not receive an immediate answer and need to wait longer for your questions to be answered in a virtual environment. 

Though it doesn’t mean you can’t create a healthy environment while working at home. Find the time to create an environment that is both beneficial and healthy, so you can continue to thrive in your work-from-home space.