Since the start of the pandemic, working from home was a necessity but now it seems like many companies are changing their business model to accommodate remote or hybrid employees. Of course, there are perks to working from home: no commute, more control in your workday, and potentially more time with loved ones. But according to a survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), most employees working from home stated that they experienced a decline in their mental health. They reported loneliness, isolation, and difficulty separating work from their personal lives.

Whether you are working from home or possibly considering it an option in the future, don’t be discouraged. Here are some helpful tips to balance the negatives and create a mentally healthy remote work environment.

Set Healthy Work and Life Boundaries

When working from home sometimes the lines blur and often people have a hard time setting boundaries. Since there is no commute or change in scenery it might be difficult to not answer those late-night emails. Instead, try to set up a time when you turn off your notifications to allow yourself to disconnect from the work. Create a clear work schedule and calendar so you have something to keep you consistent.

Create A Routine

Just like you would if you were going into the office, try to create that morning routine. Take a shower in the morning, set out work clothes, and have a healthy breakfast. This will start to create helpful habits to allow you to break up the day. Try to identify your start and end times, then stick to them like you would a normal job. At the end of the workday maybe plan for a walk or something to give you a reprieve from your job.

Establish Your Workspace

It is a lot easier to separate work from home when you have a designated location for work. Try to set up a space that isn’t in your bedroom, you don’t want to have work linked to the area where you are supposed to relax and sleep. Instead, establish a spot that feels like an “office.” This area should be solely for work and should therefore look like an acceptable workspace. It’s easier to have boundaries if you have established different locations.

Take Breaks

It seems like an easy tip, but it works. It could be a physical break like walking the dog, doing a quick yoga stretch session, or calling up a friend for a hike. It could also just be getting up from the desk to grab some coffee or a treat in the kitchen. Breaks can restore motivation and reset the productive flow.

Combat Isolation

Since you aren’t going into the office every day to see your coworkers in person, make sure you are still getting some social time. It’s easy to fall into negative habits when you are alone in your home or only see your family members. Try to make plans with friends or even coworkers to go out and create some social bonds.

With this new shift in the workforce to remote or hybrid, it can be easy to ignore your mental health. Try to be mindful and check in with yourself, and make sure you are establishing those work-life boundaries. Being aware of certain things that can lead to burnout can help save you in the future and allow you to have a more productive and fulfilling career. Sometimes it is not that easy, if you or someone you love feel like you need some extra guidance in establishing a positive work-life balance give us a call. We are happy to help.