Working from Home and Maintaining Mental Health
Remote working is becoming an increasingly popular work arrangement due to pandemic-related issues and the advancement of technology. According to a study conducted by FlexJobs, the amount of people working from home at least part-time has increased 115% in the past decade. Furthermore, a more recent study surveyed employees and found out that over 97% desire some form of remote work!
While this flexible arrangement can have many benefits, it can also be challenging to maintain good mental health when working from home. In this article, we will highlight five recommendations for maintaining mental health while working from home!
5 Tips for Maintaining Mental Health for Remote Workers
While working from home can provide great flexibility and convenience, as well as a way to accomplish a better work-life balance, it can also be isolating and lead to feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Here are five tips for maintaining mental health for remote workers:
1) Make Time for Social Interaction
When working from home it is easy to let social interaction fall by the wayside because there is no passive or built-in socialization that occurs when you are at the office. It's essential to make time for social interaction for both good mental health and professional networking. One way to make time for social interaction is to schedule regular coffee dates or lunch meetings with friends or colleagues. You can also join professional organizations or networking groups. Or, if you have young children, you can participate in their school activities or sign up for a parent-child activity at your local community center. By making social interaction a priority, you'll reap the benefits of increased happiness and a broader network of contacts. Taking time to interact with others can help reduce feelings of isolation, loneliness, stress and anxiety.
2) Get Moving
It's easy to get stuck in a sedentary lifestyle when working from home, especially when the commute from your bed to your office is just a few steps! Minimal activity during the day can lead to weight gain, decreased muscle tone, and even depression. That's why it's essential to make a concerted effort to get moving while working from home. Take frequent and consistent breaks to walk around the block or stretch your legs. Invest in a standing desk or balance ball chair. Try to schedule regular exercise into your day, whether it's a brisk walk at lunchtime or a yoga class after work. By making moving a priority, you'll not only improve your physical health, but you'll also boost your mental well-being and productivity.
3) Create a Routine
A daily routine can help boost your mental health by helping you feel more organized and in control of your day-to-day life. Try setting your alarm to wake up at the same time each morning and establishing a regular sleep schedule. Planning out your daily tasks can also help you make the most of your time and avoid leaving important things until the last minute. Schedule time each day to relax and de-stress. These routines and structure to your day can help you to stay centered and focused.
4) Set Boundaries
One of the benefits of working from home is that it offers greater flexibility when it comes to managing your time. However, this can also be problematic, as it can be difficult to disconnect from work. One way to overcome this difficult balance when working from home is to set boundaries between work and personal time. For example, you might designate a specific area in your home as your office and only work in that space during set hours. Alternatively, you might set a rule not to check work email after a certain time each evening. By creating clear boundaries, you can help to ensure that you make the most of your time and avoid burnout.
5) Seek Professional Help
While appealing, working from home has its downsides. Not only do you have to contend with the distractions of home life, but you also miss out on the social interaction and face-to-face relationships that comes with working in an office. If you find yourself bogged down with the challenges of remote work it is vital to seek professional help. A qualified licensed therapist can help you to develop coping mechanisms and strategize how to create balance in your life. In addition, they can provide you with support and guidance if you're struggling with anxiety or depression. If you're struggling with a building level of stress and isolation associated with working remotely, don't hesitate to seek professional help.
Protect Your Mental Health
Working remotely or having a hybrid work schedule can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it gives you the flexibility to work on your own schedule and in your own space. On the other hand, it can be isolating and lead to unhealthy habits. The challenges of working from home can be daunting, but with a little effort, you can overcome them and reap the many benefits of remote work. By making social interaction a priority, getting moving, creating a routine, setting boundaries, and reaching out if you need professional help, you can stay mentally healthy while working from home.
Are you experiencing challenges with working from home? At Groundwork Therapy, we understand the unique challenges of working remotely. Our Therapists in Brooklyn NY are here to help you develop healthy coping mechanisms and improve your work-life balance. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.