According to recent surveys, more than 80% of remote workers are currently experiencing remote work burnout. With remote work on the rise, many of us are working longer hours and handling heavier workloads without adequate support. Additionally, the majority of us are also juggling a higher amount of family and personal responsibilities.
Having worked remotely for the past 8 years, I know well the challenges and stresses that long-term remote work brings. Managing work responsibilities while balancing personal responsibilities can be challenging. Although working from home offers a lot of convenience and flexibility, the boundaries between work and personal life can easily be blurred. There are times when it feels as though there are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done.
Although remote work does not mean that you must be available 24/7, we often overburden ourselves trying to do it all. I’ve been guilty of working through breaks and lunch, and before I know it, more than 8 hours have passed. My chronic skipping of breaks eventually led to increased stress and health issues, which eventually led to decreased productivity at work. After periods of not being able to show up for my job, myself, and most importantly, my family, I realized nothing was going to change unless I changed my approach. When I took a step back and reflected, I realized that the pressure to work so hard wasn’t coming from others, but from the standards I set in place for myself. My wellness journey has taught me that setting realistic expectations and improving work-life balance are essential for overall mental health and preventing burnout.