Whether you’ve recently taken on a fully remote job as part of a career transition or whether you’ve been working from home for a while, striking the right work-life balance and staying well should be a top priority. As one living with disabilities, the better you feel and the more supportive your home environment, the better you may be able to perform in your job. These six tips shared by PinkBananaBiz.com can help you thrive when working from home.
1. Make Sure Your Home Office Provides All the Resources You Need to Work Effectively
If your home office isn’t well-equipped with the basics, you may find your stress levels increasing and your output or productivity decreasing. Stocking up on key resources can help you thrive in your job while relieving frustrations.
Ask your boss whether your company is willing to reimburse you for certain work supplies. For most work-from-home jobs, you’ll need a large monitor, an ergonomic chair, and high-speed internet, in addition to writing utensils and any necessary industry supplies.
2. Break Throughout the Day for Healthy Snacks and Bursts of Movement
According to one study cited by Mayo Clinic, desk jobs can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and may even be correlated with higher junk food consumption. Although it may be tempting to eat high-fat snacks at your desk or pick up fast food for lunch, prioritizing a healthy diet and exercise regimen can support your overall health and even enhance your focus while working. Try scheduling breaks in your day for:
- Healthy snacks and well-balanced lunches
- Stretching out and walking around the house
- Quick jogs through the neighborhood
3. Create a Vibrant Home Atmosphere by Tuning In to the Energy in Your Space
When you work from home full-time, you spend almost all your hours in the same space. Bustle notes that this means it’s vital for that space to have a positive, vibrant, and supportive energy.
Try to tune into your home’s energy. If the vibes feel off or if you’re picking up on negativity, that energy could be harmful to your work productivity. To give your home a more positive feel, spend some time decluttering the office and organizing or cleaning the rest of the house. These steps can help you focus and relieve tension and stress.
4. Relieve Work Stress and Focus on Keeping a Healthy Work-Life Balance
One downside of working from home is that the line between personal time and work-life can get blurred. Keep your job from bleeding over into your personal life by:
- Setting strict start and stop times with your boss
- Planning out your work schedule at the start of each day
- Removing potential distractions from the office to stay efficient during work hours
5. Make Unwinding After a Long Workday a Top Priority
It’s important that disabled remote workers be able to close the home office door and relax when the workday is done. You can make unwinding after work a priority by:
- Stopping email checks at 5:00 pm
- Turning your phone off after clocking out for the day
- Spending time with friends and family in the evenings
- Enjoying your favorite hobbies before bedtime
6. Never Stop Learning New Skills
Working from home can be a struggle in more ways than one. On top of mastering the art of remoteness, you must also keep your skills relevant to remain competitive and proficient in the ever-evolving digital economy. It’s easy to fall into a learning lull when the same four walls are the backdrop of your day. But keeping up to date with trends and advances across various industries is key to progress both professionally and personally.
For example, looking at online options to earn a degree in information technology or any other field provides a great opportunity to stay on top of changes in your chosen profession, making you an asset to prospective employers. Though it may be intimidating, taking on additional education while you’re employed can make all the difference with respect to staying ahead of the curve and ensuring long-term success.
For many remote workers living with disabilities, maintaining personal wellness, keeping up work output, and truly thriving when working from home may seem like a difficult balance to reach. Fortunately, adopting one or more of these six tips can help you improve your wellness, keep up your work-life balance, and feel your best.
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