How to Beat Stress Working at Home

By Randi Morse

The advancement of technology is swiftly changing how we do business. We live in a global society now and it's easier than ever before to gain access to the internet. Companies need to have an online presence in order to succeed in the business world, and this can be a huge benefit to their employees. 

Telecommuting

Because of the easy access to the internet, telecommuting is now a viable option for companies. Telecommuting is the act of completing your work from a location outside of the business. It is often done from home but some people choose to work from public places, such as libraries and coffee houses. Working from home can be a huge change and, for some, can be stressful. There are things that you can do to help make the transition to telecommuting much easier. 

Get dressed - This may sound silly, but getting dressed is key if you're going to be working from home. We tend to train our bodies to relax once we get our comfortable clothes on. When pajamas go on, our brains like to shut off. By getting dressed every morning you are giving your body, and your brain, a subtle hint that it's time to work. 

Make a schedule - Just because you're working at home doesn't mean you don't need to keep a schedule. This schedule may look different from your old work schedule, but having a schedule is crucial. Write down this schedule in a location that's easy to see, at least while you're getting used to it, and try to stick to it as religiously as you possibly can.

Take a break - It's just as important to take a break as it is to have a schedule. When you work at your office you get natural break times, including lunch. Make sure you take those same break times when you're working from home. Your brain uses that time to relax, which can help give you a little boost during the difficult afternoon slump. 

Set a timer - It's easy to get distracted when you're working from home, far easier than it is to get distracted if you work in an office. I've learned that I need to set a timer to help keep myself focused on my tasks. There are even websites and apps that you can get that shut off access to social media sites for a certain amount of time.

Working from home can be tricky, but if you learn how to set a schedule and balance your day correctly, it may be the ideal solution for your employment needs.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Murphy, Tex.