As working from home slowly becomes the “new normal,” the care for your mental health should too. If you’re newly transitioning from working in an office to working remotely, you may be having trouble adjusting to not being surrounded by people on a day-to-day basis. Or maybe you’ve been a remote worker for a while and are looking for some guidance to shake up your work from home routine. Either way, it’s important to focus on your mental health by finding ways that can help you get through remote days. Here are some tips that our team has gathered that can help keep you focused and sane.
Create a home office.
Working from an office for 8 hours a day may seem to be a piece of cake when you have a designated desk setup equipped with a monitor, comfortable chair, and supplies. However, working from a kitchen table or makeshift desk can be a bit more difficult. If possible, set up multiple workstations in your home to give you a change of scenery throughout the day (hopefully near a window to get some natural sunlight).
Take frequent breaks & get outside.
Taking time to step away from your computer or workspace will give your attention span time to restart, allowing you to come back feeling re-energized and ready to go. Fresh air is known to provide more energy and create a sharper mind, which can lead to a more efficient you during a long workday. Whether it’s a walk around the block or lunch on your patio, the sunshine will be the fuel your brain is asking for.
Video call your colleagues, friends, or family.
Social interaction is critical for mental and physical health, so it is important to continue engaging with others even if it means having to do so virtually. Setting up video calls with friends, family, and colleagues has gained popularity since it keeps you connected. Many people even continue their regular routines together but from a distance by practicing virtual happy hours, workouts, and book clubs.
Close your computer at the end of the day.
One of the disadvantages of working from home is that your “work” is always at an arm’s reach. It is important to treat the end of the day as you would leaving the office. Once that time comes, close your computer, put it aside, and don’t come back to it till the next morning.
Breathe.
It’s the simplest thing we can do, yet one we forget about the most. Taking time to truly focus on your breathing will calm your stress, anxiety and fear. So, breathe in for seven seconds and out for seven seconds and remind yourself you’re not alone.
