Mothers comprise nearly one-third of women in the workforce. According to a recent report, they are among the groups most likely to work remotely, with 79 percent saying they would like to do so. There are many benefits to working from home, including more flexible hours, no commute, and staying home with your children. However, there are also some challenges.
For many mothers, career and family life can be a never-ending juggling act. Especially when you add in the challenges of remote work, it can sometimes feel like you’re trying to balance too many balls at once. Between deadlines, conference calls, and taking care of your children, it’s easy to let your health fall by the wayside.
However, taking care of yourself physically and mentally is essential to be productive and happy. Otherwise, you’ll quickly burn out. Here are healthy work-from-home habits that all mothers should make a priority:
Get Dressed for Work
Working at home doesn’t mean you can spend the day in unkempt clothing. Getting dressed for work will help put you in the right mindset to be productive.
If you don’t feel like getting dressed up, that’s fine. But it’s best to make sure you at least put on some clean clothes and brush your hair before starting your workday. You’ll feel more confident and capable if you take a few minutes to prepare for the day ahead. Focusing on your work and being productive is easier when you feel good about yourself.
You don’t have to spend too much time getting ready, but taking a few extra minutes for yourself in the morning can make a big difference. So, take a shower, put on some makeup, or do whatever else that will make you feel good. As a result, you’ll be more likely to power through your workday and avoid distractions.
Set Office Hours and Stick to Them
One of the benefits of working from home is that you have more control over your schedule than people who have to commute to an office every day. However, that doesn’t mean you should let your work life bleed into your personal life.
Set office hours for yourself, and then do your best to stick to them. Let your family and friends know when your office hours are, so they won’t interrupt you during those times. It would help if you could also turn off your email notifications outside office hours so you won’t get tempted to check them constantly. And most importantly, don’t beat yourself up if you have to take a break from work to take care of things at home.
Your family and friends will understand if you need to step away from work to care for things at home. Just make sure you communicate with them about your schedule and what times are best for you to be available. This way, you can avoid distractions and finish your work during office hours.
Schedule Appointments with a Physiotherapist
Working from home and being a mother can be a lot of work. And if you’re not used to it, it can quickly take a toll on your body. Body aches, bone pain, and mobility issues are all common complaints among remote workers.
That’s why it’s essential to schedule regular appointments with a physiotherapist. A physiotherapist offers services for pain management that can help you identify any areas of tension in your body and give you exercises to relieve the pain. They can also advise how to improve your posture and workstation set-up to prevent future pain.
If you’re experiencing any aches or pains, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with a physiotherapist. They can help you manage the condition and make the necessary lifestyle changes to be more comfortable and productive. Thus, you can avoid burnout and keep up with your work-from-home schedule.
Take Breaks Throughout the Day
Working from home can make it easy to get lost in your work and forget to take breaks. However, stepping away from your desk every few hours is essential to give yourself a chance to stretch, grab a snack, or take a mental break.
Go for a walk around the block or do light stretching exercises if you start feeling stiff. And if possible, try to take your lunch break away from your desk so you can completely disconnect from work for at least 30 minutes each day. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
Setting these break times for yourself will help you stay refreshed and focused throughout the day. And as a result, you’ll be more productive when working.
Working from home has perks, but it can also be tough on moms trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance. So, make sure that you’re taking the above tips as a priority. If you do these things, you’ll be on your way to being a happy and healthy mother who happens to work from home.
