Working from home has obvious perks, and most people prefer it to commuting five days a week. That said, many people find their morale drop off sharply after beginning a remote schedule. If you feel sad working from home, here are the most probable reasons why.
Your Home Office Is Depressing
Your workspace heavily influences your mood and productivity. If your home office is poorly lit, cluttered, or simply uninspiring, it’s no wonder you feel under the weather. A drab environment stifles creativity and dampens motivation, making daily tasks feel heavier than they are.
You spend hours in this space, so it’s crucial to create an atmosphere that energizes you. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to liven up even a small, naturally dark space. For instance, you can easily simulate natural light in a windowless office with the right bulbs and decor. Likewise, some plants, ergonomic furniture, and artwork can go a long way in making your workspace feel brighter and more inviting.
You’re Missing In-Person Contact
Screens put emotional as well as literal physical barriers between social connections. If you get along with your colleagues, you might be feeling frustrated by the change in dynamics. Likewise, you might be struggling to make work friends when remote since it’s harder to connect with people and engage naturally over online platforms. While virtual meetings provide some interaction, they rarely replace the energy of in-person collaboration.
Therefore, it’s important to make time for social activities outside of work, such as meetups with friends or coworking days. Moreover, try to attend any in-person events your company hosts.
You’re Neglecting Self-Care
When working from home, it’s easy to fall into habits that negatively impact your well-being. You might stay in your PJs all day, skip breaks, avoid exercise, or neglect basic routines like eating healthy meals. Over time, these actions take a toll on your physical and mental health, leaving you feeling drained and disheartened.
Prioritize self-care by setting aside time every single day to stretch, walk, or perform a higher-intensity workout. Additionally, learn how to eat healthy while working from home, taking advantage of your proximity to the kitchen and pantry to prepare wholesome, delicious meals. Finally, treat yourself throughout the day with cups of tea, little snacks, aromatherapy, meditation breaks, or whatever else you love. Treat your well-being as a nonnegotiable part of your workday.
You’re Struggling To Separate Work and Home Life
When your living room is also your office, it becomes much harder to mentally disengage from work. This constant overlap can make it feel like you’re always at work and responsible for replying to messages.
Create clear boundaries by working in a dedicated office, letting your colleagues know when they should (and shouldn’t) expect you to be available, and performing a transitional activity after logging off. You deserve to have your free time feel like free time.
Feeling sad while working from home is more common than you might think. If you’ve been struggling with it, now you understand a few possible reasons why. With intentional changes, you can create a healthier and more fulfilling remote work environment.