How to Work From Home Without Losing Your Mind
Tags: Covid, Wellness, Home, Mental Health

COVID-19 has resulted in many big changes as of late. Borders are closed. Travel is restricted. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer are a hot commodity and companies are enforcing a work from home policy for preventative measures. What once was a request and dream for many has become a reality. Though working from home can feel like a luxury, not knowing when employees will be able to return to work, can conjure up emotions of isolation and restlessness. Here are measures we can all take to ensure we are A-OK.

Keep Routine

Keeping the same schedule is important because it will make returning to work simpler. Staying up / waking up late, will throw off sleep schedules and will mean readjusting when returning to work is put into effect. Eating meals at the same time will keep the body and mind in a stable setting.

Utilize Commute Time

Now that commuting has been eliminated why not spend that extra time doing something good / kind for yourself and your health? Take your dog for an extra long walk, workout at home, cook a big healthy breakfast. Having a healthy morning will ignite endorphins in the brain and jump start a productive and positive day ahead. At the end of the day, spend the extra time winding down with meditation, and enjoy preparing dinner without feeling rushed.

Take Breaks

Remember that the body and mind need breaks in order to function properly. Schedule time in the calendar to walk away from the computer, get up and stretch, make lunch, listen to some tunes, or get outside for some fresh air. Take the time the body and mind need to recharge.

Eat Healthy

The brain and body function and feel better when it is fuelled with healthy eats. Keep fresh fruit and nuts in your home for snacks, and drink plenty of water throughout the day to ensure you remain nourished and hydrated.

Open the Window

Fresh air = more brain power.

Sit by Natural Light

Artificial light decreases levels of melatonin, which can impact our mental and psychological functioning, including our ability to sleep, think clearly, timing and release of hormones.

Engage

Being alone when you’re used to working in an office full of people can be a hard adjustment. Although we are meant to isolate to avoid spreading/contracting COVID-19, we don’t need to shut our selves off from the world. Stay engaged with your team, reach out to friends, face-time, talk on the phone. Human contact is important and it will alleviate the feeling of loneliness.

Restrict Use of Screen Time

Keeping up to date with the news is important, but monitoring the amount of screen time is critical. It will determine how much the current situation will impact you on an emotional level. Try to remain calm, breathe and not to lose yourself in the news and online. The internet is a deep, vast place that can feel very scary sometimes. Know your limit, stay within it.

Make the Most of It

This is not a staycation, but in a way, it is quite lovely to have the luxury to have a home and to be able to stay there with all of our comforts and safe feelings. Create a space you love, keep it clean, keep it stocked with groceries, enjoy the peace and quiet, while it lasts.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious or other emotions too intense to manage on your own please know you are not alone. Help is only a phone call away and compassionate professionals are ready and happy to listen to you and support your needs.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline — 1–800–950–6264

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1–800–273–8255