Working from home certainly has its perks: clock in wearing sweatpants, skip your commute and throw in a load of laundry at lunchtime. But remote work also has its downsides. From increasing feelings of isolation to having difficulty shutting work off at a decent hour, remote workers are burned out from working where they live.
With the lines between work and home blurred, it can be challenging to mentally — and physically — unplug to take a break. Over time, this can lead to burnout and chronic stress that can seriously affect your mental and physical health. If you’re asking yourself questions like, “Am I burnt out or lazy?” it may be time to explore ways to heal yourself. Here are some warning signs that you may be experiencing burnout, plus tips on how to feel refreshed at work (and at home) again.
Warning Signs That You’re Burnt Out From Working at Home
If you’re wondering whether you’re experiencing burnout or not, take a look at some early warning signs that you may be burnt out from working from home:
- Difficulty concentrating. Burnout can make it hard to focus and concentrate on work tasks. You may find yourself easily distracted or struggling to stay engaged with your work.
- Lack of motivation. Burnout can sap your motivation and leave you feeling like you don’t care about your job or that your efforts are futile.
- Insomnia. Difficulty sleeping is a common symptom of burnout. You may find yourself staying up late, worrying about work, or waking up early and unable to get back to sleep.
- Irritability or impatience. Burnout can also lead to a short fuse, making you irritable or impatient with colleagues, family members, or friends.
- Lack of boundaries. Working from home can make it challenging to separate work and personal life. Burnout can make it hard to know when to stop working, and you may find yourself working longer hours, including on weekends or during your usual downtime.
How to Pull Yourself Out of a Burnout Spiral
If the list above confirms that you are burnt out from working from home, you may be wondering: how long can burnout last? The hard truth is that it won’t stop until you start the recovery process.
The first step in healing your work-from-home burnout is to recognize it. Burnout can manifest in different ways, including feeling exhausted, irritable, or unmotivated. It’s important to acknowledge how you’re feeling and take action to address it. Here are some tips to help you pull yourself out of a burnout spiral.
- Schedule breaks during the workday. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to take a break. Schedule time daily to step away from your computer, go for a walk, or take a nap. Permit yourself to take a break when you need it.
- Move your body. Exercise can help reduce stress and put you in a positive mood. Take a break from work to move your body, even if it’s just a short walk or stretching.
- Set clear boundaries. Setting boundaries between work and home is essential when working from home. Create a routine with regular breaks, and turn off your work devices after hours.
- Create time to connect in person with others. Working from home can be isolating, so connecting with others regularly can help you feel less alone. Schedule coffee breaks with colleagues or reach out to friends and family to meet up for lunch.
- Prioritize self-care. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax, like exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones.
How to Refresh Your Home Office Space to Reduce Burnout
In addition to taking the steps above to recover from burnout due to work from home, it may be time to update your home office. Your home office space can significantly impact your mental health and well-being. Here are some tips on how to refresh your home office to reduce burnout:
1. Declutter.
A cluttered workspace can contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm. Take time to declutter your workspace, and create a clean, organized space that promotes productivity and creativity. You may need to incorporate storage furniture to hold important documents, extra supplies, or work technology.
2. Add greenery to your home workspace.
Adding plants and natural elements like wood and stone can create a calming and grounding effect in your home office. If you don’t have a green thumb, incorporate faux plants to achieve the same result.
3. Upgrade your lighting.
Proper lighting is essential for reducing eye strain. What’s more, warm ambient lighting can even lift your mood! Consider adding a desk lamp or a floor lamp to brighten up your workspace.
4. Make sure your furniture feels comfortable.
A comfortable desk and an ergonomic home office chair can go a long way in reducing physical and mental strain. Choosing home office furniture that’s ergonomic and comfortable helps with staying focused throughout the day.
Love Working From Home Again: Rent Furniture From CORT
Working from home can lead to burnout, especially if you don’t have an optimized, dedicated workspace. However, working from home also provides flexibility — whether to travel, test-drive different cities, or to finally make your move to your forever city.
Don’t lug your bulky furniture across state lines: CORT Furniture Rental can help. With a large inventory of furniture for the entire home — including home office furniture — available to rent, CORT provides endless options for furniture configurations that will fit your space and style. Plus, with its augmented reality (AR) capabilities, CORT lets you virtually see the furniture you want to rent IN your space.
Start finding furniture for your place, including your home office, today. Begin by browsing the furniture you’ll need to furnish your space. Then, create a custom subscription package tailored to your space and needs. Next, our team will deliver and set up furniture for you. When you no longer need your rental furniture, you can schedule a pickup date and our team will haul your rental furniture away. Easy as W-F-H. Start browsing online or in-store today!
