How to nurture your wellbeing while working remotely
JANUARY 2023 | BY SARAH BRAMALL | 5 MIN READ
As we approach the third anniversary since Covid struck and we were plunged into our first lockdown, it is timely to reflect on the impact of remote working on our well-being.
Undeniably, there have been benefits: whether that's financial savings by reducing commuting or more time for family or leisure activities as a result of working from home.
However, there are also challenges.
In client sessions, the concerns that arise most frequently are around well-being. Clients continue to report a negative impact on well-being due to the blurring of boundaries between 'work' and 'home', and this works both ways- whether it's work email disturbing our sleep or domestic tasks impacting on our work.
As coaching is solutions-focused, clients have found ways to navigate through some of these challenges, so please take what is useful from their learning here:
'A Walk to Work'
Creating a morning and evening routine to mark the beginning and end of the working day. Going for a walk, grabbing a coffee or listening to a podcast outside of the house can be a good way to 're-create' the demarcation between work and home. Walking allows us both to regulate our emotions, creates time to think and provides the physical benefits of being physically active. Add in a great podcast and you're set for the day.
'Claim your Space'
Create a physical demarcation between work space and home space. It's really hard to focus on our kids when the phone is pinging with work emails. Equally, the overflowing laundry basket can distract us from our work. If possible, keep work and home life in different 'zones', both in time and space. If space is limited, something as simple as having a box to pack away work material at the end of the day can be helpful.
While none of us can predict the future, gaining clarity around working patterns, working hours, financial security or reliable childcare are all areas in which we can increase our sense of certainty.
'Stay Connected'
Working remotely can leave us feeling disconnected. If you're feeling this and craving interaction, arranging in-person meetings can be beneficial. This article shares research suggesting that impromptu, virtual meetings have become more common as we have sought ways to increase social interaction.
'Implement Boundaries'
When working at home, the lines become blurred. We become more accessible and it's therefore easier to agree to school pick up, accepting a food delivery or whatever else might be going on. We know that women continue to carry a disproportionate weight of the domestic load. While remote working may help to support work/life balance, it can also work against us as we try to juggle work and domestic responsibilities. So be intentional. Implement firm boundaries to fully commit to work and be clear about how and when you want to be available for children or other responsibilities.
As we embark on a new year, it's a great time to open up conversations around workplace well-being. What's working well and what could be better? If you would like more support for your team, we have a brilliant training "What do You Need to Thrive?", which takes you through the 6 key pillars of well-being. For more information, please email hello@thecoachingcatalysts.com.
BIO: About Sarah and The Coaching Catalysts
Sarah Bramall is an ICF Accredited Coach and Associate Trainer for the Coaching Academy.
Sarah Bramall is the co-founder of ‘The Coaching Catalysts’, alongside Rebecca Daniel. As qualified ICF accredited coaches, coach trainers, former teachers, Coach Supervisors (in training), Neurolinguistic Programming and Personality and Behaviour Practitioners; they create change through powerful and transformational coaching, training and consultancy.
Their aligned passion for impact enables them to work with professionals and entrepreneurs who are keen to live life on their terms. They help their clients to develop their mindset and prioritise their wellbeing so they can live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives.
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