Working from home may seem like a dream come true for many: No more commuting, wearing sweatpants all day, and having access to your own kitchen for snacks. Overall just the perfect way to increase work-life balance.
However, some people just cannot really cope with it. If you are one of the unfortunate who are going crazy from working from home then look no further. I have got you covered no matter the reason for your craziness in the home workspace.
Sit tight and see how you can cope when you are going crazy from working from home.
Going crazy from working from home is not down to one specific thing. It is a mix of many factors and events that can take away the joy of working from home.
While we are beyond the pandemic that forced many people to work from home, some are still working from home afterward. And while it may seem like a dream come true, it can also be incredibly stressful. Especially if it is involuntary.
The lack of social interaction, difficulty separating work and personal life, distractions and procrastination, and overworking and burnout are just a few of the challenges that come with working from home. There are quite a few obstacles and not all people are suited for working from home.
But what do you do if you hate working from home or just feel like going crazy? With the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome these stressors and thrive in your remote work environment. Because there are so many benefits to working from home and it would be a shame if you didn’t get to experience them.
People Go Crazy Over a Lack of Social Interaction
When you work from home, you miss out on the social interaction that comes with being in an office or workplace. You may feel isolated or lonely, and this can affect your mental health and productivity.
So, how do you overcome this feeling?
The solution is to make an effort to stay connected with colleagues, friends, and family. Schedule virtual coffee breaks or lunch dates, participate in online group chats, and attend virtual events. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple phone call or video chat to lift your mood and make you feel connected.
Another way to combat social isolation is to join online communities or groups related to your interests or hobbies. This can provide a sense of belonging and connection outside of work.
If you live with your family make sure to spend some quality time with them after work. This will give you some “freshness” and clear your mind after a long day at the home office.
Having Difficulty Separating Work and Personal Life
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is the difficulty in separating work and personal life. When your office is in your living room, it can be hard to turn off your work brain and relax. Everything just blurs together, and you can feel like going crazy over never letting yourself off the hook.
So, what to do?
To overcome this, designate a dedicated workspace that is separate from your living area. If you have a dedicated home office where you can physically remove yourself from it is much easier to separate work from personal life.
Set boundaries with family members or roommates, and communicate your schedule and expectations. It’s important to create a routine that allows you to “commute” from work to home, even if it’s just a few steps away.
Or you can even take it to the more extreme and take a morning walk around the area. This will simulate you going to work and feel like you are actually leaving your house and pajamas at home. Plus, it will give you some exercise by clocking up some steps while working from home.
Additionally, make sure to take breaks throughout the day to get up, stretch, and move your body. This can help you transition between work and personal time and improve your overall well-being.
Going Crazy From Distractions and Procrastination
At home, distractions are everywhere – laundry to fold, dishes to wash, pets to play with. Procrastination can become a real problem when you are working alone and have no one to hold you accountable.
What can you do about it?
To combat distractions and procrastination, try breaking your workday into smaller chunks of time and setting deadlines for each task. Use productivity tools like Pomodoro timers or app blockers to stay focused during work periods.
It’s also important to create a work environment that is conducive to productivity. This may mean minimizing clutter, setting up a comfortable workspace, and eliminating unnecessary distractions.
If your home office isn’t, let’s say, as professional as possible that can be a problem. If you have a comfortable sofa in your home office, a TV hanging on the wall and start the day off working in your pajamas then motivation will be hard to come by.
If you feel like you a procrastinating too much when working from home then separate yourself from the distractions. Set up a minimalistic home office, free of clutter. This can help you stay focused and save yourself from going crazy when working from home.
Overworking and Burnout
Lastly, working from home can lead to overworking and burnout. It is closely related to the blurring of the line between personal and working life. But this is more about you and not so much about your environment.
But how do you avoid going crazy from burnout when working from home?
To avoid burnout, it’s important to set realistic goals and expectations for your workday. Establish a structured routine that allows for regular breaks, exercise, and self-care.
Make sure that you create a to-do note every day for you to complete. Then you will always be able to look at your accomplishments and realize that you have done a lot that day. Based on that you can let go of work and call it a day. That will stop you from going crazy when working from home due to overworking.
Remember, working from home can be a great opportunity to achieve work-life balance and enjoy more flexibility in your schedule. By taking care of yourself and implementing strategies to overcome the stressors of remote work, you can thrive in your remote work environment.
Avoid Going Crazy by Creating a Healthy Work Environment at Home
By creating your own dedicated workspace for you to focus and be productive in you can remove yourself from a lot of what can drive you crazy. You can feel at ease and focus solely on your work while feeling good.
But how do you do it? Stay tuned and get the answer below.
Designating a Dedicated Workspace
As mentioned earlier, it’s very important to designate a dedicated workspace that is separate from your personal living area. This will help you create a clear boundary between work and personal time, which is important for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Your workspace should be comfortable, well-lit, and equipped with the tools and resources you need to do your job. This can include a computer, printer, phone, and any other necessary equipment.
