One of the greatest advantages of working from home is that you don’t have to commute. You get to save time and energy and use it on more productive activities.
However, commuting to and from actually has surprising benefits.
But if you’re working from home, it’s possible to get the same through a mental commute.
This article will show you how.
The Science Behind Commuting
Prior to the pandemic, people either drove or used public transportation to go to work.
It’s this brief moment in time that allows people to transition between mindsets.
Conversely, when work is done, the commute provides people with an opportunity to disengage from work and prepare themselves to unwind at home.
But many remote workers no longer have this option. They simply roll out of bed each day and start their shifts by booting up their computers.
This lack of commute can have adverse effects on one’s mental health.
So, how can remote workers detach themselves from work when they can’t commute?
“Mental” Commute
Without the physical act of traveling from one place to another, many remote workers can be more vulnerable to increased stress levels.
To avoid burnout, there’s something called a “mental” commute.
How to go about this?
Take a Walk
There are several ways to “fake” commute.
One is to take a walk around the block.
Walking might seem mundane to some. However, it can do wonders for your mental health.
Not to mention, you get to exercise after sitting at your desk the whole day.
You can even incorporate these walks into your everyday after-work-from-home routine.
When you’re done for the day, go outside, breathe in the fresh air, and just walk.
Pause for a moment and observe your surroundings. Doing so will give you time to detach yourself from work and prepare your body to relax.
Listen to Podcasts or Music
Back then, when people were commuting, they could listen to podcasts or music to drown out the noise around them.
You can still do the same thing.
Indulge in listening to your favorite melodies or think pieces from your favorite people. All these add value to your life and provide that much-needed pause after a long day.
Socialize!
It’s so easy to forget that you haven’t spoken more than five words to an actual human being (and no, Zoom meetings don’t count) when you’re working hard at your online job.
A quick call with your friends is a great mental commute—it relieves your stress and helps prevent work-from-home burnout.
Take Advantage of Breaks
Time and time again, it has been said that even the shortest of work breaks can do wonders for your health. These can also count as mental commutes.
What should you do during a short break? Stretch your limbs and perform desk exercises. You can even take a quick nap.
Whatever you choose, make sure you pick something rejuvenating.
Mental Commute = Mental Health
Remote work can be tough on a lot of people’s mental health.
Although working from home is extremely convenient, it also presents unique challenges.
But you can take precautions to prevent burnout.
Start your mental commute today.
On that note, if you have been wanting to transition into a remote work lifestyle, check out Remote Staff’s job listings. It is regularly updated and has open positions in various industries.
Remote Staff has also been in the industry for 15 years (and counting!) and has been a strong advocate for a healthy work-life balance. If you want to work from the comfort of your home, register as a remote worker today!
