Has the new work from home norm left you feeling mentally stressed and physically exhausted? 

Probably, it’s the workplace burnout that’s acting up. Burnout happens when you face elevated levels of stress over a long period of time. It affects your mental and physical health. Workplace burnout or remote-work burnout reduces productivity and wears down your energy, leaving you feeling helpless and resentful.

In this article, we will discuss:

  1. Common signs and symptoms of burnout 

  2. Healthy ways on how to avoid remote-work burnout

Ways to avoid work-from-home or remote-work burnout

1. Healthy rituals to start and end your workday

Start your day:

  • Take a shower every day and wear fresh clothes to keep fungal and bacterial infections away.

  • Do not replace your breakfast with a mug of coffee because you have 9 am calls. Eating breakfast makes you feel energized and ready to start your work.

  • Do not get lazy and miss out on your morning workout routine. Exercising is important to increase blood and oxygen flow throughout the body.

End your workday:

  • Grab a light-cum-healthy snack (fresh-fruit smoothie or a protein bar), one hour before you wrap up work. Make sure you do not skip dinner. 

  • Do deep breathing exercises for 5 minutes after you have finished your office work, and get ready for a stress-free evening.

  • Put the phone and other gadgets away when you are spending time with your family in the evenings. Reducing screen-time is important for your eyes, neck, and shoulders.

2. Revamp your work-from-home station

Now that you are comfortable with your work-from-home corner, you probably do not want to experiment with another spot. No worries! 

  • Boost your morale and enthusiasm with a positive work station. Add some indoor plants, lights, or happy photos.

  • Make sure the tabletop is clutter-free and cleaned/disinfected regularly.

  • Ensure there is enough natural light to reduce strain on your eyes.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness during these difficult times will help you stay calm and keep you going. Top mindfulness tips and activities include:

  • Keep a daily log of personal & professional work to get things done on time

  • Unwind with creative activities to relax and feel happy

  • Be grateful every single day for being safe and healthy

Start with the above to gradually reduce the effects of remote-work burnout. Understand what works best for you and make them a part of your daily routine. Don’t forget to share this with all your colleagues and friends who are starting to feel the burnout too.