While the commute might be fantastic, working from home can come with its own unique stresses. Some people feel isolated, or they feel stressed at the idea of having work in their living space, which can be damaging to mental and physical health. If you are worried about working from home, there are steps you can take to make your work life better at home. Here are six ways to make working from home more comfortable. 

Make sure you’re in comfy clothes

It can be really tempting to stay in your pyjamas when you’re working from home, but changing your clothes is an important step in your morning routine that will help you feel ready to start your day. However, just because you are getting dressed doesn’t mean you have to be in restrictive office wear. Choose clothes that are loose and comfortable so that you have freedom to move while you work, and keep fingers and toes warm on colder days working from home by using slippers and fingerless gloves.

Have a dedicated working space

Working from home en masse is a relatively new concept, which means that many people bought their homes without having to take a workspace into consideration. However, it is important to carve out a space that is dedicated to your work, as this can help your mental health and stop burnout and fatigue from feeling like you are constantly in your workspace. If there isn’t space within your home to have an office, then a garden room is a great option for having a stylish, purpose-built workspace right outside your home. 

Get on your feet every hour

There have been numerous studies that have shown that sitting down for too long can cause problems with your circulation, which may cause swelling, or you may develop postural problems. A great way to help yourself avoid this problem is to set yourself a reminder to stand up and stretch your legs every hour. This is also important for boosting your energy levels, which will keep you present during your working day. 

Leave work at work 

When you are working from home, it can be difficult to set a clear boundary between your work life and your home life. The lack of physical distance between the two activities can mean that the lines can blur, and it can be tempting to pick up your work later on in the evening if you have a particularly large project. It is important to make sure that you log off at the end of the day and leave your work until the next day, to give yourself space to enjoy your personal life. 

Upgrade your office equipment

Office furniture and stationery can start to get a little bit pricey, but you should consider it an investment in yourself. You need to have a chair with appropriate lumbar support, and if you are still having pain at your desk then you may need an additional cushion or support. In addition to this, an ergonomic deskpad can help to elevate your wrists and help with any potential issues with carpal tunnel or repetitive strain injury. Before you make any large purchases, it may be worth bringing your issues up with your employer, as they may try to resolve these issues for you. 

Carry out a risk assessment

You might be in your own home when you are working, but it is still a workplace – which is why your health and safety should be of paramount importance to you. Speak to your HR department about a workspace risk assessment, which will help you to work out if there are any steps to take to help with any aches and pains that may be caused by being at work.

Do you work from home? Share in the comments how you make sure that you are comfortable and safe at work, even when you are working from home.

Georgie

Georgie – twenty something content creator based in Yorkshire, writing about all things pretty in life