6 Simple Ways to Stay Relaxed When You Work From Home

It can be difficult to unwind and relax when you work from home, but it’s important for your work-life balance. 

Working from home creates a unique dynamic, and you might work more than you would if you were in an office. The best way to prevent this is to set aside time to relax during and after work. 

Here are 6 simple ways to stay relaxed relax when you work from home.

Try a Workout

Getting a good workout breaks up the monotony of your day and can help you destress. Go for a walk outside or do some exercise indoors. 

Exercising releases endorphins in your body and sends messages to your brain to make you happier. You might exercise in the mornings to feel good about the day ahead and make it easier to have a productive day.

Improve Your Work Environment

A comfortable workspace can help you relax. If you work in an office outside your home, then it’s easier to leave your stress there and keep your home a refuge. 

However, when you work from home, you bring the stress of work to a place that would normally be a sanctuary. Remember to create a space in your home specifically designed for work. 

Keep all your work-related activities in that space, and have a home office (if you can) where you can shut the door when the work day is over and move on to spend time with your loved ones.

Take a Real Lunch Break

It can be tempting to simply throw together a sandwich and eat it at your laptop when you work from home. Instead, take a real lunch break as if you were working in an office. Go outside and enjoy the fresh air. 

You might buy lunch from a local restaurant or order delivery, and check your social media accounts. This is a good way to unwind and relax so you’re refreshed when you get back to work.

Create a Strict Routine

You must create a strict work schedule with a start time for your work day and an end time, just as if you were working outside the home. Plan for coffee breaks and lunch breaks in your schedule as well as other meetings.

You might try a time blocking schedule by grouping similar work tasks together in 2- to 3-hour blocks to decrease distractions and time lost to task switching.

Have an After-Work Hobby

A hobby you enjoy after work can give you something to look forward to at the end of the day, and you can choose any activity that interests you.

You could paint, do puzzles, play an instrument, or collect coins or pocket stones. Choose any hobby that engages your mind and makes you feel calm and joyful. 

Start Your Relaxation Journey

Working from home is a dream come true for many, but you still must maintain a level of discipline and also make time to relax or you risk burning out.

Carefully plan your day and fit in activities to help you relax and unwind. Taking care of yourself is extremely important, so make self-care a priority. It also gives you something to look forward to at the end of the day and motivates you to be more productive.