Being a freelancer comes with certain perks: you don’t need to commute to work (say goodbye to sitting in the car for hours in the midst of heavy traffic); no one imposes formalities and office policies on you (say hello to comfy hoodies and pants); and you have flexibility and control over your workload. Wait to hear the best part: You can pat your pet and feel the warmth of touching a beloved friend. Feeling drowsy? Take a quick nap and continue to work with a refreshed brain. After all, Japanese people have been doing this for a long time and are considered the most hardworking people on earth.
However, working as a freelancer may easily become a culprit of neglecting your well-being and not caring for yourself. This seriously impacts your overall health in the long term as well as productivity and engagement at work. The good news is that the bottlenecks you experience as a freelancer can be navigated by setting realistic goals, understanding your challenges, and establishing a balance between work and life.
It’s not too easy, right? Don’t worry, because we have got you covered and have gathered tips and strategies that will help you thrive.
↠ Get Prepared Against Financial Obstacles
As a freelancer, you’re your own boss, which sounds great. But perhaps things are not a bed of roses when it comes to ensuring a sustainable and regular income. The trick is finding the right clients, and thus, the right projects for you. Recognize your strengths, build your skills and expertise in high-demand fields and issues, and don’t shy away from getting help from professionals in money matters. If you’re lucky enough to hire a professional to handle paperwork for you, you don’t need to worry over such formalities that can steal from your time and enthusiasm for your work. Check out the tips here to build a well-rounded investment strategy, free yourself from energy-draining woes, and focus on your work and health.
↠ Be Careful With Working Hours
You may find it hard to strike a healthy balance between work and life. In fact, this is an issue nearly all employees experience today, regardless of whether they are freelancers or not. However, the former group may be under a higher threat and have put themselves in a state of constant overwork. You have a quiet environment where you are alone, sitting in front of the computer for long hours, and feeling the need to check your emails and phone notifications continuously in case a client has demanded your service. So, you may go on working all day with no breaks and even without noticing the harm it has on your health and focus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), overworking can cause serious problems associated with mental well-being like anxiety, depression, and stress.
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Take time to write a journal (not related to work), paint, coloring or sculpt. Some movement does not sound bad, right? Exercise, meditate, or stretch. You can also take a quick walk outside while listening to some relaxing music or an interesting podcast. But keep in mind that you must distance yourself from the screen. How about weekends? If you don’t want to suffer from Sunday Blues, set a rule for yourself not to work during the weekends except under “really” special circumstances.
‼ Bonus:
You should spare time to follow a healthy diet. Otherwise, it can cause problems like heart disease and high cholesterol. Besides, it means wasteful spending if you make it a habit to eat outside every day. The solution? Hear from a meal-prep editor, Victoria Seaver. "Do a little meal prep, like chopping up salad ingredients or veggie sticks for snacks or making egg or tuna salad to have for lunch, so you don't have to spend too much time on it during the day or push eating till you're so hungry you devour everything in the kitchen."
↠ Identify Stress Triggers
Understanding and acknowledging what renders you unable to function in a stress-free and focused manner is vital for maintaining your well-being. Prolonged and excessive stress related to work causes burnout, a syndrome that accumulates over time. There are 12 phases of burnout identified by Herbert Freudenberger and Gail North. If you struggle with one of these signs, do not hesitate to reach out to fellow freelancers. Talking with people who are going through similar experiences can provide a sense of validation. Getting enough sleep, distancing yourself from work, and setting a work routine also help. If you still struggle with burnout signs, seek help from a mental health professional.
↠ Make Tweaks to Your Working Environment
You may be admiring the organized desk setups of your freelance fellows and thinking how tidy and sleek they are. Or they are creative and make small tweaks to their workplace from time to time to uplift their mood. If you find yourself lazy on that front, know that you’re not alone; as a freelancer, I’ve been in that place, too. Who does not want some change? Even purchasing an ergonomic chair or painting your desk can greatly improve your mood. Why not choose among these 11 best office desk plants for improved health and well-being? Such kinds of self-care practices remind you how important it is to prioritize yourself and keep your motivation uplifted.
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Consider working at a cafe or a public library when you find it hard to focus or have problems managing your time at work. In most countries, it’s now easier and more affordable to reach coworking spaces. There, you can meet new people and expand your network. Alternatively, on specific days, you and your fellow freelancers can meet at a convenient location where you can enjoy a tasty drink and a slice of cake while doing your job in a social environment.
↠ Learn How To Navigate Clients
If you want to thrive as a freelancer, you should set your working rules upfront and let your clients know about your boundaries. Make sure to notify your clients about the hours you’re available for work so that you avoid untimely calls and persistent emails. Such rules are the secret ingredients for building a sustainable career without putting too much pressure on yourself. Also, don’t be afraid of saying 'no.' This shows that you are a professional who has set certain boundaries and knows the fields you’re good at, thus being able to meet the demands of your clients.
‼ Upshot: It’s possible to adopt a schedule at work that will allow you to thrive in all areas of your life. Don’t believe in those who glamourize overworking and being productive all the time. Instead, explore the ways to work smartly and prioritize your well-being. As Adam Grant says,
Being a workaholic isn’t the key to productivity. It’s a recipe for languishing. Having fun isn’t an enemy of efficiency. It’s fuel for finding flow. Play isn’t a reward for finally making it through your to-do list.
We could not have agreed more with you, Adam!