How to Protect Your Mental Health While Working From Home
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How To Protect Your Mental Well-Being When Your Home Is Also Your Office
There’s been an increase in remote workers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and while remote working can certainly improve mental health (and protect your physical health), creating a separation between your work life and your personal life can sometimes be trickier when you work from home. Here’s how you can protect your mental well-being when your home is also your office.
Make Sure Your Tech Can Keep Up With You
The last thing you need when working from home is to be stressed that your computer or server can’t keep up with your work. Fortunately, solid-state drives use flash memory to deliver superior performance and durability. These drives are just one example of how the right technology can help you stay productive and avoid frustration. Test your server and internet connection before you start working each day to ensure you have the speed and capacity you need to avoid hours of lost productivity.
Use a Dedicated Workspace
If possible, create a dedicated workspace in your home where you can go to work and close the door at the end of the day. This will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid feeling like you’re always on the clock.
If you can’t dedicate an entire room to your work, try creating a space just for work. This can be as simple as setting up a desk in the corner of your living room or bedroom. Having a dedicated workspace, no matter how small, can help you concentrate and decompress when work is over.
Get Up and Move Around
Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you have to be glued to your chair all day. Research shows that sitting for long periods of time is bad for your health. Make sure to take daily breaks to move your body and get your blood flowing. Go for a walk around the block, do some stretches, or take a quick yoga break. Not only will this help you stay healthy, but it can also improve your focus and concentration.
Invest in a Good Office Chair
You might be tempted to just use the dining room chair when working from home, but this isn’t going to do your back any favors. A good office chair will support your spine and help you maintain good posture, which is important for your overall health.
When working from home, it’s important to invest in furniture and equipment that will help you stay comfortable and productive. A good office chair is an essential piece of this puzzle.
Take Digital Breaks
If you’re constantly staring at a screen, it’s important to give your eyes a break now and then. Regular breaks will help you avoid eye strain and stay refreshed throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is the 20/20/20 rule, which says you should take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away.
Invest in Plants or Fake Plants
Not only do plants make your home look more inviting, but they can also improve your mental health. Plants have been shown to boost moods, increase productivity, and reduce stress. If you don’t have a green thumb, fake plants can also be a good option. Whether you opt for fake or real plants, consider how they can help you unwind, relax, and feel more at home in your workspace.
Set Regular Working Hours
When you work from home, it can be easy to let work bleed into your personal life. This can lead to burnout and a feeling of always being on the clock. To avoid this, it’s important to set a time for when you’re on your server working and when you’re not. This will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid feeling like your work is taking over your life.
Use these tips to protect your mental health while working from home. By investing in the right technology, creating a dedicated workspace, and taking breaks throughout the day, you can rest assured you have a good work-life balance.