Finding Balance: How I Maintain Productivity and Well-Being While Working from Home.
Member Feature by Adele Botha of Perpetuity Virtual Assistant Services
When I had the opportunity to start working from home, I was thrilled. It was a dream I had cherished for years. However, I soon realised that it requires more discipline to manage your day than when working for someone else.
Don’t get me wrong, I have always been a hard worker, consistently giving 200% in everything I do. It’s just part of who I am. What I’ve come to understand is that it’s crucial to focus on self-care as well.
Initially, working from home meant staying in my tracksuit, sitting in front of the computer, starting my day without even bothering putting on makeup.I quickly realised I needed to treat working for myself as I would for an employer. Now I dress for success every day, complete with hair and makeup, just as I did when I worked for someone else.
The same principle applies to staying fit and connected. I would start working, and before I knew it, two to three hours had passed without me moving an inch from my chair. While working for an employer, there were constant interruptions – managers and employees needing help, quick chats, or the ringing phone – that kept me moving and active.
As a virtual assistant, I do receive occasional calls, WhatsApp messages, and emails from clients, but they are minimal compared to when I worked for an employer. After sitting hours, I felt so stiff that standing up was painful. Staring at the computer screen also did not do my eyes well, as they tend to become dry, puffy and burn. I also noted that the more I isolated myself at home, the less I wanted to interact with the outside world. Even getting groceries delivered became the norm.
One day, during lunch with friends, I nearly had an anxiety attack, longing to return to my safe bubble at home.In shock, I realised how much I had isolated myself, avoiding the real world. My clothes also started feeling tighter as my activity level dropped significantly.
It took me a few days to understand that I needed to make a change. Sitting alone all day, working continuously, was not good for my well-being.I started setting an alarm to go off every hour, prompting me to take breaks. During these breaks, I would walk in the garden, grab a drink or a healthy snack, and then return to work. These hourly breaks cleared my mind and helped me tackle tasks more effectively.
I also returned to the gym, aiming to go every other day during my lunch hour. This routine drastically improved my physical and mental health. Exercise helped me put my day into perspective and I felt rejuvenated upon returning to work. I also stopped ordering groceries online and began shopping in person again.
These small changes made a huge difference in my work-from-home life.
How do you stay active and maintain your mental health while working from home?
Do you take regular breaks during your workday?
Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.
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