Whether it is a regular 9-5 or a remote job where you can work from wherever, everyone deserves some time off to unwind and relax. Doing the contrary will only result in being stressed and exhausted many hours a day, adversely affecting you in many ways and slowing you down in being proactive.
Accumulated stress from work can hinder your productivity, sharpness of mind, and focus. Little wonder why it is necessary to take leave from work to recharge, recuperate, rejuvenate, and come back better and stronger, ready to give your 100%.
Taking time off work is even more so important for moms working from home. You are not only saddled with your professional jobs, but you also get to babysit at the same time, especially if you have young ones not within the school-age bracket.
Most working from home mom blogs agree that moms who work from home need time to sit back and just breathe for a moment right there– away from work, the screams of toddlers, teenage drama of their teenage kids, and everything energy draining. This is because working from home goes beyond just that and includes working in the home, which is a full-time job (you can ask any stay-at-home momma).
If you are a maxed-out mom working from home, here are some really quick ways to relax and get your A-game back on:
- Take a walk
Just a simple walk? Yes, a 10-15 minutes’ walk by yourself on the beach or to the park will do a whole lot calming your nerves and taking away the stress. It will also give you the time to think rationally and plan your schedule for the next day or the coming week.
In place of walking, you could go on a run or jog for a while if you are a runner. Such physical activities like walking and running have other medical benefits, including improving your cardiovascular fitness and balance and giving you stronger bones.
- Take a nap
The body needs rest. Denying your body its due rest will only make you cranky and also affect your overall health. Anytime you feel fatigued and want quick relief, get into bed and take a quick nap.
It will certainly increase your mood, reduce fatigue and increase your alertness. Studies also show that napping is a memory booster as it helps you recall things you learned earlier in the day.
- Get outside
It is usually to gradually become a couch potato from hours and hours of sitting in your office when working from home. Being stuck in one place for too long will only weigh you down and depress your mood.
So get outside, away from your work environment, and appreciate nature. Take a walk, visit a neighbor, go for brunch, visit the farmer’s shop, work in your gardens – only ensure you engage in any outdoor fun activity that you like, with your sun protection kit, of course.
- Have a break time you stick to
It could be any time into your work hours; just ensure you keep your break time diligently. While at the break, leave your work environment to do other relaxing activities like reading a book, listening to podcasts or mood-boosting music, watching a movie, and whatnot.
- Eat chocolates
Yes, you are permitted to have a sweet tooth, but not always. Chocolates are packed with endorphins-giving compounds and antioxidants, which are what you need to unwind and destress.
While you should not make this a regular due to possible health side effects, you can enjoy the sweet goodness of a dark chocolate bar whenever you feel stressed from work, as its health benefits are backed by scientific research.
Takeaway
When you regularly destress and unwind with these tips, you form a habit of preventing the accumulation of excess stress. In no time, a sink full of dirty dishes and messy handprints of your kids on your white walls coupled with a calendar full of ZOOM meetings and deadlines will no longer come with regular mental breakdowns. You would be above your stressors as you prioritize giving your body and mind the time to relax and let off some steam.