So what can be done when your eyes start to cross and your mind starts to fade away?
Tiredness at work is common, but feeling fatigue at work can affect your work performance and make work less enjoyable. Due to the pandemic, the isolation can quickly become a downer for those who are used to socializing at work, hence, working from home can be challenging.
Fear not, we got you covered! Here are some steps that you can actually do to help boost and maintain your body energy throughout the day while working from home.
1. Get some sunlight
Image source: @joyfulcaptures
Plants do photosynthesis right? We humans need too! You might think the sun can cause several kinds of serious health issues. But small amounts, especially early in the day before it’s at its brightest, can give us more energy and help us to keep calm, positive, and focused. So, kick start your day by soaking yourself in some natural rays or open up the blinds and let in natural light.
2. Do the shower trick
Image source: @brucemars
Start your day with doing something else than popping into work! Showers are no longer just for hygienic purposes, it is self-care. Taking a shower in the morning before work gives you the instant energy that wakes you up in just a minute. So here’s the trick, blast yourself with cold water for 30 seconds, followed by warm water for 30 seconds, and then finish with cold water. The rapid change in temperature helps to stimulate the body and mind.
3. Jam out
Image source: @miquelena
Time to blast your favorite songs! Imagine you are driving and your favorite song comes on, what do you do? How do you feel? Would you turn it up, sing along and maybe even bounce to the beat? Same goes for working, play upbeat music that makes you feel lively and excited. The energizing tunes will pump you up and make you feel ready for the day.
4. Move it!
Image source: @brucemars
Stand up and move around, do some stretching if you need to. Not only does moving require that you stay awake, but it can get the blood pumping to boost energy and mood. Consider exercising in the morning before work to snap out of your morning grogginess to get yourself ready for the day.
5. Snack and munch
Image source: @tylernix
It’s pretty difficult to focus if you’re working on fumes. You need to fuel! Main meals are a must, but you’ll probably need some light snacks too. Feel free to snack on something while working to ease the boredness. You might want to get some healthy snacks, although it is better to aim for healthier options most of the time, but it’s fine to eat less nutritious snacks at times. Reward yourself with 1-2 cheat days!
6. Get social
Image source: @ademay
Don’t work like a robot! Throughout this FMCO, you’re probably working alone in your own space and go eight or nine hours without speaking to a single person. While social media can be a great source of connecting and boosting energy, call a friend up for a chat or arrange for short video calls. This makes you feel less lonely with a good companion during work. Take a look at audio visual solutions by AVEX if you always arrange business calls for work.
7. Cat napping
Image source: @alexandruz
Please do not think a nap is a sign of laziness. A power nap of 10-20 minutes is the best way to re-energize. If you are overly tired and find it hard to focus, do consider taking a mini nap after lunch. This can reduce fatigue, increase alertness, and improve mood, you’ll find yourself energized and focused to work again!
