Ask most office workers and they’ll tell you they love the opportunity to work from home (WFH). However, some will admit that while WFH is convenient, it can come with a few downsides. Poor mental health is one of the most concerning, but there are things you can do to reduce the risks.
Working from Home Mental Health Tips
One way to keep on top of your mental health while working from home is to create a checklist. Not only will a checklist help you feel productive in a whole different way to getting work done, it will also allow you to map out an efficient workday while you’re not in the office. While everyone’s daily mental health checklist while working from home will be different, there are some things that are important to include.
Resist the Temptation to Sleep In
It’s tempting to stay up later the night before a work from home day. None of your colleagues will know you’re yawning your way through the day, but poor sleep can impact your mood and concentration levels. We can all recall being a bit snappy when we’re tired. it’s best for your body clock if you keep to a similar time you go to bed and get up each day of the week. Whether you’re working the next day or not, the mind and body works best if it can rely on the same sleep cycle throughout the week.
Get Dressed
Sure, you can work in your pyjamas, but do you feel your best when you haven’t showered and changed into clothes? It’s best to treat your work from home day as you would a workday that you’re commuting to the office. Put on some comfortable clothes, do your teeth and brush your hair. Just because you don’t have to, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give up on your personal appearance just because you’re working from home.
Give Yourself Time in the Morning
Get up at least one hour before you need to start work so you have time for yourself and aren’t getting out of bed and sliding into the office chair soon after. Have a nutritious breakfast and if you have time, do a little exercise to get the blood circulating and the brain switched on.
Stay in Contact With Colleagues
When you’re not seeing and talking to your colleagues like you would at work, many workers may worry about what others think of their work performance. The lack of feedback can feed their stress and anxiety levels. If you’re concerned about something, don’t stew on it. Jump on a call or send an email or message and check in. Chances are you’re worried about nothing, so ask the question. It’s important to stay proactive when it comes to building and maintaining strong working relationships, even when you’re working from home.
Take Regular Breaks
Without colleagues around you, it’s easy to stare at your screen and keep typing all day. Remind yourself to get up from your chair, walk around the house or the backyard before returning to your desk. Taking breaks can reset your stress levels and you’ll often find a solution to a problem when you step away. If you have trouble remembering to take a break, set an alarm for yourself as a reminder. Taking a break is also a good opportunity to check your posture when you sit back down. Make sure you don’t do the same repetitive task for too long as pain and discomfort can lead to mental health issues.
Remind Family and Friends You’re Working
It’s easy for your partner or children to distract you when you’re working from home. If you need to complete a task that needs your full attention, close the door or put on some headphones so they know not to disturb you. If you find friends or family calling or visiting on the days you’re working from home, remind them that you’re busy.
Keep to Your Work Hours
You might be able to work flexible hours but that can mean you feel like you’re always working. Try to stick with your regular working hours that are close to the hours you worked in the office so you’re not still working into the evening because you took time off during the day. It’s ideal to close the door on your work so you can relax and not think about it until your next working day.
If your organisation now has employees working from home more often than not, an employee assistance program or wellbeing program is a great way to ensure you’re looking after their mental health and showing them that you care. For more information, feel free to give us a call on 1800 258 487 or contact us online.