Invest in a comfortable chair and desk that are ergonomically designed to support your posture and reduce strain on your body. Consider adding plants, pictures, or other decorations that make you feel happy and motivated.
You can even go for a specific theme like a Star Wars-inspired home office or just add some coziness with a fireplace or go for a “hygge home office“. Options are plenty and it all down to what makes you feel most comfortable, at ease, motivated, and productive.
Investing in Ergonomic Furniture and Equipment
You know what can really drive a person crazy when working from home? Sitting in a bad chair at a bad table working from below-par equipment.
Maybe – and now I am just guessing – you are sitting, working from the kitchen table directly from your laptop? That can work for a while. But not every day
It is important to invest in equipment that supports your health and well-being. That includes investing in home office supplies and accessories that makes the experience of working from home better. Not worse, thus making you go crazy.
Make sure your computer, mouse, keyboard, and other tools are set up in a way that reduces strain on your hands, neck, and eyes. You may also want to consider investing in a standing desk, a noise-canceling headset to lower background noise, or a monitor riser. These tools can make a big difference in your comfort level and productivity.
Organizing and Decluttering Your Space
Depending on your level of tolerance when it comes to mess, clutter and mess can really drive you crazy when working from home.
A cluttered workspace can lead to cluttered thoughts and increased stress. Take some time to organize and declutter your workspace, removing any items that don’t serve a purpose or make you happy.
Consider using organizational tools like folders, trays, or drawer dividers. A clean and tidy workspace can help you feel more focused and productive.
If you want to avoid having clutter all over your workstation choose a minimalistic approach to your setup. Because the less stuff you bring into your home office, the less mess you will have to clean. And the less you will feel like going crazy.
Setting Boundaries with Family Members or Roommates
It’s important to set boundaries with family members or roommates who may be sharing your living space. This can be especially challenging if you have children or pets.
Communicate your schedule and expectations clearly, and be specific about when you need quiet time to focus or take calls. It may be helpful to create a visual signal (such as a “do not disturb” sign or a closed door) to indicate when you are working and need privacy.
If you work from home with a small child like a toddler or work from home with a baby, that can be quite stressful. If you are going crazy over taking care of your child while balancing work, make sure to reach out to your partner for support. Or another family member, or even a professional.
A Balanced Routine can Help You Not Go Crazy When Working From Home
Once you’ve established a healthy work environment, it’s time to create a routine that helps you stay balanced and focused. With both a set routine and a healthy home office to work from you are well set for a happy working from home-experience.
Here are some tips for establishing a routine that works for you:
How to Structure Your Workday
Structure is key when it comes to working from home.
- Establish a regular start and end time for your workday, and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid burnout.
- Create a to-do list or schedule for each day, and prioritize your most important tasks. This will help you stay organized and on track throughout the day.
- It may also be helpful to block out time for breaks, exercise, and self-care. Taking regular breaks throughout the day can help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
- Use this time to stretch, move your body, and step outside for some fresh air. This will help you recharge and come back to your work with renewed energy and focus.
Why Taking Regular Breaks is Good For You
Speaking of breaks, it’s important to take regular breaks throughout the day. Get up, stretch, and move your body every hour or so. This will help you avoid stiffness and soreness from sitting for long periods of time.
Step outside for some fresh air, or take a quick walk around the block. This will help you clear your mind and come back to your work with renewed focus. You can also set a step goal when working from home. It can be either 5000 steps, 10000 steps, or somewhere in between.
By setting a step goal you will be able to focus on something else during your breaks or after work. And that can keep you sane when you feel like going crazy over working from your home.
You may also want to consider taking longer breaks for lunch or a mid-afternoon workout. If you have some weights or maybe even a dedicated home gym then use that for a while and return to your work afterwards.
This will help you recharge, refocus, and come back to your work with renewed energy and creativity. Use this time to do something that brings you joy and helps you relax, such as reading, cooking, or meditation.
Set Realistic Goals and Expectations
Finally, remember to set realistic goals and expectations for yourself when working from home. It’s easy to get caught up in the to-do list and forget to celebrate your accomplishments. Take time to reflect on your progress, and acknowledge your successes along the way.
If you don’t thrive when working from home you might feel lazy or tired. This makes it harder to get work done and you might not live up to your own expectations. But take it slow and follow some of the tips in this article. This will make you more “fresh” and help you achieve your goals from home.
But help yourself first by setting some realistic goals and expectations that you can actually live up to. By doing so you will not feel like going crazy when working from your home.
My name is Frederik
I am a passionate marketeer who loves the freedom that comes with working from home whenever I choose to do so.
I love getting nerdy with every single detail about making everything related to my home just a tiny bit better.
That is what motivates me to write about home stuff on this blog.