Work-life balance tips

How to Stay Mentally Fit While Working From Home

Millions of workers have had to adapt to working from home in recent weeks due to social isolation measures implemented to stem the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. 

Our mental health could be affected by such a sudden change in circumstances. Therefore, we will look solely into work factors that can affect an individual’s mental health and explore ways of alleviating stress and anxiety. Here are some key elements to consider:

01. Create the best working environment you can

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a home office ready to go – and even those who have may not be used to spending many weeks operating in this space. Suppose you are setting up a home office for the first time. In that case, you may not have many options regarding location, especially if you share the space with family members or housemates who are also unexpectedly working from home. If you can, try to set up somewhere with lots of natural light and ventilation.

02. Prioritise healthy communication above all else

Suppose you are used to working in a central office, where colleagues are mere meters away. It can be challenging to adapt to a new situation where holding a conversation is not as easy as shouting over the desk. The key to making this work when operating remotely is to communicate as often as you can through a range of different mediums. Where possible, pick up the phone or use a platform like Skype or FaceTime for a video call. Interacting with colleagues can help avoid loneliness or isolation and often help you solve an issue much more quickly. 

03. Create boundaries between work and home life

Even seasoned homeworkers can find this challenging, as the lines get blurred between your working space and home. With no commute to worry about, it can be easy to fall into the trap of working longer hours or stretching tasks out due to distractions. For these reasons, it is essential to build boundaries. For example:

Set strict start and end times for your day and do all you can to stick to them.
Ensure you get out of the house at least once a day for exercise.
Take regular breaks throughout the day in different rooms of the house. Even ten minutes of drinking coffee in the kitchen can make a difference.
Work hard to switch off in the evening, avoiding looking at emails or messages if possible.

04. Do not be afraid to be honest with your employer

Whether your query relates to childcare challenges, feelings of isolation, connectivity or equipment challenges, or simply a feeling of being overwhelmed, it is crucial to raise your concerns with your manager and seek appropriate support. If you are a manager, it’s worth considering the following key elements when it comes to the mental well-being of staff:

  • Show empathy at all times.
  • Ask the right questions.
  • Possess solid listening skills.
  • Promote self-care.