It’s official! It has been fourteen months since many of us transitioned out of the office and began working from home!
The transition has come with some serious benefits, like avoiding rush hour traffic on the 401 and being able to roll out of bed thirty minutes before work. But, working from home, and being unable to enjoy the world as we normally would, definitely comes with it’s own set of challenges. My home, which has been a place of: comfort, peace, and solace, since I was an angsty teenager, has become: a gym, a restaurant, and an office; and, to be honest, it’s a bit much.
With everything going on in the world, it’s easy to distract yourself with work and crawl into your shell. But, burnout is real and many of us are suffering from it. Which is why, Seca & Co is sharing some tips on ways to avoid burnout. Let’s dive in!
Take Breaks
Sitting in front of a computer for hours on end without moving is not normal. Get up, do a five minute stretch, take your dog for a walk around the block, dance in your living room….do something!
Taking breaks is important for your mind and your body; earlier this year I experienced serious recurring neck pain that made it impossible for me to turn my head without screaming. I struggled to keep my head up for more than ten minutes, I couldn’t drive, and I was going to the RMT once, if not twice, a week to deal with the pain. I had shocked my muscles with my bad posture and lack of movement. It took between four and six weeks for me to regain complete mobility of my neck. During this time, I began pausing my work every hour, in order to stretch for a few minutes and I can honestly say, I haven’t had any neck problems since making this adjustment.
Get Some Exercise
When there is snow falling and temperatures below -15℃, nothing sounds less appealing than going outside for a walk. But, with sunny, warm weather finally here, it is time to get back out into the fresh air. Experts recommend 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. So grab your yoga mat and head outside, learn to rollerblade, go on a hike, walk to the convenient store, or take your bike out of the garage. Trust me, your body will thank you.
Unplug During Non-Work Hours
Like I said earlier, it is easy for us to use work as a distraction. And with Ontarians being in the middle of a lockdown it is easy to spend all your time working, because let’s be honest - there isn’t anything better to do. But, it’s important to have a routine and it’s important to disconnect. Put your phone away and play a game with your kids or do a craft together, pick up a book that has been collecting dust, learn a new skill - do something that brings you peace and joy. This does not include replying to a colleague's email at 9p.m. on a Tuesday and it doesn’t involve scrolling through social media for hours on end. Put the phone down.
Reach Out For Help
If you haven’t felt like yourself lately, or you’ve been feeling a little low - reach out for help! There are countless organizations waiting to help you. Here are a few websites you can visit and phone numbers you can call for support.
Crisis Services Canada:
Canada Suicide Prevention Service:
Call 1 - 833 - 456 - 4566 or text 45645
*Calling available 24/7
*Texting available 4pm - 12am EY
Kids Help Phone
Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868
*Available 24/7 for people ages 5-29