Relieve Mental Fatigue
The New Year is an opportunity to re-focus, re-prioritize, refresh and renew. We’re especially excited that COVID-19 vaccines are on the way! But they’re not here just yet.
Since we’re spending so much of our time indoors with technology, it’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves, and each other. Here are some tips that will help you relieve mental fatigue, and start the new year off right.
Clear the Clutter
Nothing feels better than a clean, organized home! Utilize filing cabinets and drawer separators to keep your stuff tamed, and surfaces clear of clutter. Have a system for filing mail and pocket items when you come in the door. When your eye sees fewer items on tabletops and counters, you feel calm.
Avoid Bad Habits & Build Good Ones
We all have them, and you probably know which ones are plaguing you right now. It’s more difficult to change a bad habit once it’s become an actual habit, so stop it before it gets there. First notice that something isn’t serving you, then observe how this habit is triggered. Interrupt the cycle, preferably with a more positive action.
Limit Screen Time & Take a Break
Since our workdays can happen at any hour of the day now, or any day of the week, and our phones and computers are constant reminders of work that needs doing, it’s important to take a break from that work. The best way is to physically take a break from screen time itself. I recommend adding that into your calendar as if it’s an appointment with yourself.
Set & Defend Your Boundaries with Office Hours
We used to go into an office, and that defined our workday. Having a clear delineation between work time and personal time is critical to mental health, so set specific office hours and days, and communicate those to your colleagues and clients.
Watch for Digital Fatigue & Get Support
Information overload, digital or mental fatigue can manifest in ways you might not expect, such as making mistakes, showing up late for meetings, and checking social media too often. To fix it, notice how you feel. Don’t be afraid to ask for support, either from a friend, a therapist, or a hotline, if need be.
Create Physical Space to Work
Since we’re all working from home, it’s important to create a separation between our workspace and our home lives. If you have to work from your sofa or kitchen table, make sure to clear those spaces off once you’ve finished your work. Set your papers or computer aside, out of view.
If you’re lucky enough to have room for a dedicated home office, make it beautiful. Accent your space with plants, artwork, and gorgeous collectibles. Design it with quality furniture that reinforces good posture. Make use of natural light. These are all things that will help relieve mental fatigue, and start your new year off on a positive note.
Create a positive space with Kimball Starr Interior Design! She designs homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a socially-distanced in-person or remote consultation.
