5 Tips For Staying Motivated While Working From Home
Tip 1: Maintain a routine
Routine and structure are incredibly important during a crisis, as it provides us with a set of guidelines for our day that has otherwise been upended. While it is tempting to stay up late and hit the snooze button more than once (or even forget the alarm altogether), maintaining a regular sleep schedule has been proven to help cognitive functioning. And once you are out of bed, keep that momentum going by getting dressed in something other than more loungewear. Instead of staying in your pajamas for those video conferences, consider dressing for the job you still have to get you in the right mindset.
Tip 2: Don’t use extra time to work
Without the regular cues of commuting to work and leaving at the end of your day, it can become easy to work for many more hours than normal. You may be feeling pressure to show that you are a diligent employee to your absent boss when they email you at 9pm. Now that you don’t have a commute, consider using that time to make a healthy lunch, or go for a walk before you start your day. Setting timelines and boundaries is key to ensuring that you don’t begin to feel overworked and under-appreciated.
Tip 3: Don’t forget to socialize
Many of us didn’t even notice how easy it was to socialize at work until those short conversations as you pass by a co-worker’s desk, or at the coffee machine were taken away. Now you may feel like you are expected to be diligent with every moment of your workday. Your coworkers are likely missing you as much as you are missing them, so take a moment to reach out to your favourite people via video chat or phone. Maintaining those relationships will help boost your mood and keep everyone feeling connected.
Tip 4: Take breaks
Work breaks are mandated for a reason, and just because you are at home doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take time for lunch, a short walk, or to take a call from a friend. These breaks are essential not only to your mental health but are also helpful in reducing eye strain from staring at your computer all day. One way to add breaks into your schedule is by adding a daily calendar invite for 10-15 mins at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., or you can use Clockify, free software that tracks how long you’ve been on your computer. Regardless, make a concerted effort to step away from your computer.
Tip 5: Learn something new
For many of us work has slowed down due to the pandemic, so now is the perfect time to learn something new that you can use in your current job, or for the job you are hoping to get. Developing new skills not only adds to your value as an employee but can provide you with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Websites like edX.org offer free e-learning on a multitude of subjects that may spark a new interest or help develop a valuable skill.
Are you struggling to find motivation during the pandemic?
The Therapy Centre has skilled Psychologists, Social Workers and Psychotherapists who effectively treat a variety of issues that may arise from the COVID-19 situation including fears, health anxiety, issues related to isolation and loneliness, how to manage uncertainty and how to increase one’s tolerance for the unknown.
At The Therapy Centre we are now offering Telehealth services including secure phone sessions and videoconferencing.
Our offices are located at 2525 Old Bronte Road in Oakville and 849 Upper Wentworth Street in Hamilton-just minutes from the QEW and easily accessible from Peel Region, Halton Region, Halton Hills, Stoney Creek and Niagara Region.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2014/01/22/11-ways-to-stay-motivated-while-working-from-home/#27731c675f67
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/digital-leaders/202003/5-tips-working-home-amid-covid-19
https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/wfh-sos-how-to-work-from-home-successfully-during-lockdown/
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200312-coronavirus-covid-19-update-work-from-home-in-a-pandemic