When you think of home, you may think of comfort, rest or family. But now many people work from home. Their haven has been invaded by Zoom meeting and deadlines, with no clock-out. As a result of blurred lines, mental health is suffering. People find it difficult to set boundaries and focus on work, causing extra stress and unrest. Many people believe remote work isn’t going anywhere. So Philip Michael and Julia Sun talk about taking care of your mental health while working from home.
Set boundaries for the workday
The main issue in a work-from-home environment is the blurred lines. With Slack, WhatsApp and the many other forms of messaging, it’s easy to let your work life bleed into your downtime. You may take calls and respond to emails well after the end of a workday. Or you may work during evening family time. When you find that you’re never stepping away from work, it may be time to give yourself boundaries. Yes, your colleagues and employer know you’re technically in-office, but that doesn’t mean you have to respond immediately after hours. Give yourself downtime and Do Not Disturb hours. Your mind and body will thank you for the rest.
Create a system with the people at home
While work can encroach on your personal space, it works the other way around, too. There are plenty of distractions you face when working at home. You may live with a significant other or roommate who needs your attention. And when you feel your loyalty being pulled in different directions, it can stretch you too thin. Have a conversation with the people in your house. Affirm that you don’t want to ignore them, but you need space to work during certain hours. Balance is key! Remember that many people who work in an office envy your ability to work from your couch. So, create balance and boundaries to make the most of your situation!
For more tips on taking care of your mental health while working from home, check this out. And if you’re a leader, here are some ways to connect with your team while they work remotely.
