Body Image Burnout Is Real. Here’s How to Avoid It!
Be honest. How often have you looked at yourself in the mirror and thought, “I wish I were...
Finding the perfect balance between your work and your personal time was already hard enough and we blurred the lines even further with work from home jobs. Don't get me wrong, I love working from home. The freedom to be able to travel wherever you want to and yet not miss out on work in liberating and the exact life I wanted. But, when you're taking your work with you wherever you go, it's hard to take time off for yourself.
I have spent months trying to find the perfect balance and here are 7 ways you can improve yours!
1. Work hours
This is the first and the most important step. You need to fix your work hours!! If you're not comfortable with the 9:00-5:00 rule, find your own time! But please, fix the exact same hours for each day of the week (except weekends, of course) and work only during that time. This won't only make you more efficient but will also save you and your company a lot of time.
2. Pre-Work Rituals
Many times, when we don't have meetings, we prefer to work from within our blankets. I love a good cozy work day but remember to have a pre-work ritual! Don't just get up, grab your laptop, start working and never leave the bed. Here are the 8 steps I follow:
- Wake up two hours early.
- Brush my teeth.
- Grab some cucumber water. (It is delicious!!)
- Morning yoga in my balcony. (I like the fresh air with a nice view)
- Shower, with my seasonal obsession of a new bath and body works scent.
- Make some breakfast! With coffee. I need coffee.
- Calmly enjoy my meal with my roommate. (I love her)
- And finally, when its time, open my laptop and get to work!
3. Take a break
It's hard to define a "lunch break" at home but it's important to set one. Don't just set it for yourself but let your co-workers know as well. Healthy work boundaries contribute towards creating a supportive and happy work environment. Moreover, a break will only help! You will get a chance to hit refresh, stretch, nourish your body and come back with a fresh perspective.
4. What are you doing for yourself?
After you're done working, what do you do? Going out with your friends or family is always fun but is rarely a daily thing. So, what do you do when you have no plans? Do you just make dinner and fall asleep while watching Netflix? Or do you do something for yourself? It's important to do little things for yourself and take care of yourself. From cleaning your house and skin care to going on walks and journaling. Little therapeutic things that make you smile and feel relaxed are important.
5. Healthy boundaries
It is very important to set healthy work boundaries when it comes from working from home. After setting them, don't forget to communicate those boundaries with your co-workers or clients when the time comes. It is normal and okay to say no. You don’t have to push yourself beyond your limits for every single detail. It will not only burn you out but also decrease your efficiency. Healthy boundaries are important for both parties involved.
6. Work dates
Staring at the same wall in your room while you work is exhausting at the very least. Which is where work dates come in! Go with your co-workers or even just by yourself! Find a quiet environment, preferably one with plug points, great coffee and loads of sunlight! A change in your atmosphere won't only make you more motivated but will help you focus!
7. Make a playlist!
Lets face it, music makes everything better! From being there for you through all your moods to making you move, it's sometimes the only push you need to get going. From Britney to Taylor, all your favourite songs will not only make the environment more fun for work but will also make your home work space more peaceful for you!
Sometimes, even the most perfect situations need a little extra effort. Remember to remind yourself that work is a part of your life and not the reason behind your whole existence. You live for you, for your happiness. It is easy to feel burnt out when you're stuck in a loop, even if you love your job. So, don't forget to take a step back, breathe and remember you're living for yourself and not living to work.
Stay hydrated, bestie! I will see you soon <3
- Stuti Kohli