For many people, the idea of working from home was an exciting revelation–at first. While many people still want to stay virtual after offices open, learning how to make your work from home situation balanced and focused can be difficult, even if you have already been doing it for months.
To help keep your mental health in check, enlisting the assistance of counseling services could be a good idea. In the meantime, adopting these tips into your day-to-day life can be a positive way to increase your mental health.
Tips & Ideas for a Mental-Health–Positive WFH Environment
- Get up for 15 minutes every hour: Even if you just do a lap around the living room, getting out of your seat and looking at something other than your computer every once in a while can really change the tone of your day. To make this a habit, set specific times throughout the day where you will get up and take a “brain break.”
- Plan meals in advance: Even if you are not super into meal prepping, planning what you intend to eat in advance can make mealtime a lot faster and more bearable. Getting overwhelmed by the options (or lack thereof) will just steal time from your lunch break and leave you frustrated.
- Make time for a walk: Getting outside is imperative for anyone who is working from home. Especially if you are living in an apartment, it is easy to let an entire day go by without feeling the fresh air. If you only have time for a short walk, that is okay. Take it. Get outside, feel the sunshine, and breathe in the fresh air.
- Limit screen time: You will likely not be able to limit your screen time during your remote work hours, but choosing to limit your screen time once the workday is done can be an essential way to give your eyes and brain a break. If you are experiencing zoom fatigue from time to time, try to (safely) chat with your neighbors to get some face-to-face interaction. Once you log off, log off!
- Set boundaries: If your manager is taking advantage of the remote work situation and overworking you or your team without proper compensation or acknowledgment, setting boundaries can feel intimidating, but it is necessary for your mental health. Consider talking with human resources to get assistance. As difficult as it can be, it is important that you make sure to not diminish your values or your mental health for the sake of a job.
- Take your PTO: Personal time off is there for a reason, so take it! If you are experiencing burnout and can feel the impact on your mental health, take a break. Even if you just need a staycation, getting away from work for a minute can be the reboot that you need.
- Drink water: It sounds obvious, but staying hydrated is a great way to keep your physical health regulated. When you feel better, you can perform better.
- Move around your home: If you usually work out of the same room and seat every day, try switching it up. Sit in a different room in a different chair. Even a small change of scenery may help increase your productivity and mental health.
- Make your space feel good:Having a space that feels inspired and organized can really make a difference in your day-to-day life. If your room no longer reflects the person you want to be, it can directly affect your subconscious and the way you move about in the area. When you are spending the majority of time at home, it is important to make sure it feels like your
- Self-care:Make a point to have a self-care day once a week, whatever your version of self-care means. Whether you like face masks, bubble baths, cooking a nice meal, reading a book, or just watching a movie you’ve been meaning to watch, choose to practice self-care at least once a week. Even if you have nothing on your calendar, you will always have something to look forward to.