How to Beat Work Stress When You Work from Home

Working from home has plenty of perks — flexible hours, no commute, and the comfort of your own space. But it can also come with challenges that can sneak up on you. One of the hurdles some remote workers face is work stress. Without the physical separation between your job and personal life, it’s easy for stress to build up. Whether it’s juggling tight deadlines, managing distractions, or feeling isolated, stress can hit hard. But the good news is, there are simple ways to handle it. Let’s explore some practical tips to help you beat work stress and stay on top of your game while working from home.

Types of Work Stress Remote Workers Might Experience

When you work from home, stress can come from different directions — both professional and personal. It’s important to recognize where your stress is coming from so you can manage it effectively. Here are some common sources of work stress that you might face as a remote worker:

Professional Stress

Overload of tasks: Without clear boundaries, remote workers often feel like they need to be “always on,” leading to burnout.
Lack of communication: Working remotely can sometimes make it harder to connect with your team if you don’t take a proactive approach. This can lead to feelings of isolation or frustration when you can’t get quick answers.
Unclear expectations: If you don’t have regular team or manager check-ins, it can be challenging to understand exactly what’s expected of you, leading to stress over your performance.
Distractions at home: Whether it’s a barking dog or noisy neighbors, working from home can sometimes be filled with interruptions that make it hard to focus.

Personal Stress

Difficulty balancing work and personal life: When your home is your office, it can be tough to draw the line between the two, causing work stress to seep into your personal time.
Loneliness: While working from home offers independence, it can also lead to feelings of isolation, especially if you’re more extroverted and have enjoyed a social office environment in the past.
Family responsibilities: If you have children or other caregiving duties, it can be stressful to balance those responsibilities with your job.

While the different kinds of work stress we all experience as remote workers varies, understanding these sources of stress can help you identify areas where you might need to make adjustments.

How to Manage Work Stress as a Remote Worker

Managing work stress while working from home is all about finding the right balance and creating healthy habits. When work stress starts to creep in, it can impact both your productivity and your well-being. But with a few thoughtful adjustments to your daily routine, it’s possible to create a more peaceful, productive work environment. Whether you’re dealing with tight deadlines or just trying to juggle work and home life, small changes can make a big difference. Here are some simple, actionable tips to help you keep stress under control:

1. Set Clear Boundaries

One of the best ways to deal with stress at work is to set clear start and end times for your day. Let your family or housemates know when you’re working to avoid interruptions. Once your workday ends, turn off your computer and switch to personal time. The more you stick to set starting and ending work times, the easier it will be for everyone (including you!) to get used to the routine and know what to expect.

2. Create a Relaxing Workspace

Your environment plays a big role in how you feel. Set up a workspace that makes you feel calm and focused. Add some plants, soothing colors, or even a diffuser with calming scents like lavender. A peaceful workspace can go a long way in reducing working from home stress.

3. Take Regular Breaks

Breaks are key to avoiding burnout. Try stepping away from your desk for five minutes every hour. Take some time to stretch or take a short walk to reset. This simple habit will help you decompress after work, too, making it easier to transition into personal time.

4. Practice Relaxation Techniques

To help you not stress about work, try incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation into your day. Even just five minutes of focused breathing can calm your mind and lower stress levels.

5. Set Realistic Goals

Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Setting realistic goals helps you avoid working from home stress and gives you a sense of accomplishment throughout the day.

6. Prioritize Movement

Physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Make sure to move throughout the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. A quick workout, yoga session, or a walk outside can help you relax at work and keep your energy levels up.

7. Stay Connected with Your Team

Loneliness can add to your work stress, so make an effort to stay connected with your team. Schedule regular video chats or join virtual coffee breaks to keep that sense of community alive. Feeling supported by your colleagues can make a big difference.

8. Delegate Tasks When Needed

One way to manage stress from a work perspective is to delegate tasks when your workload feels overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or spread out responsibilities among your team. Delegating can ease pressure and ensure everything gets done without overloading yourself.

9. Prioritize Your Most Important Tasks

To avoid getting overwhelmed, focus on your most important tasks each day. Use a system like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize your tasks by urgency and importance. Tackling high-priority work first helps you stay on top of deadlines and minimizes work stress.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can tackle work stress before it becomes overwhelming. Remember, working from home doesn’t mean you have to accept stress as a part of your day. With small adjustments, you can create a healthier, more balanced work environment. The key is to stay proactive and recognize when work stress is building up, so you can take steps to manage it early. In the end, reducing stress will help you stay productive and keep your well-being a priority.

Taking Control of Work Stress from Home

Work stress is something all remote workers experience at some point, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. By setting boundaries, creating a calming workspace, and making time for breaks and relaxation, you can keep stress in check. Remember, the key is to find what works best for you. Whether it’s a quick walk, deep breathing, or staying connected with your team, small changes can make a big difference. Take care of yourself, and you’ll find that working from home can be just as productive and stress-free as any other environment.

Ready to Find a Less Stressful Remote Job?

If your current remote job is causing work stress and you’re ready for a change, Virtual Vocations can help. As a member, you’ll get access to handpicked, fully remote job listings designed to fit your skills and lifestyle. With expert resources, career coaching, and a supportive community, you’ll find a job that offers more flexibility — and less stress. Join today and take the first step toward a more balanced and fulfilling remote career!

Do you have any tips for managing your work stress as a remote worker? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!

Original content from July 2020 article written by Skye Rodgers.