Impact On Health – Mental Wellbeing – Working From Home
Finally, I’m looking at the impact that working from home can have on our mental wellbeing. As has already been seen, creating a productive workspace is possibly not an easy ask and while in the current climate this has become a necessity for many, it may be more simply said than done. I have written a mini series of blogs covering this subject. The considerations of making space at home and actually being able to achieve this could be miles apart and there are several considerations to bear in mind. A space to work Impact on the rest of the household Having to wear several “hats” at the same time Working out a schedule Impact on Health – Physical Impact on Health – Mental wellbeing Today I’m looking at –
Impact on Health – Mental wellbeing
Keeping a good work-life balance is so important to mental health. Just because you are at home doesn’t mean you have to be sitting at your laptop for 12 hours a day. Taking regular breaks as I suggested yesterday and having a good routine all help to maintain a good state of mind.
Instead of the full laundry basket of dirty clothes next to you waiting to be put in the washing machine, having a tidy and clutter free work area helps to keep your mind able to concentrate on work. Knowing when work starts & finishes and then when the rest of your life starts is imperative to mental wellbeing. Discussing concerns with managers about working from home and the feasibility and practicalities of what this “new” working day looks like for you. It might be the case you need to split your working day differently to meet all of your work-load. Get other household members to join you in scheduling times for work and rest. Having a routine in place eases the constant whirring in your head of when and how you will fit things in.Keep a bit of Normality
Get plenty of sleep and have a good regular sleep routine. Continue to eat proper meals at proper times. Just because there is food within easy reach doesn’t mean it is best for you snack constantly during the day! It can be a good idea to set up video chat lunch and coffee breaks with colleagues; the people you would normally meet when you pop to the work canteen or kitchen. This can help keep a bit of normality to how your work day flows. When work is finished, that should be it as far as your paid employment is concerned. Walk away and close the door. If not physically then mentally have an end point or trigger. Like was mentioned in one of the earlier blogs, it can be something as simple as walking round the other rooms of the house as if you are on your homeward commute. Make time for yourself doing things you enjoy – reading a book, listening to your favourite podcast or getting out in to nature. Try not to watch too much news, keeping up with current events is fine but don’t overload and try and keep to one or two reputable news channels. I hope you have enjoyed this mini-series and that maybe there has been just one or two ideas to help.