For most of us, working from home is the “new normal”. We’ve carted our computers and monitors from our offices and created a make-shift workspace on our dining tables, spare rooms or garages.
After almost a month, the reality is starting to kick in… that this is our current reality, at least for the immediate future. How long that will be? No one knows. But what we do know is that working alone after a while can be challenging for some and can have a real impact on one’s mental health. Whether it’s feeling lonely, disconnected, easily distracted or unable to separate work life from home life, here are some handy tips to maintaining your mental health while working from home:
Routine
For the first week or so, it’s forgivable to wake up a few minutes before start time and work in your pyjamas, but those days are now over!
It’s best to create a good work habit by getting ready based
on your former work routine. OK, so the commute isn’t very far (so there’s no
excuse for being late), but by setting an alarm and getting prepared in time to
start on time, puts you in the right frame of mind to work.
Some people even get dressed in their work attire, pack a bag and lunch and
take it to their “office” to get in the zone. It isn’t necessary to follow this
exactly, but it’s important to maintain habits that are conducive to being in a
work state of mind.
Create a separate workspace
A lack of space at home can be an issue but if possible,
create a separate area to set up as your home office – in other words, don’t
work in your bedroom.
Studies have shown that working from home can interfere with sleep,
particularly for those who find it hard to disconnect from work at the end of
the day. By creating that separate space, you’ll have a defined zone dedicated
to work that doesn’t interfere with home, plus you can close the door so you
mentally and physically separate work and home life.
Stay connected
Keeping in touch is vital to keep that bond with your colleagues. Team meetings in the office have been replaced with conference calls & even video conferences (so you definitely can’t stay in your PJs). It’s a great way to keep on top of how the team are doing, what everyone’s currently working on and if there are opportunities to collaborate.
It’s also a fun way to connect and bond – whether it’s having Friday drinks, holding a book club or even just having lunch together!
Make time to switch off
The lines between work and home are quite blurred, particularly since technology has made it so easy to stay connected, but it’s important to set boundaries and know when to officially be finished for the day so you can spend time with your family, or do other things outside of work.
Get some fresh air
Staring at a screen all day can become exhausting. Take some time away from your makeshift workspace and get some fresh air. It’s proven that exercise is a great way to reduce stress, release endorphins and improve your mood. Why not take a walk around the neighbourhood, or visit your local coffee shop and grab a takeaway coffee to enjoy? It’s a great way to support local business, as well as enjoy a caffeinated treat!
If you’re more disciplined, a morning run or jog is a great way to clear the mental cobwebs and get you motivated and energised for the day ahead, particularly if you’ll be at your desk for most of the day.
Focus on the positives
It’s become too easy to be inundated with doom and gloom from
the news, but for the sake of your mental health it’s important to look at
things from a different perspective. See the silver lining: not having to deal
with traffic on your commute to and from work, which means more quality time
with your loved ones.
It also means there’s no more excuses to do the things you’ve been putting off,
or even taking up a hobby or craft that you’ve always wanted to. See this as an
opportunity to grow and learn, so you’ll be able to look back with a sense of
accomplishment and positivity on the other side!
Agent Raymond
Further reading:
Five Ways to Beat Isolation Procrastination
