For a while, it may become necessary to make adjustments to your usual way of working. If you are working from home, it’s important to try to maintain your regular routine as much as possible. Here are some ways you can take care of your mental health to stay positive and productive at home.
Plan your days
Planning some structure to your day is particularly important when working from home. For example, start each day as you normally would, by getting dressed, eating a healthy breakfast, exercising and so on.
Put together a checklist of what you want to do that day, such as dealing with pressing work tasks, making specific phone calls or organising your work space, tidying your home and watering your plants.
You’re likely to experience a sense of accomplishment as you check off completed tasks.
Have a dedicated work space
Decide on a designated area within your home that will be for work only! This will help free you from distractions like the TV or tidying the house, so you stay focused and productive during designated work hours. Drawing a clear line between work activity and your personal space makes it easier to maintain a healthy work/life balance and avoid burning yourself out.
Separate work and play
Be sure to stick to regular work hours so you don’t sell yourself short on relaxation. It can be helpful to have a ritual for transitioning from work mode to family or personal time; like doing some stretches, taking a shower, enjoying a cup of tea, watering the garden, taking the dog for a walk or simply stepping outside for some fresh air.
Look good – feel good
Dress each day as though you are going to a meeting. As tempting as it may be to hang out in your track pants or pyjamas all day, dressing in anticipation of a video call or last-minute meeting can work wonders for your motivation and productivity.
Pick up the phone
There are times when email can seem more efficient but when working from home, finding productive ways to socialise is important. Make a phone call or connect to colleagues through video conferencing to keep feelings of isolation at bay.
Self-isolating?
Visit www.health.nsw.gov.au for advice on when you should self-isolate and steps to take. Here are some tips for staying positive under lockdown:
- remind yourself this is a temporary period of self-isolation to slow the spread of the virus.
- acknowledge to yourself that you are making a difference by taking steps to keep others safe. stay connected to friends, family, your peer worker or colleagues by email or phone
- engage in activities you find calming and which keep your mind engaged, like reading or craft . stick to regular sleep routines and eat a healthy, well balanced diet
- find ways to stay physically active like stretching or even vacuuming the floor
- limit your exposure to news and social media, particularly if you find it distressing
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