3 Tips to Avoid the Work-From-Home Blues

While many leading businesses have transitioned away from a primarily remote model in the waning days of the pandemic, several of us are still lucky enough to stay at home and enjoy the benefits of remote work. That said, we can sometimes take the opportunity for granted. Sure, avoiding the rush hour commute is great, but when we neglect to capitalize on the freedom that comes with a work-from-home model, we run the risk of falling into a malaise.

As the days blur together and we begin to miss the social interactions inherent to a shared workspace, we may lose our sense of passion for work and fall behind on our productivity goals. I’m sure that if you ask anyone who has worked from home in the past few years, they will be able to recognize just how draining and alienating the experience can be. If not for themselves, then for their friends and colleagues.

The past few years have afforded me the time to think about how to make the most out of one’s work-from-home routine, as well as gain perspective from others who were able to combat the work-from-home blues through consistent, mindful habits. Below are 3 of my personal tips:

1. Designate Time for Activities That Keep You Healthy and Energized

When you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, the worst thing you can do is sit idly by and stare at the screen, waiting for inspiration to strike. As you build your daily schedule, I suggest blocking off periods of time dedicated to activities toward clearing the mind and getting the blood flowing. Don’t feel guilty for taking a half-hour break to get away from the screen. Between meetings, if you know that you have enough time in which you can afford to turn off the computer and ignore your emails for a while, never hesitate to take advantage of that opportunity.

Even the people I know who absolutely thrive under a busy schedule can only do so because of their excellent time management skills. Ensure there's enough time in your workday for fun or less intensive tasks, like:

• Go for a walk with your friends
• Get some easy chores done between calls
• Sign up for a gym class
• Read a book
• Take an art class
• Run some errands

Most people would agree that the best part of a work-from-home model (aside from avoiding the commute) is the flexibility to build a schedule that does not exclusively revolve around our jobs.

Just be sure that you’re maintaining a workable balance between productivity and enrichment. Too much free time on one day, and you may find yourself with too much on your plate later on in the week.

2. Consider a Change in Scenery

Boredom and a sense of monotony are huge hurdles to building a sustainable work-from-home routine. I find that these feelings can arise when we deprive ourselves of visual and sensory stimulation. Getting tired of looking at the same décor day in and day out, before, during, and even after work hours?

Now might be the perfect time for a home office refresh. Whether that involves something as simple as moving your desk to a new location or something as substantial as replacing your furniture, any change can be a useful change. Never underestimate the power of new aesthetics!

Take an inventory of your surroundings and see what changes you can make in the name of comfort and stimulation. Even small changes such as investing in a new chair, a stand for your laptop or computer, an additional monitor for your workstation, a standing desk, or a ring light for your camera can make a huge difference in your overall state of mind.

And if you’re tired of enforcing the boundaries between your workspace and home space on a daily basis, why not temporarily move your workstation to a public space? Coffee shops, libraries, and especially co-working spaces not only help provide us with great variety, but they can also help provide a substitute for the water-cooler talk you’re missing from the office.

3. Don’t Ignore Opportunities to Socialize

Do you have a friend in town who also works from home? Why not reach out and plan to work together? Either in the same space or if virtual, at the same time on a Zoom call. Even if you’re both working from your respective homes, this arrangement may help you feel less isolated.

Your work buddy can also help you reach productivity goals if they agree to be your accountability partner and vice versa. You and your friend can also remind one another when to take breaks, go outside, or get up and stretch at least once every hour. All are important aspects of a healthy work-from home-routine that are all too easy to neglect when we operate entirely in a vacuum.

I’d love to hear from those of you who have learned to beat the work-from-home blues on your own terms. Do you have any tips and tricks that you would recommend to those who feel stuck in the same old routine? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below!