How To Avoid The Dreaded WFH Burnout
To say 2020 brought a whirlwind of experiences would be a total understatement.
Among all the changes and adaptations we've had to make as agencies, the term "work from home" is not something new to most of us. For the team at DOT & Co., the WFH life has been our standard since day one! But that doesn't mean it's always easy to maneuver, especially with an ongoing global pandemic and industry changes happening daily...
So let's be honest: burnout is a real thing. And we've had our fair share of battles while trying to continue scaling as an agency while not letting the struggle get real. We are here to tell you that if you're feeling the same pressure to work late into the evenings, have days that blend together, and feel like you're spinning on a constant hamster wheel, you are not alone. We hear you, we see you, and we are making strides to staying happy, healthy, and productive while tackling WFH like a boss!!!
It all starts here. Here are a few of our tips to thriving in the WFH life and kicking burnout to the curb. 🙅
1—Start with a mantra or a daily practice of gratitude 🤗
To some, this may sound silly, however, we're here to tell you that the power of positive thinking and daily affirmations can completely transform how you start your day when working at home. Maybe the first thing you do when you wake up is avoiding checking your phone and instead journal something you're grateful for. Maybe you get together with your team and start every day with a morning huddle zoom call (our personal fav!). Whatever it may be— just try to make sure you're starting every. single. day. with something positive. We guarantee it will completely shift your mindset and help you start WFH on the best note!
→ Want to know what the heck a mantra is? Check ours out ➡️
"We are DOT & Company. We are a client-centric creative team that aligns with digital marketing agencies to work together in-flow with efficiency, expert knowledge with a premium service. Our goal is to build a team of like-minded people, who have a passion for client account management. We strive for work-life balance, and enjoying what we do, which permits a holistic healthy life."
*Rinse, lather, repeat at every morning meeting, and BOOM!*
2—Investigate your options and dedicate a space solely to your work and learning 💡
For some, the luxury of having a home office is just not possible, and that's okay too! The work set-up space can be a bit of trial and error at the beginning of WFH life, but once you crack the code it can truly be a game-changer. Our tip is to start by figuring out what kind of environment gets you motivated and feeling inspired to get thoughts on paper, rather than flicking through Netflix on the couch with your computer on your lap.
If you have a spare bedroom or space for an office— awesome! Try to keep the space organized, tidy, and structured in a way that allows you to focus on your desk and have a nice backdrop for video calls. Don't be afraid to move some furniture around and invest in a couple of quality items to make the space feel motivating, bright, and professional. We're all about plants, prints, and a polished look to make space feel like an idea hub. This also can show your clients that you don't just talk the talk, you look the part too!
For those adapting to the WFH life in a small space (think, small 1-bedroom apartment with few windows)— keep reading. It is totally possible to get creative in a small space while levelling up your living space to an area that breeds innovation and ultimate productivity levels. Say it with me: natural light and an ergonomic set-up! Whether it's a desk in your bedroom or working from the dining room table, make sure you're getting any ounce of vitamin D you can from a window nearby, or invest in a 'Happy Light'. Pair these with a supportive and ergonomic chair, raised screen(s), maybe a blanket or two for coziness, and a thoughtful backdrop— you can completely transform any space into an office that keeps the positive vibes radiating from dusk 'til dawn. Just make sure you keep this space clean, tidy and dedicated to work as best you can without too many distractions.
3—Arguably the most important piece: BOUNDARIES ⚠️
This means setting boundaries on your work hours, setting boundaries with your cohabitants (spouse, children, roommates, pets, the list goes on...), and setting boundaries with yourself.
WORK HOURS: We've all been there. You download Slack, Zoom, and GDrive onto your phone and the next thing you know it's 11 pm.. you're in bed...answering emails + clients' inquiries until the wee hours. Just to turn around and do it all again in the next morning!
⛔ STOP. This is where burnout will start to creep in and have you convinced that every moment at home needs to be a productive one. The reality is, if you don't incorporate enough balance and breaks into your days, you're going to decrease your productivity significantly and your outputs will suffer. On top of that, your clients are paying you the big bucks to be switched on, so remember that your clear mind will thank you for taking that lunchtime yoga class instead of plowing through another project on fumes. Having said that, be clear about setting office hours with clients and colleagues. No one likes a late-night ask in the middle of Bachelor night!
COHABITANTS: This one may not always be as easy to tackle, but try to define your working role with those who share your space. The fewer distractions and noise going on in your sphere, the better— but remember you can still have balance too! We encourage walks with spouses between meetings, an afternoon treat with the kids before a webinar, and frequent pet visits for a nice dose of oxytocin. Whatever your situation looks like, just remember to make it clear when your working hours are on and when is the best time to enjoy the outside world.
YOU, YES—YOU!: Time to get real. If you're anything like us, there's nothing like the feeling of crushing your goals + targets and heading into each week feeling the fire lit! 🔥 What we need to remember though is that fire comes from within and only stays going with the proper mix of sleep + exercise + water + nutrition + balance. Be kind to yourself!
Take time for yourself each and every day to thank your mind & body for all it has accomplished and continues to do.
Maybe this is in the form of:
Meditation
Journaling
Workouts
Fresh Air
Meal Prep
Family Time
Naps
Anything that makes YOU feel good!
All we're saying is you have to make "you time" a part of your daily practice—that's the doctor's orders.
Thanks for coming to our Ted Talk— er, I mean WFH blog— on how to avoid burnout like a champ.
Curious about what we do for agencies? Check us out at www.dotandcompany.co, or email us to start the conversation.
Until next time,
Taylor
P.S.— looking to outsource your client management? We've got you. Find us here.