Working From Home:
Blessed Or Stressed?
Working from home has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more companies offering the option to their employees. Working from home has many benefits but can also increase stress for some individuals.
Today we’re going to break down the benefits of working from home, how it can contribute to stress, and how you can manage this stress effectively and efficiently (we may even throw in a few Yogibo tricks for good measure!).
WFH: Oh The Benefits.
First, let's address the obvious elephant in the room regarding WFH. Working from home offers the flexibility and convenience to get the job done that traditional office jobs simply cannot match. People who work from home may be able to get up later; they can often set their own schedules and can even work at their own pace, which can be particularly beneficial for those who have caregiving responsibilities or other commitments that may interfere with a traditional work schedule (we're looking at you, newborn parents!).
Furthermore, working from home eliminates the need for a daily commute. Commuting can be a significant source of stress for many individuals, and eliminating this aspect of work can significantly reduce stress levels. Without a daily commute, individuals also save time and money that can be better spent on other activities. Not to mention, no commute means no bumper-to-bumper traffic or loud people on the subway.
Another benefit of working from home is that it provides a comfortable and familiar environment in which to work. With access to their own desk space, computer, and other necessary equipment, people working from home have everything they need to be productive without the distractions and stressors that can come with working in a traditional office setting. Less water cooler distractions, more productivity!
Master Of Your Domain.
Working from home also provides individuals with more control over their work environment. They can adjust lighting, temperature, and noise levels to their liking, which can help them stay focused and productive throughout the day. Can't blast your music at the office? Blast away! Can't turn down the lights to a low dim and work in the dark? You have at it, you cave-dweller, you.
Have Money, No Travel.
Lastly, one of the most significant advantages that all of us can 100% appreciate, working from home can help you save money. This means saving money on gas, tolls, food in the food court, and parking fees (not to mention those costly parking garage memberships). This also means people can save on childcare costs if they're fortunate enough to work around their children's schedules.
WFH: Oh The Stresses.
However, despite these benefits, working from home can also increase stress levels for specific individuals. One of the primary sources of stress is the lack of boundaries between work and personal life. When individuals work from home, they often find it difficult to separate their work and personal time, leading to working longer hours and feeling like there's no escape from work-related stress.
What used to be your living room corner is now the office corner. This means that while relaxing after dinner, you might instead find yourself feeling guilty for being in your office corner and not working. You need to know when to separate the spaces!
Social Butterflies Beware.
Another source of stress is the need for more social interaction. When individuals work from home, they may miss out on the social connections and relationships that come with working in an office environment. The small chats, the friendly greetings, and so on. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can be detrimental to mental health. Sometimes even private people need a little human interaction!
Management Madness.
Working from home also requires self-motivation and discipline. Without the structure and accountability of a traditional office or job setting, individuals who work from home have to manage their time effectively and stay focused on their work to ensure they complete what they need to get done. This can be challenging for individuals needing help with time management or those who thrive in a more structured social environment.
The potential for distractions can also be a source of stress when working from home. With access to all of your personal and entertainment devices, household chores, and other distractions, individuals may need help to stay focused on their work.
Finally (and possibly most important), working from home can also lead to physical health problems. When individuals work from home, they may spend long hours in front of a computer, leading to eye strain. For those who don't have a dedicated workspace in their home, they may spend all day working from the couch or recliner, which can lead to poor posture, as well as the chances that they are being less likely to engage in physical activity, negatively affecting overall health and well-being.
Kicking That Stress To The Curb.
So, while there are many benefits to working from home, there are also many stresses with far-reaching consequences. What exactly can we do to combat these?
Create a dedicated workspace: Having a designated zone where you can work can help create boundaries between work and personal life and make it easier to switch off at the end of the day. Make sure the workspace is comfortable, well-lit, and free from distractions!
Establish a routine:
Set a schedule and stick to it. The snooze on your alarm is the enemy, and one snooze can turn into two, which can turn into three, ad nauseam. By sticking to a routine each day, you create structure in your day and reduce stress and anxiety.
Take breaks:
It's super important to take regular breaks throughout the day to stretch, move, and rest your mind. Even fifteen minutes to clear your head can help! Breaks can boost productivity and improve mental health.
Connect with others:
Working from home can be isolating, so it's essential to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues. Schedule virtual coffee breaks or lunch dates to maintain social connections. Send some grade-A memes to your best friend, just something to give you that human interaction. It helps!
Get outside:
Take a walk or enjoy nature during your breaks, even if it means just walking around the backyard. Being outdoors has been shown to positively impact mental health and can help reduce stress. Plus, birds are singing outside. Who doesn't love birds?
Stay active:
Exercise has been shown to positively impact mental health. You don't need to be a vascular gym monster, just something to raise your heartbeat a little! Incorporate movement into your day by taking a walk, doing yoga, or following a Youtube workout.
Where we come in:
Here are three favorites from the Yogibo collection that have helped us when we've had to be working from home. They make for excellent partners when you need to buckle down and get work done and want to remain comfortable doing so.
Building The Perfect Chair
Traybo:
Traybo is the perfect lap desk so you can find your perfect working space anywhere you sit! With an adaptable base, a high-quality bamboo top and a specialized groove for your favorite tablet or phone, Traybo is a must have!
Cushibo:
Cushibo helps ease any pain you might feel in your glutes after sitting for an extended time. Its hexagonal gel structure cradles your bottom, so you have a much more comfortable seat no matter how long you sit.
Zipparoll:
Zipparoll works excellent as a bolster or a pillow. When it's no longer needed as a pillow and you find you've left your Cushibo at the office, simply unzip Zipparoll and it turns into an excellent seating pillow!
Traybo
Cushibo
ZippaRoll
The Perfect Chair "Alternatives"
Yogibo Max:
Perfect as a study seat, a chair for reading, or a recliner when the books get replaced with controllers, the Max is the one piece of furniture that does it all.
Support:
Support gives the precision-perfect support that sore backs always crave. It's perfect cushioning and comfort, whether used on the couch, bed, or floor!
Yogabo:
Ditch that uncomfortable seat for the Yogabo ergonomic seat! An invisible base keeps it in place, promoting core strength and better posture as you sit!
Yogibo Max
Yogibo Support
YogaBo Ball Chair
At Yogibo, we're all about wellness and comfort, and we hope this blog entry shines a new light on the pros and cons of working from home. Stress can get you no matter where you are, so try to stay ahead and remain positive. We're all in this together!