Give yourself a break when WORKING FROM HOME

Give yourself a break when WORKING FROM HOME

With work-from-home becoming par for the course in today’s world, many are finding that it’s not as easy as they had anticipated. No one envisioned that it would include a pandemic, which would result in children being home more than usual, and families being on top of one another almost 24/7.

It’s no secret that many of us are drained as a result, and clearly in need of break. We spoke to Maggie Adams, HR Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, to get some advice on how employees can give themselves a break while working from home.

Schedule actual breaks and stick to them

“When you plan your day ahead, plan the breaks too,” says Adams. “Too many people work right through the day and don’t ever step away from their desks. This can not only result in mental strain, but also physical strain on your body.”

If you can, go for a walk or even just relax on the couch for a few minutes.Whatever you do, make sure that it’s far enough away from your workspace for you to disconnect for a while.

Stick to your working hours as far as possible

Recent reports have shown that many people who are now working from home are finding it difficult to stick to their usual work hours, often working late into the night.

“I often find myself telling our team that they absolutely have to try, as far as possible, to set boundaries,” says Adams. “A balance is required, and family and personal time is important for mental health.”

Some advice that Adams gives her team is to start the day off strong, sleep well, drink lots of water and to focus on staying positive, A productive day means you won’t feel guilty enjoying a family walk, a movie night, or even just taking some time to read a book.

“Of course if you are on a deadline and you need to put in the extra hours, go for it. But don’t do it every single night when you really need a break.”

Change your scenery

If you can’t take time off right now, then a change is as good as a holiday, right? Adams certainly believes so.

“You will be amazed at what a change of scenery will do for your mental well-being. Consider booking yourself into a hotel. There are amazing views to be had from the rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and all the things you need to turn a hotel room into your new work-from-home set-up for a day or two. At Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, you can do all of this while also enjoying the pleasures of in-room dining, ocean view and spa visits. Whatever your choice, give yourself a change, give yourself a break, and put yourself first from time to time,” Adams advises.

Take leave

“Working from home has meant that not many people are taking any leave right now,” Adams points out. “People aren’t travelling as much and many are thinking ‘Well, I’m already home, so what’s the point?’ The point is that you really need the break.”

You have worked hard for those leave days, and if your work is all taken care of and you are covered for the days you are away, then the leave can be guilt free. Even if all you do is stay home and do nothing but read or watch TV from the couch, it’s still a break from work, and something that everyone needs.

Get some fresh air

“Fresh air does wonders for your mental health,” says Adams. “If you can, go for a walk at the end of your day or just sit outside in your garden if you have one.”

Fresh air is not only good for you mentally, but physically too. Get some Vitamin D from the sunshine on your skin, and breathe some fresh air into your lungs. All of this actually helps boost your immune system and improve your quality of life. Just 10 to 15 minutes a day of sun exposure can make the world of difference to your Vitamin D levels.

“Fresh air does wonders for your mental health”