Many think that working from home is very convenient and stress-free. But if you are a Mom, this we should think otherwise. I have been working from home since the Covid-19 pandemic shocked us and the world seems to have shut down in a snap. From traveling and working inside the corners of our office to working from the comforts of our home. These and more ideas made us think that we are then far from many office stress-causing factors; your boss who always keeps an eye on you, deadlines and targets, your annoying co-workers, commute, and traveling to office worried you might be late and the likes. Whoa! Little do we know that working from home also has its own sources of stress.
For a mother like me, who lives alone with my four-year-old, it's a struggle especially if you are on a 9-hour day shift and at the same time taking care of your child as well as your chores. These factors then trigger unimaginable stress as you need to juggle from one task to another. You don't even know where to start and how you can finish each of those tasks. With this, I came up with a few tips on how to relieve stress while working from home which you may find in favor of Moms like me.
Tip #1 Practice a 5-Minute Breathing exercise
It is known that breathing exercises are a good way to relax, kills pain, calms down anxiety, reduces tension, and relieve stress. With the right posture, this is an effective way to increase calmness not just to your body but as well as to your mind. Plus, this is 100% free!! You can do this anytime and anywhere without you paying a penny!
Tip #2 Dress to De-stress
I thought that working from home means I don't need that much time to get myself ready and be stressed on the clothes I wear. Thought that I can work with my pajamas not worrying about what my clients or customers think about how you present myself since I only get to speak with them over the phone. But that's a NO-NO! The more time I spend wearing my pajamas, the harder I get my game face on. That results in me being stressed about the things I didn't accomplish for not being in the mood to work and get things done until they piled up. Dressing out doesn't mean you have to be in your corporate attire or semi-formal wear. Start off by taking a warm bath an hour before your shift, wearing good comfy clothes, brush, and tie your hair. Feeling and looking good boosts self-esteem and attracts positivity whether you're working virtually or face-to-face with your clients.
Tip #3 Talk to Your Family and Friends
When I started working and earning money for myself until the time I decided to take care of my own family, stress has been my friend. It has always been there for me and I guess it's here to stay. But I know for sure that I also have people around me with whom I can share my thoughts so I can relieve my stress. My parents who are always there willing to listen to my frustrations about being a mom and a wife, my husband who listens about my stress regarding my career and at the same time whom I share my dreams and plans with, my sister who always reminds me that I have to trust God and remember that He has the best plans in store for me. A good laugh and long catch up talks can ease stress as you share what you have been keeping inside. It's like de-clogging your mind and sorting your thoughts so you can start over for the better.
Tip #4 Prioritize your Tasks
From the time I decided to start my freelancing journey, I had no idea how to start no idea how will I ever manage doing everything. From taking care of my daughter and her needs, my full-time job, and all the household chores at the same time. I then saw Coach Grace's and the Filipino Virtual Assistance Consultancy ads on Facebook. I decided to take my game 1 step higher by enrolling in their Freelancing Course and work from home permanently. My level of stress also hyped up due to the deadlines of my portfolios to the pressure of seeing my batchmates getting hired as early as 2 weeks from the time we started training. I felt lost and unsure if I have to go on or just quit. It was the perfect time when I saw one of the most helpful topics Coach Grace has, Time Management: 3 Tips in Prioritizing Tasks. This made me realize how important it is for me to have a to-do list and focusing on what's important than what's urgent to ensure accomplishment on certain tasks rather than trying to work things out all at once. We are not Superwoman like other people claim because it is always easier said than done. The harder we try to be someone people expect us to be, the harder for us to succeed.
Tip #5 Prayer Makes Everything Better
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Often times I forget that there is someone whom we can run to. When I started working from home, I felt so alone. No more eat-out with my friends at work, I rarely visit my family due to Covi-19 and all. Other than I am fully aware that they are also fighting their own battles. So sharing my stress, struggles, and negativities all the time isn't always the best thing to do. It was this time when all I had to face is the stress at work and all the duties I have at home. I also came to a point when I had to worry about my husband, a seafarer, losing his job, and come home with an empty pocket due to the pandemic.
One time, I was washing our dirty clothes when I felt that I was at my lowest. I found myself crying my eyes out and started praying to God asking for strength and answers. I felt so weak as if I can't feel my knees down to my feet. I asked for answers to all the questions I have in mind for more than 2 weeks already. And later that same day, my husband called me and happily shared good news! He will not be sent home, instead, his contract has been extended until early 2021! I wanted to burst into tears over the phone but I don't want my husband to know that I was worried sick about it. God did not just give me a mere answer. He gave me what I prayed for! On a daily basis, I have forgotten how powerful prayers are not until that day. Truly, I just have to cast all my worries and pains to him and I shall be healed.
These are just a few of those many ways for us to relieve stress at work and overcome challenges in our daily lives. Things that come easy don't last and what lasts won't come easy. We just have to find a way ourselves and all the hard work will be worth it.