In light of the Thanksgiving holiday, this is an update to SearchRemotely.com article on the 5 ways in which remote workers can relieve themselves of the exhaustion of working from home.
The Exhaustion of Remote Workers
We are recovering from COVID-19 and adapting to the new normal. As we do so, we have definitely changed the way we work today. No commute, no dressing up for work, and flexibility of work hours – work from home must have sounded ideal to most of us. However, as the pandemic lingers and we become aware of the indefinite timeline of the remote work, exhaustion and burnout have become major issues for many. Self-isolation and the stress that accompanies it make us feel drained and less enthusiastic about our work.
Research on Zoom Fatigue Experienced by Remote Workers in Remote Jobs
The latest research shows that remote workers completing remote job tasks while working from home or working from anywhere are experiencing Zoom Fatigue. What is Zoom Fatigue? It is the anxiety and stress associated with the demand to participate in an increased number of virtual meetings coupled with the requirement to appear on camera. It is also the experience of exhaustion after virtual meetings have concluded. Data show that almost half of the remote professionals using virtual meetings to carryout remote job tasks and remote assignments experience this phenomenon.
Statistics on Productivity and Zoom Meeting use by Remote Workers
Global Newswire calculated the data showing the following:
- 63% of remote workers said that they were participating in more virtual meetings than they would have had they worked in a traditional office,
- 30% of remote workers spend up to two to three hours each day meeting on camera.
Having provided this new research, there are some ways to counteract fatigue and increase productivity when working from home. Let’s talk! So, immediately we have added a new first step, “Be Grateful.”
5 Ways to Relieve Yourself of Work From Home Exhaustion
1. Be Grateful
Count your blessings.
Research from the University of Southern California demonstrates that the practice of gratitude can IMPROVE mental health. How so? The habit of being grateful for each day and the act of gratefulness are associated with sleeping better and reduced physical pain, lower levels of inflammation, and lower blood pressure. Why is this so? Because other studies have found that counting your blessings each day can change the structure of the human brain. These changes leads to improved social bonding and stress relief.
2. Take Regular Breaks
Pause. Move Around. Resume.
While working in an office set up, we tend to move around naturally. We take breaks, attend meetings in different rooms, and walk to meet our colleagues. You might not have noticed it then but these small breaks must have helped you a lot in increasing your productivity. Sitting in one place and working for eight hours in one go can help you understand the difference.
Other articles you might like:
- How to stay healthy when working from home
- 5 digital detox tips to remedy digital nomad fatigue
- 5 tips to help combat work from home burnout
- How to make working from home a joyful experience
- How to get through Working in isolation
Moving around for some time and taking regular breaks is equally important when you are working remotely. Spend 15 minutes away from your desk, take a short walk, call a friend, watch a small clip, brew a fresh cup of coffee, stretch your arms and legs, or just use your phone to scroll through social media – doing these little activities can shift your focus for some time and help you feel more enthusiastic when you resume work.
3. Be Compassionate with Yourself
“We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to do’ list.” —Michelle Obama, former First Lady.
We are living in uncertain times and it is now more important than ever to be compassionate with ourselves. You cannot give your 100% throughout the day. It is okay to take some time off the day for yourself just to do the things that make you feel relaxed and put you in a good mood. One of the most positive things about getting a remote job is a flexible work schedule. We can allow ourselves to match our work with our attention levels. We can work on the projects and the assigned jobs when we feel the most productive in a day.
Feeling stressed at times is natural but do not let it consume you. Understand that all days are different and sometimes it is okay to do the absolute bare minimum that can be managed without letting stress take over you. Stay engaged in the activities that you like to do – be it reading a book for an hour or running five miles a day. Such activities help you build a routine and increase your productivity at work.
4. Try Change of Scenery
“I benefit from a change of scenery; it’s always inspiring.” —Kurt Vile, American Singer & Songwriter.
A little change in the work environment can help a lot in boosting productivity. Pre-COVID, there were so many options available – you could walk into a coworking space, sit in an outdoor setting, or work in a café. However, in this time of social distancing, the options are limited. If going out is not an option, you can always move to a different room or try sitting by an open window. You can work while sitting in a balcony or an outdoor space in front of your house, if possible. However, if this does not seem to be feasible, you can always change the work set up in your room; choose a different corner and move the furniture around. You’ll notice more productivity by embracing these easy and little changes.
Other articles you might like:
- Working Remotely and the surprising mental health effects
- Ten incredible environmental benefits of working remotely
- How to shift to a slow work mentality
- 9 signs your remote workplace is toxic
- Lonely and misunderstood remote workers
5. Talk to a Friend
Did you know – A study shows that during stressful times, being around a best friend decreases levels of the stress hormone, cortisol?
Sometimes the best antidote for stress is simply talking to a friend. Self-isolation or working remotely can take a toll on your mental health and that is when technology comes to the rescue. Ensure that you are in touch with your friends and family. Make a phone call or video chat with them to feel more connected to the outer world.
Whenever you are feeling stressed, frustrated, or anxious, just call a friend and talk about it. This will help you avoid burnout and isolation.
6. Maintain Work-Life Balance
Set Boundaries Between Work and Personal Time.
Just because you are working from home, it does not mean you cannot have a set personal time in a day. Try following a routine and give equal importance to your work and personal time. If you are working remotely due to COVID, you can keep following your pre-COVID work schedule. You can even utilize your commute time by doing what you used to do. Listen to a song, watch a video, or simply enjoy a cup of tea/coffee – ensure you are following the same routine as any other pre-COVID work day.
Many of us neglect the importance of unwinding at the end of a long working day. Taking some time off after work to get indulged in some kind of activity helps you prepare for the next day. So, be it listening to your favorite music or playing with your pet – such small activities help in unwinding and relieving stress.
The Bottom Line Is
Work from home comes with a lot of benefits; it helps in saving time, money, and also gives you more time for yourself. However, it is important to know about its other side as well. Work from home exhaustion is real, but don’t let it get the best of you. Start including these tips in your routine and see how they make a difference. If you are a morning person, try to schedule your tasks in the morning. Others may find evening time to be the most productive for them. Alongside, know how to give equal importance to work and your personal life. A healthy balance of both can help you avoid burnout and work from home exhaustion.
Author- Samar Sood Samar Sood is a senior editor at Job Nexus – a professional resume writing and editing service provider that helps job seekers meet their potential recruiters.
Search Remotely is an online marketplace for remote workers to find work from home jobs across the globe. We have one of the world’s leading remote work blogs and we deep dive into every aspect of this industry.
