As humans, we are creatures of habit, with the sudden shifts in our work and personal lives from the COVID-19 pandemic changing so much, mental health has become a center of focus. Because our homes are now our offices and classrooms, the line between work hours and personal time is beginning to blur. The reward factor of coming home from a long day is becoming obsolete. This is becoming a big issue for many individuals who thrive off getting out of the house and having an in-person connection. It was found in a study last year, that 53% of C-Suit executives admitted they were struggling with mental health while working from home. Another 94% of Gen Z workers reported negative impacts on their mental health from the pandemic. These are frightening statistics but unfortunately, this has been an uncontrollable reality as a result of the pandemic.
A lack of stimulation from going through the same routine every day is taking its toll on people's mental state. Waking up with excitement to get the day started isn’t the same, as people can predict what will happen and how they will feel throughout the whole day. That feeling of being a kid, waking up on the day of a school field trip with excitement and wonder is no longer the same. While the current situation and restrictions are beyond our control, there are efforts you can make in the best interest of taking care of your mental health.
Create boundaries between work and personal life:
Being at home offers access to comfort and temptation, unlike going into the office where a level of professionalism is required. We are in a state now where we can spend the day in sweatpants and not even taste fresh air. While it may be tempting to spend the day in bed with Netflix on in the background, this can reduce levels of productivity. Create a space that is specifically for work, a home office is good for separating personal life from the workplace while under the same roof. Make this space unique to you, add anything that has visual appeal or even scents you may like. If possible, try to make sure it gets sunlight, a lack of Vitamin D can negatively affect your mental state.
Have a daily routine outside work hours:
One of the first steps to separating work life from personal life is to prioritize the time for tasks essential for your wellbeing. Become accustomed to having meals at certain times, exercising, showering, or anything else you may need. All of this is good not only for general wellbeing but it is good to have designated break times throughout the day. This will make you value the time you spend both for work and yourself as you are now in control of your schedule. Make promises to yourself about completing tasks and stick to them.
Use mental health leave when needed:
Since mental health is a very personal subject, it can be difficult to talk about and especially to ask for time off work because of it. Understand however that this is a completely valid reason for you to take time off work. You cannot expect to put your best foot forward if you are in a difficult place mentally. This is the equivalent of beginning a road trip with no gas. Take the necessary time off to care for yourself. The ability to do this in companies improves morale as it emphasizes value for employees and recognition of individuals' needs to be able to contribute their best effort in the workplace.
Communicate as much as possible:
As important as it is to talk to people during times of reduced contact, it is also good to know you’re not in it alone. Ask how your friends or co-workers have situated themselves under the current circumstances. Find time in the day to talk with people and share smiles. Human connection is difficult during these times but it’s essential for our wellbeing, make an effort to reach out to people, you could make someone's day by simply asking how they are. It is also valuable to take this time to connect with your family members with whom you wouldn’t regularly get to spend as much time. Loved ones can make all the difference.
Conclusion
Acknowledging that these unprecedented times create added stress, we must understand that we are not going through it alone. Stress is present in your life and coming at you no matter your environment. Feeling embarrassed or ashamed to talk about it is not going to help in any way. Reaching out for help is always the best option, especially as everyone is experiencing a difficult time right now, trust that one day this will no longer stand in the way of your day-to-day activities. Take this time as an opportunity to work on yourself, in your free time, read, write, exercise, you could find a whole new passion you never had the time to try before. Also, don’t forget to give yourself the rewards you deserve for your efforts.
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