How to Beat the Teleworking Blues

Once upon a time, working from home was a dream so many of us daydreamed about - until it became a requirement.  Even the more seasoned teleworking employees are having a challenge managing #allofthethings during this pandemic.  Though working from home is certainly a privilege considering all that is happening in the world around us, we must also acknowledge teleworking can sometimes be a handful and somewhat of a nuisance. 

However, each individual has different responses to working from home. Your teleworking experiences as a career woman are very much based on your lifestyle, habits, and work culture.  

The assumption many have is that working from home immediately creates a stress-free and enjoyable work environment, due to flexible working hours, quick access to your household chores, and let’s not forget the comfort of working in your pj’s.  

However, the “stress-free” laptop lifestyle can be short-lived when working for more than 8 hours a day becomes tiresome, demanding, and boring requirement.  Even research suggests teleworking can negatively impact your health.  So what do you do to prevent the mental fatigue that can present itself when you are teleworking?  How do you establish a work-life balance that feels good for your lifestyle? 

First and foremost, women need to keep a pulse on their mental status by creating mindfulness habits that allow them to gauge how they are feeling each day.  Embracing the reality that working from home can be emotionally taxing and creating healthy habits to combat that reality are the keys to fighting the teleworking blues.  

Here are a few Pro Tips that can help you fight the teleworking blues:

Pro Tip #1: Create Your Work Environment

Setting up a workspace is very necessary for both your mental health and productivity. Drop the PJs and start your work day with a cute outfit and a fresh cup of your favorite morning coffee or tea.  Then, head to your designated work space.  Use your creativity to set up a space that “feels good” for you.  Some options include: setting up a small desk in the corner of your living room, using your kitchen table as an “office to-go space” or turning your guest bedroom or garage into the ultimate posh #girlboss space.  

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Pro Tip #2: Create And Stick To A Schedule

Establish a work schedule and create boundaries to avoid burnout and procrastination.  By establishing a schedule that includes breaks to eat and/or pop a load of clothes in the washer, you can break up the monotony of your day AND remain productive.  Adhering to a schedule can be difficult but try setting time block alarms on your cell phone and/or partner with a colleague or friend to use as an accountability partner.  You must follow your work schedules and take breaks per the scheduled plan as this will help you maintain work-life balance.

Pro Tip #3: Spend Time With A Friend Or Colleague

Whether you are working for a company from home or you are working for yourself, socializing is a great way to reduce feelings of loneliness and sadness.  Adult interaction can make a profound difference when you try to balance working from home, homeschooling, household chores, mastering recipes, trying to stay fit, and being a good partner.  Sometimes a good virtual hangout to discuss work-related challenges or laugh about the random commercial you saw can be good for your well-being.  Using applications such as Zoom, Google Hangout, Facetime, or Houseparty can serve as great resources to host a virtual lunch, coffee chat, or happy hour.

Pro Tip #4: Get Some Fresh Air

Try adding a little more vitamin d to your daily routine by taking your virtual office outdoors.  Using outdoor spaces such as your patio/porch, pool, or a local park to work for a few hours, can serve dual purposes.  Try taking a walk during a mandatory call or simply enjoy the scenery while you click away on your laptop - either way you will find yourself feeling better and increasing your productivity.   

Note: During the pandemic, please don’t forget to implement social distancing to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Pro Tip #5: Make taking care of yourself a priority

While working from home, try utilizing at least one of your breaks to do something that refills your tank.  It is very easy to use breaks to complete quick household chores.  However, consider taking a break to do something you enjoy OR need to nourish your soul such as yoga, baking, a 20-minute workout, or maybe even taking a timed nap.  Remember, if your tank is not full it can be difficult to serve others and that includes your employer and/or business.

“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” 

Dolly Parton