The COVID-19 has changed everything, many people are finding it difficult to get out and go to work, and provide for a family and yet we have all had to adjust to new ways of living and working.
While working from home provides a multitude of benefits, it can present a unique set of challenges. Many of us working full time remotely for the first time, isolated from co-workers, friends and family. Our daily living routines are disrupted causing added anxiety, stress and strain—physically, mentally, and financially. It is completely natural for this disruption and uncertainty to lead to anxiety and stress.
Nevertheless, we all must take care of our mental health and well-being. As we protect ourselves against potential exposure to the coronavirus, keep in mind that social distancing does not mean social isolation. This resource provides practical tips on taking care of our mental health and well-being.
As we adjusting to the new normal, Servbridge loves to give you easy tips that can help you while working at home, to feel more productive and take care of your mental health.
- Designate a workspace
Having a designated spot in your home where you “go to work” can result in less distraction, deeper focus, and get things done. Have all the equipment you need to hand and ensure that you’ve got enough room to work comfortably.
Some places that can work nicely could be near the window, kitchen counter, the dining room table, or in a spot with ample natural light.
If possible, avoid working in your bedroom. Because your body and mind associate that room with sleep. Mixing the personal with professional can interfere with your ability to relax later on.
- Take breaks
It is important to set boundaries between our home is our office to find work-life balance.
By taking some regular breaks at your own pace, you can boost your productivity and help manage feelings of stress – try to take lunch and regular screen breaks. Give yourself time to concentrate on something else so you feel more focused when you return. Even just 5 to 10 minutes of short breaks each hour can really help your productivity too.
You also can set a time to go for a walk, run or bike ride for some fresh air, or a coffee – while keeping social distancing guidance when outside your home.
- Set and stick to a routine
This one can be a challenge, but keeping meeting schedules and regular calls with your team can help you maintain a regular work schedule. Without steady schedules, the lines between work and personal time can get blurred and be stressful to get right.
Follow your normal sleep and work patterns if you can, and stay consistent. Importantly, when your workday stops, stop working. And at the end of the day, try to get to bed at your usual time.
- Keep socializing & stay connected
Working from home doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected to co-workers, family, and friends. Socializing is just as important when working remotely as it is in the traditional workplace — maybe even more so.
Make time to socialize virtually, as your colleagues probably feel the same as us. Ask how they’re doing and whether there are ways you can support each other – boosting their mental wellbeing as well as our own.
- Design your workplace
Personalizing your workspace in ways that you may not be able to in your corporate office can be fun and a good mental exercise to help you relax.
Add some joyful items to liven up your home office and create an enjoyable environment: a plant, stack of books, your favorite art or photos, or scented candles – as a reminder that better days will come.
Listen to music & match to the energy of the project you’re working on. Classical, jazz, meditation, and video game music and sounds of nature have positive effects on work.
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- How ServBridge SmarterHands Could Help Your Business During Pandemic
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