Amidst the re-emergence of the COVID-19 crisis, the most dreaded “work from home” lifestyle is returning once again to offices and universities. While working from home can dispel the stress of commuting and setting social boundaries in the office space, ironically, it can increase work stress by actualizing patterns of boredom and monotony in the home environment.
A WFH lifestyle can become exigent due to many factors. The challenges differ for people who live with family and those who live only by themselves. Being alone at home can decrease work motivation by doling out little-to-no stimuli to get out of bed and begin work while the entire world is in a pandemic.
Working from home around the family is demanding when setting boundaries and following routines. Setting aside time for house chores while also listening to sobbing kids and your difficult boss simply increases frustration. Worries about future job prospects and promotions can add to the anxiety and frustration.
All things combined, this lifestyle can impose a huge toll on our mental health. Therefore, it becomes exceedingly important to check out these top mental health tips for remote workers to make WFH a little more fun and pleasurable.
1. Build your workspace
To fight the boredom which sets in from having the same space for working, sleeping, eating, and hanging out, get yourself a dedicated, pleasant, and aesthetic space for work. It could be a warm room in winter, or it could be a desk next to the window in the summer.
2. Split your day
Work out a creative routine that allocates time for work, breaks, household chores, social time, and self-care. Only work or only family time can affect mental health by destroying work-life balance.
3. Take time out for yourself
Remember to be kind to yourself. Take fun breaks to walk and fool around the house to keep the champion in you away from frustration.
4. Stay connected
Your family and friends need you as much as you need them. If you live alone, engage with your loved ones through virtual meetings. Hanging out virtually with your office colleagues can increase the work spirit and build better office relations.
5. Talk to a therapist
If you still feel anxiety and depression kicking in, or you feel isolated or alone all the time, consider talking to a therapist. You can arrange virtual meetings with our therapists or become a part of an activity group at Lifeworks counseling center based in Carrollton, Texas.
In essence, build a routine, take care of yourself and your family, take fun break time and practice self-love and self-care to make WFH successful for you. If you can’t manage it yourself, get on a call with our therapists to direct you. Find out more about us from our website. Getting help for stress relief is not bad. Be the bold one to break the stigma around mental health.
COVID-19 is possibly here to stay. Therefore, the sooner we adapt, the better.
