No doubt working from home has perks—no commute, more flexible hours, and a more relaxed dress code. However, working from home can also come with its own unique set of challenges, namely when it comes to managing stress levels.

If you tend to get easily frazzled when working in an office setting, you might wonder how to survive the transition to working from home. 

Luckily, there are a few things you can do and we’ll elaborate on each of them below:

Create a Routine

Working from home can be great, but it can also be stressful. 

One of the best ways to limit stress is to have a routine. 

Having a set time to start working, take breaks, and stop working for the day can help you feel more in control of your time.

Creating a routine can also have other benefits. 

It can help you be more productive, as you’re less likely to get sidetracked by things that are not related to work. 

It can also help you better manage your time, as you’re more likely to stick to your schedule if it’s written down or set in stone.

Of course, not every day will go according to plan. 

For example, you may have days where you need to work late or take a break in the middle of the day. 

But a routine can help you feel less stressed on those days, as you know there is an end in sight.

Have a Dedicated Workspace

When you work from home, it is important to have a dedicated workspace. 

This can be a room in your house to which you can close the door or a specific area in your living room or kitchen. 

Having a dedicated workspace will help you to stay focused and limit distractions while you are working.

Your workspace does not have to be large or fancy, but it should be clean and organized. 

You should also ensure your workspace is comfortable and free from distractions. 

If possible, try to find a quiet spot in your home where you can work without interruption.

Minimize Distractions

Working from home can be stressful if you don’t have a good way to minimize distractions. 

Even if you’re in a dedicated home office, it’s easy to get sidetracked by things happening around you. 

Here are a few tips to help you avoid distractions and focus on what needs to be done:

• Get rid of distractions. If you have distracting things in your office, get rid of them. This might mean putting away personal items, turning off the television, or moving your desk away from the window.
• Set boundaries. Let your family and friends know when you’re working and when you’re available to talk. Set up a dedicated workspace just for work, and stick to it.
• Focus on one task at a time. Trying too many things at once will only make you feel more stressed. For example, when you’re working on a project, focus on it and nothing else until it’s done.
• Take breaks. Breaks are important! Get up and move around every few hours, or take a few minutes to relax and clear your mind. Then, you’ll return to your work feeling refreshed and ready to focus again.

Connect with Friends

While it might be tempting to stay home all day and avoid human interaction, this can lead to more stress. 

So, socializing is important, even if it’s just meeting up with a friend for coffee or watching a movie. 

If you don’t have any close friends, try to meet new people and make new friends. 

There are plenty of ways to do this, such as joining a club or taking a class. 

You can also hang out where you’re likely to meet people with similar interests, such as in bookstores, museums, or sports bars.

Reward Yourself

One way to limit stress when working from home is to reward yourself for your dedication. 

This can help you stay motivated and on track. 

For example, you might buy yourself a new coffee mug after completing a project or get yourself a new book after reaching a sales goal. 

Whatever your reward is, make sure it is something you will look forward to and enjoy. 

This will help you stay focused and motivated while also reducing stress.

Take Breaks

When working from home, it’s important to schedule breaks just like you would at an office. 

This helps you to reset and avoid burnout. 

In addition, make sure to have breaks planned throughout the day to have time to rest and relax. 

Working from home can be stressful, but by taking regular breaks, you can help to limit the amount of stress you feel.

Practice Saying No

Working from home can be both a blessing and a curse. 

On the one hand, you have the freedom to design your schedule and take breaks whenever you want. 

But, on the other hand, it can be easy to get caught up in work and forget to take care of yourself.

One of the most important things you can do to limit stress when working from home is to learn to say no. 

You don’t have to commit to every project or opportunity that comes your way. 

Instead, choose your commitments carefully and don’t overcommit yourself.

It’s also important to make time for yourself, even working from home. 

Make sure you schedule breaks throughout the day and take time to do things you enjoy outside of work. 

This will help you stay sane and avoid burnout.

Working from home can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be if you practice healthy habits like saying no and taking breaks for yourself.

Get Enough Sleep

It is important to get plenty of sleep when you are working from home. 

This will help to limit the amount of stress that you feel. 

Make sure you get ample sleep each night to feel rested and ready to work the next day.

Practice Self Care

One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to practice self-care. 

This means taking care of yourself emotionally, mentally, and physically. 

Here are some ways you can practice self-care:

• Be gentle with yourself. If you have a bad day, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, take a deep breath and start fresh tomorrow.
• Be kind to yourself. Talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend. Would you tell them they’re worthless? Of course not! So don’t tell yourself that either.
• Take breaks throughout the day. Get up and stretch, walk, or just step away from your work for a few minutes. This will help you avoid burnout.
• Make time for things you enjoy. Whether reading, watching TV, or spending time with friends and family, schedule some fun activities too!

Conclusion

While there are many benefits to working from home, it can also be stressful. Here are a few ways to take avoid stress when working from home:

• Set a schedule and stick to it. This will help you stay on task and avoid getting overwhelmed.
• Take breaks throughout the day. Get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air.
• Create a dedicated workspace. This will help you stay focused and refrain from doing work in bed or on the couch.
• Stay connected with co-workers and friends. Working from home can be isolating, so make sure to reach out to others via phone, text, or social media.