Dealing with Mental Exhaustion and Burnout While Working Remotely

Table of Content

1. Recognising Remote Working Burnout

2. Dealing with Burnout While Working Remotely

We’ve all heard the word ‘burnout’. It refers to a state of exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. The stress could be physical, mental or emotional. When people switched to emergency remote working during the pandemic, they found the idea new and exciting. Remote working allowed professionals to work from the comfort of their homes, alleviating the stress of travelling for several hours every week. Unfortunately, working from home for over two years comes with challenges. While some people thrive in remote working setups, others feel isolated and lonely, eventually leading to stress, exhaustion and burnout. If you’re currently struggling, here are some tips to help out.

Recognising Remote Working Burnout

Before you deal with burnout, you must recognise the symptoms. If you start having new, negative feelings for your organisation and struggle with productivity, you could be dealing with burnout. A lack of inspiration and an inability to disconnect from work are also clear indicators that remote working is getting the better of you.

Dealing with Burnout While Working Remotely

• Try Co-Working

  Remote working fuels isolation and loneliness. If you struggle with finding a supportive environment to flourish, you can try using a co-working space. These areas allow individuals or groups to rent desks or meeting rooms as required every day. You can opt to rent space for a few days each week and see if being in an office environment with other people helps you. You can ask a friend to work from your home with you. Having others around can help with feelings of isolation.

• Keep Your Water Cooler Appointments

  One of the perks of working with others is catching up with them regularly. Most people would gather around the office water cooler to share stories from the weekend. While working remotely, make sure you take a few minutes every week to check in on your colleagues. Chat with them online and ask how they’re doing. It may seem like a small gesture, but it brings some normalcy to your new work-from-home situation.

• Make Time to Be Social

  Remote working can also cause burnout when you try to work longer and harder than usual. Stick to your daily routine while working from home and keep your social commitments. Log off on time and avoid answering work-related e-mails, calls or messages when you’re off the clock.

• Stay Active

  Your physical health impacts your mental health and vice-versa. When you’re struggling with burnout, give yourself time to be active. Make time for exercise every day. Something as simple as a 20-minute walk could boost your mood and help you feel better. Find exercise activities you enjoy and incorporate them into your weekly schedule. Get a health insurance policy like Click 2 Protect Health. The plan provides peace of mind by helping take care of medical bills, leaving you free to focus on your health and wellbeing.

  These small measures can help you deal with the stress of working from home. If you feel you’re reaching a point of burnout, ask your superiors for help. You can request time off to recharge.

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