Are you struggling working from home? Do you find it difficult to have work-life balance? Many people have had to make adjustments with work during the pandemic.
Due to the pandemic, many have started working remotely and continue to work remotely. Those who are able to work from home may have run into some difficulties even if they initially enjoyed working from home.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Working Remotely
There are benefits and drawbacks associated with working from home. A huge benefit is not having to commute. This has allowed some people to relocate to live in a more affordable area. Some other benefits include the ability to personalize their own work environment, which may help with productivity. The common drawbacks are feeling isolated and lacking the support of fellow coworkers. There may also be more distractibility at home since other people may be home or hobbies may be located at home.
Tips to Help Improve/Maintain Mental Health While Working Remotely
Set up a dedicated workspace to help minimize distractions
Make sure it is not in an area where you relax after work
Create a daily schedule/routine
Get ready and dressed for work
Take breaks
During this break, no work is allowed, including checking work calls/email
Make sure to stretch and stand every so often
Have an activity to help transition you out of work mode
Examples: taking a walk, meditating, showering, cooking
If you are interested in mindfulness meditation, there are many free resources on YouTube and in app form. We have a list here
Make an effort to get to know your coworkers whether it be online or outside of the office if safe to do so
Go outside when you can since our bodies are not meant to be indoors all the time
Nature can be very beneficial for mental health
If you are interested in learning more, feel free to click here
Exercise can help our overall health, including mental health
Plan something to look forward to
Examples: future vacations, hobbies, or meeting up with friends
Life transitions are never easy, especially with how the pandemic has affected us all. Our bodies like homeostasis, so it will take time for our bodies to readjust. If you have significant mental health struggles, these tips are helpful but may not be enough. If you are struggling as we are transitioning out of the pandemic and want mental health support, feel free to contact us by clicking here.
Quotes:
“Your life is a story of transition. You are always leaving one chapter behind while moving on to the next.” By Anonymous
“The only way you can grow is to let yourself make mistakes and create contradictions. As we learn new things, some of our old attitudes will change.” By Nikki Giovanni
Stay tuned. The next topic is "The Importance of Completing Our Stress Cycle."
Written by Elena Duong, Psy.D.
Edited by Susanna La, Ph.D.