We all know that 2020 was a rollercoaster of a year and many of its effects still linger even now. During 2020, numerous employees experienced a new concept in their field of work, namely, “working from home.” Getting gas and driving to the office in the morning was swapped with getting a cup of coffee and walking to the couch with laptop in hand. In person meetings around a large table covered in documents were swapped with virtual meetings showing coworkers’ kitchens, living rooms or offices via Zoom squares that filled computer screens.
For some, work productivity increased due to being able to focus better without the various distractions at the office. For others, working from home was hard on their mental health due to not being able to socialize with other people. If you work from home and want to keep your mental health in check while you’re on the clock, read on:
- Switch Up Your Routine
If your work schedule and lifestyle allows, try switching up your routine. If you’re used to waking up early in the morning and immediately starting work by 9AM, try kicking off your day going out for breakfast, reading a book or drinking your coffee outside instead. Starting your mornings slowly every now and then can give your brain time to peacefully wake up and can lessen morning anxiety.
- Work From…Anywhere!
Sitting day after day in the same spot looking at the same view can become exhausting, and not to mention, demotivating. Try working in a different environment. Pack your work essentials and make a little field trip out of it! Some great options in Tulsa are Topeca Coffee, the Gathering Place, Tulsa City County Library, outside the Starbucks in Utica Square during warmer days or Inheritance Juicery. In Oklahoma City, try All About Cha, Classen Coffee Co., Park Grounds, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library or Summer Moon Coffee.
3. Get a Work Buddy
Contact someone you know who also works from home and invite them over to get work done together. You both can set ground rules for when you both will zone in on work and when you will take breaks. This can be an exciting way to not only spend time with your friend, family member or coworker, but also keep you motivated to stay focused.
Your mental health comes first! Take a mental health screening at https://screening.mhanational.org/ for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD and addiction to make sure your mental health is on the right track. Following this confidential screening, you will be given resources to set you up for success.
Work From Home Ideas
Break Time:
- Take a walk.
- Stretch.
- Meditate.
- Get a snack.
- Call a friend.
- Practice self-care.
Lunch Time:
- Order from your favorite restaurant.
- Go to the gym.
- Take a scenic drive.
- Watch an episode of your go-to show.
- Read a book.
- Take a nap.
During Work Hours:
- Try a new music genre you’ve never listened to before as background music.
- Write a work to do list at the beginning of your day and after completing a project or task, reward yourself with a break.
- Switch work stations throughout the day. For example, 9AM-12PM work in the kitchen, 1PM-3PM work in the living room, 3PM-5PM work from the comfort of your bedroom!
- Listen to our Mental Health Download podcast to help make the time fly by.
- Get an essential oil diffuser or light a candle to produce a relaxing work environment.
- Don’t get overwhelmed! Focus on one thing at a time.