Manage your WFH burnout with these tips and tricks

Working from home = the new norm as we know it, from kitchen table Zoom meetings to DIY bedroom offices. These new working measures are great in some aspects, like having the luxury of getting to roll out of bed 5 minutes before work, or wearing the same cozy sweatpants all week! On the other hand, our at home responsibilities have significantly increased and as a result we are leaving the house less and less with the help and convenience of food and grocery delivery services, Amazon and the like. It's a great advancement in our society simply for convenience sake, unfortunately however, many of those who work from home tend to work longer hours in front of their computers and take less breaks when compared to working in the office. As a result we have less time to enjoy the things we love, or the things we don't love as much like running basic errands outside the house, therefore we turn to our computers or cell phones to order virtually anything we need at the click of a button. This new sedentary lifestyle is impacting our mental and physical wellbeing, so the question remains: how can you manage your routine to avoid the burnout associated with WFH? Just follow these tips and tricks to learn how! 

Create the perfect WFH oasis 

• Find a designated and quiet space you can use daily
• If you don’t have a quiet space, pick up some noise cancelling headphones 
• Make sure your workspace has some natural light, if your window doesn’t get enough try using an LED desk lamp
• Pick up some fresh flowers or greenery to liven up your work space
• Find a cute coaster and reusable straw to pair with your favourite coffee mug (bye-bye stained teeth)
• Order a desk organizer to keep your workspace zen and tidy
• Invest in comfortable solutions for your workspace such as a standing desk, seat cushion, or memory foam wrist support pad    

Schedule mental breaks

Depending on whether or not you have a set daily schedule, set alarm reminders to take a break throughout the day and do something you enjoy (even if it's only 5 minutes). This could be as simple as listening to your favourite song, taking a walk around the block, or making a hot cup of tea. According to Harvard University, taking mental breaks can naturally improve energy along with “creative thinking, problem solving, and helps reduce burnout.”

It's easier said than done, which is why it's important to consistently take breaks daily -- no excuses! It takes 21 days to form a new routine, therefore give yourself 21 days to develop your new and improved WFH ritual, including: mental breaks, healthy foods, time away from your blue screens and any other positive habits to help you throughout your working days!

Conquer Zoom fatigue 

Zoom meetings virtually suck the life out of you after a long day of calls! But it doesn't have to be that way when you incorporate these tips into your working days: 

• Come up with a meaningful icebreaker to start the call
• Wear blue light glasses
• Use natural eye drops to keep them hydrated
• Avoid multitasking during meetings
• Set alarm reminders to prevent your meetings from going into overtime 
• If possible, limit your calls or take breaks from your computer screen in between meetings
• Take the call on your phone and walk around the house to add more steps into your day
• Micro-dose with caffeine throughout the day: try a matcha latte for your afternoon pick me up instead of coffee   

Make your workspace more relaxing & enjoyable with the perfect essentials

• Cozy slippers
• Daily planner
• De-stress ball
• Essential oil diffuser
• Humidifier 
• Fresh smelling house plant
• Time marked water bottle
• Cute blue light blocking glasses
• Pour over or cold brew coffee maker
• An LED desk lamp that also charges your devices