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How to manage your mental health while working at home

It’s almost become something of a new cliche. However, like it or not, “the new normal” is here to stay, and more of us are working from home than ever.

Granted, some companies have opted to turn to a hybrid approach – whereby employees are only expected to venture into the office a couple of times per week. If you’re opting to spend increasing periods working remotely from home, it can make a difference in your mental health.

Gone are the days when regular office chit-chat is the norm. Work tends to be a very functional affair. It means that many have started to struggle mentally with the concept, and through today’s post, we will take a look at some tips that you can try to ensure you stay in the right frame of mind.

You don’t necessarily have to “work at home.”

First and foremost, there’s something of a caveat with this first point. After all, all contracts are different, and some companies may insist you only work at your house.

On the whole, it’s not like this; you have a fantastic opportunity to get out and about and work in new places. We’re not talking about trips abroad here. We’re talking about heading out to the likes of Covent Garden for an afternoon and working from a cafe.

By taking these steps, you’ll get that “buzz” of people back in your life, which can be all it takes to keep you on track in some cases.

Get dressed for work

This is another one that comes with a caveat. If you’re happy to work in your PJs, then feel free – but it won’t work for everyone.

Most people need some level of “discipline” when working from home, and getting dressed for work can be a great way of putting you in the right frame of mind.

It doesn’t mean heading out and buying a full suit, but just making an effort to look presentable can be a massive help. It gives you a sense of purpose and gives you a better headspace for the working day.

Set regular hours

Again, some companies are stringent on your work hours, but if you have some flexibility, it’s important to set regular hours.

This is an excellent way of ensuring that you stick to a routine, and it also means that you can take regular breaks. It can be easy to work through lunch when you’re at home, but this is a recipe for disaster in the long run.

Take regular breaks

This is perhaps one of the most critical points on the list. It can be easy to work through lunch, and then work up until bedtime when you’re at home.

The key is taking regular breaks, which means getting up and moving around every hour or so. Take a walk around the block, or just make a cup of tea. It doesn’t sound like much, but it can make a world of difference to your well-being.