by Gemma Delaney

Just when you thought you’d dodged the early morning rush, you find that working remotely has its unique stress inducing elements – lonesome pockets of time, technology woes, and the elusive boundary between work and personal life. As these challenges can often blur into long hours of work leading well into the evening, it’s essential to carve out “recovery times” — pauses where you regain energy and boost your mood.

Reading: An Escape To Another World

Engage your mind in activities that are far removed from constant news updates or the lure of streaming platforms. Make an effort each day to read a chapter from a book. Picture this: a quiet corner, your phone set aside, as you dive into a realm crafted entirely of words — isn’t it tranquil? If you notice your concentration dipping throughout the day, pick up a book; it’s the perfect way to jolt your brain back into action and alleviate the dread of the afternoon ‘brain fog’. Plus, the creative side of your brain gets a fantastic workout, providing a pleasant escape from your work-related tasks.

Revel In Nature: A Dose of Peace and Calm

A change in scenery can do wonders for your brain. Whether you stumble upon a lush green space, a peaceful river, or a quiet pond nearby, soaking up nature’s offerings can offer instant relaxation after a hectic work day. If you’re too tight on time, a simple gaze out your window or a few minutes spent in your garden can soothe away the stress and help you reconnect with the broader world.

Yoga: Pathway to Clarity and Energy

Ditch the couch, as enticing as it may be, for an online yoga session or a home workout routine. Many gyms currently offer Instagram Live or Zoom workout sessions that cater to your work schedules. Particularly, a lunchtime yoga class can help shut off work stress as it energises, refocuses, and clears your mind for a productive afternoon. What’s more, yoga offers precious respite from the mad rush of work, bolstering our inner fortitude during challenging times.

Mindfulness: The Heart of Meditation

Ditch the notion that effective meditation requires lengthy spells of sitting cross-legged, humming chants. Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as concentrating on the present moment while you’re on a walk or in a quiet corner of your home. You might focus on the rhythm of your breath — its journey in and out of your body — and notice the subtle adjustments made by your body. Apps that offer guided meditation sessions like Head Space can be highly beneficial.

Ignite Your Creativity

Alternatively, consider mandala colouring books, quite the rage now for stress relief and a break from screen time. Mandalas, with their circular shapes, have a captivating ability to soothe the mind, promote relaxation, and balance the body’s energies. If you struggle with traditional meditation techniques, colouring mandalas can serve as an effective and appealing alternative.

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

Although not a communication necessity in our digital age, penning a letter to a loved one can prove significantly therapeutic. It’s a delightful surprise for the receiver too. Taking a short break to write to those you haven’t seen in a while can lend that much-need breather for your mind, and the joy it brings upon its receipt provides a gratifying feeling that endures.

Imbued with these methods, your work-from-home experience can be much more relaxing and productive. You can re-engage with your work feeling recharged and revigorised. So why not incorporate these simple, effective ways to unwind and experience a happier, healthier workday?

stress relief, working from home, mental focus, yoga, nature, meditation, creativity, mindfulness, letter writing, reading