It is normal to feel a bit isolated when working alone from home, whether you have your home office or just a suitable corner. It is rather lonesome when there are no colleagues nor friends around to have small chat between tasks. Luckily, technology can help you to stay connected with the world.
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How can you create a comfortable and productive workspace in your home office?
Being comfortable is imperative no matter where you work from, but especially if you work from home. Setting up your home office can be tricky if you don’t have enough space or you still want to maintain a cozy look in your apartment. If you can, try to find a place in your home that is isolated from all distractions and noise. That is good for your focus and productivity. Since you are probably spending a good part of your day working, it might also be a good idea to invest in ergonomic furniture. Adjustable chairs and desks are not good for comfort only – they can prevent health problems like backache and neck pain. Naturally, you’ll want to add a personal touch to your working space. Artwork or plants are a good idea. And finally, surround yourself with tools necessary for the job, such as a laptop, reliable internet access and anything else you need to create a productive and comfortable workspace.
As most home-based jobs require constant communication through video calls and other communication platforms, it is ideal to have a reliable, high-quality headset. Several designs available in the market cater to the unique needs and preferences of home-based workers and professionals. They come in an array of price points too.
How to read body language when working from home
Reading body language when working from home can be a bit tricky, as you don’t have the same visual cues that you would in an office setting. However, there are still some things to look out for. Pay attention to the tone of voice and the speed of speech. If someone is speaking quickly or with a higher pitch than usual, they may be feeling anxious or stressed. Similarly, if someone speaks slowly and quietly, they may be feeling tired or overwhelmed. Additionally, watch for facial expressions such as furrowed brows or tight lips which could indicate frustration or confusion. Finally, pay attention to posture – slumped shoulders can suggest fatigue while crossed arms might mean that someone is feeling defensive or closed off. By paying close attention to these subtle cues, you can get a better sense of how your colleagues are feeling even when working remotely.
Tips for improving mental health while working from home
While working from home, the most important thing you need to look after is your mental health. Here are some tips that can help you in that, plus they can ensure you’ll stay productive and efficient on work.
- Establishing a routine is a great way to organize your day and enhance your focus. So do your best to arrange the best times for work, relaxation, breaks, meals and exercise.
- When speaking of routines, it’s important to establish regular breaks in it. That is good not only for regaining your concentration but for your back and circulation as well, so make sure to step away from work now and then.
- It is hard to stay connected while working from home, but that only makes it more important. Try to stay in touch with your friends any way possible.
- Make sure to get out and take a walk at least once per day. Natural light, fresh air and presence of other people are good for mental and physical health both.
To conclude, make sure to reach out to your colleagues and establish a healthy work-life balance.