Working from home was supposed to be easier, so why does it feel harder? Therapist decodes

Working from home drains you out more than working from the office. Here are the reasons why and how to deal with it.

Working from home for months? Could what started as a perk now be quietly draining you? You are not the only one to feel this exhaustion. There are several work-from-home employees experiencing burnout. The concept of working from home was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then, it has become a norm. Though the pandemic is over, top companies like Amazon, Wipro, HCL, Deloitte, and many more are still offering the same to their employees. While it seems one of the most convenient options, it is quietly draining the mind and body of working professionals.

Working from home can feel harder sometimes than expected. (Pexel)

Working from home started as a perk — and it still is: no traffic, no early commutes, more time for yourself. Yet, despite the benefits, many are choosing the office over their home setup. Why? In an exclusive conversation with HT Lifestyle, Hema Mishra, therapist and relationship coach at Coto, an emotional wellness platform, decoded the darker side of working from home.

Why work-from-home feels exhausting

Here are the reasons why work-from-home feels exhausting:

1. Blurred boundaries between work and home

Hema highlighted that working from home sounds convenient, but it can quietly drain your mind and body. Many people experience mental fatigue, low motivation, and even irritability without realising why. Hema said, “Psychologically, this happens because the boundaries between work and personal life blur, causing role conflict and cognitive overload. Your brain stays in “work mode” longer than it should, leading to exhaustion.”

The boundaries between work and personal life blur, causing role conflict and cognitive overload.

2. Decision fatigue

Another aspect that Hema mentions is isolation, which further amplifies fatigue, as reduced face-to-face interactions lower feelings of support and belonging, increasing emotional exhaustion.

How to deal with work-from-home fatigue

Here's how you can deal with work-from-home fatigue:

1. Separate workspace

According to Hema, to overcome these issues, you need to create structure. She recommends setting clear work hours and a dedicated workspace to help your brain separate work from rest.

Setting clear work hours and a dedicated workspace to help your brain separate work from rest.

2. Take breaks and move

She also advises taking intentional breaks using techniques like the Pomodoro method or simple mindfulness exercises to restore focus. You should also include movement or stretching to reduce physiological stress.

3. Keep an emotional check

Hema recommends keeping a check on yourself emotionally. Notice your energy levels and acknowledge feelings of burnout. Research shows that self-awareness, boundaries, and deliberate recovery strategies can improve both productivity and well-being. Working from home can be fulfilling, but only when we manage our mind, body, and environment consciously.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.