For each of us, the coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak has brought about major changes in our lives, including learning new ways of working. Some of us have returned to full-time jobs, but many are still working from home or in the process of doing so. While some of us enjoy the benefits of working from home, for many, this coordination has been difficult.
Tension, lack of motivation, anxiety, and anxiety are perfectly normal. Also, many of us may be concerned about future career opportunities or the best buy hacks to balancing work and personal and family responsibilities.
This will be a difficult time for all of us and will test the policies and practices of many mental health research institutions as well as many other institutions around the world. By taking appropriate mental health and well-being measures and relying on others when needed, we can protect ourselves and those around us. Many things are out of your control right now, but the way you talk to yourself in these difficult moments can provide a great buffer or increase your pain.
When I feel overwhelmed, big thoughts like “I can’t do this” or “It’s too hard” come to mind. Many of us will be under a lot of stress from the pandemic, and we won’t always be able to stand on top. However, you can ask for help or contact us when you need help.
Build a solid foundation for your mental health and well-being by prioritizing your sleep and practicing good sleep hygiene (e.g., avoid blue light before bed and maintain a sleep-wake schedule). Eat well (remember that you may be tempted to use alcohol or other indulgences to cope with stress. This is understandable but can be harmful in the long run).
Exercise can help lower your stress levels, better control your emotions, and improve sleep. This isn’t the writer’s retreat you were hoping for. The possibility that lockout periods can have exceptional results suggests that we should raise our bar, not lower it.
Don’t underestimate the mental and emotional burden this pandemic will place on you or the impact it will have on your productivity, at least in the short term. Problems with concentration, lack of motivation, and absenteeism are normal. It takes time to adapt.
Relax and take care of yourself. As we adjust to our new remote work and loneliness, our aspirations for both ourselves and those we control must be realistic. Even the most introverted of us need some form of social interaction for our mental and physical well-being.
Many workgroups have created virtual forums where they can listen to or contribute to the conversation. Virtual coffee conferences, online reading clubs, and co-working spaces have been created by a team of staff so you can work in your (virtual) presence with others. Although we are socially isolated, we must not feel alone. Especially reach out to someone who feels lonely.
These simple steps will help you be more productive and inspired while working from home and taking care of your mental health.
- Set a schedule and stick to it – The line between work and personal time can be blurred and difficult to achieve without a consistent routine. If possible, stick to a regular sleep and work schedule. Get up at the same time every day, have breakfast, and take off your pajamas.
Before leaving, set aside time for travel and play sports, read a book, or listen to music. First of all, stop working at the end of the day. Turn off your computer, stop reading your email and focus on your personal life. And at the end of the day, try to go to bed at the same time each night.
- Create a separate workspace – If possible, find a quiet place away from distractions and people, such as a TV. If you don’t have office furniture, such as an adjustable chair, use pillows to support yourself from the chair or use a box as a footstool.
- Rest helps you manage your stress level – Having lunch breaks and regular viewing breaks frees up time to focus on other things so you can get back to work more focused. Even short breaks of 5 to 10 minutes every hour can help increase productivity. If possible, spend time outdoors. Regular exposure to nature is good for your mental health.
Set aside time for a walk, run, or bike ride for some fresh air or a cup of coffee.
- Stay Connected – While telecommuting has many benefits, it can also make you feel lonely. However, there are many ways you can keep in touch with the people you care about and improve your mental health. Because human interaction is important at work and home, schedule video calls and phone calls instead of sending emails.
If you are having trouble working from home, talk to a co-worker or boss to buy tips about your concerns. Remember that your colleagues are in the same boat as you. Learn about their well-being and find ways to help each other. Book a digital coffee break or online meeting on Friday for an online chat.
- Set the boundaries – Set boundaries with family members. Setting boundaries with other members of your family is important to maintaining your mental health while working from home. Working from home gives you more flexibility, so take advantage of it.
However, this can be difficult if there are other distractions, such as children at home who think you are on vacation and want to spend time with you. Talk to your family about your needs. Let them know you still have work to do and it will take time to complete, and share your schedule.
Set the working boundaries in the same way. It’s easier to stay online when the home is the office, but at the end of the workday, turn it off and spend time with your family at home.
- Think long term – If you plan to work from home for a while, consider ways you can be more productive. Can you work in a warmer room? Or can you work in a room with large windows that let in a lot of light?
Experiment with ways to collaborate with others. Is there any new online communication software or method I can use?
- Be generous with yourself – This is an unusual situation, and everything will look unusual. Be generous with yourself and accept the fact that you may not be as productive as you normally would be. Be realistic about what you can achieve under the given conditions and relax when the task is complete.