6 Simple Tricks for Dealing with Working from Home Pressure
If you aren’t careful, pressure from work, and working from home, can sneak up and overwhelm you. Before you know it, you’re a mess. Sitting in your chair, sweating, heart racing, and dreading the thought of doing any work, especially as we continue on in this “new norm.”
I have been seeing clients who feel stressed and isolated; but many are reporting that they feel low-lying depression – they are unable to get in a routine or find the motivation to go on. Many are over-sleeping and have lost pleasure in activities they used to enjoy. Does this sound familiar?
Fortunately there are some tricks to dealing with pressure and this new way of working. With a little practice, you can turn nerve-wracking stress into pure motivation.
Have a Routine
Having a daily routine will get and keep you motivated to deal with any stress you may be feeling. This means getting up at the same time every day, writing down daily goals, and setting up a workspace that mimics an office. This will get you in work-mentality – you may not go to the office but you can still create a routine as if you are.
Count Backwards
It sounds simple, but counting backwards from 100 is a great way to distract yourself from pressure and reset your mindset. This easy trick is the perfect way to get started doing a task that you’ve been putting off. Simply sit back, close your eyes, and count backwards thinking only of the numbers instead of what is stressing you out.
Meditate
Meditation is an excellent way to relieve stress according to numerous medical studies. Clearing your mind from all thought and concentrating on your breathing leaves no room in your head to fixate and focus on what’s bothering you. Learning to meditate is one of the best ways to beat chronic stress and overwhelming pressure that there is.
Exercise
Nothing works like exercise when it comes to dealing with pressure. Not only does the act itself take your mind off of whatever is stressing you out, it also helps your brain to release positive endorphins that can make you feel great. People who exercise regularly report feeling less stress and pressure at work and at home. Take a walk during the day to get recharged and increase performance.
Believe in Yourself
Positive thinking can be one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. The simple act of believing in yourself and knowing that you’re doing your best is a great way to turn pressure into motivation. The next time you’re faced with overwhelming pressure, tell yourself that you can do it. Whatever tasks lay before you, think positively about them and envision yourself completing them.
Find Joy in What You Do
It never hurts to enjoy what you do, although this can be a difficult way of dealing with pressure. Look for the little things in the task that you like doing and complete them. You’ll find that once you start working you’re motivated to keep going. People who enjoy their jobs report feeling less pressure and higher levels of motivation than those who don’t like what they do for a living.
Stand Up and Take a Break
If nothing else is working, then stand up and take a break. Taking 5 minutes for yourself every hour is a great way to reset and refocus on the task at hand. Studies have shown that our brains get tired with sustained work, so a great way to refresh and refocus is to stand up and stretch your legs so you get more done. It is better than those who sit at their desk worrying over the task at hand.
Workplace performance and productivity will suffer when under prolonged stress and overwhelm. Making a commitment to manage any stress you feel will keep your emotional health strong so you can continue on and do so happily.