What Do You Do When Working From Home Is Harming Your Mental Health?

Mike Veny

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What Do You Do When Working From Home Is Harming Your Mental Health?

This is a contributed post. However, all opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

It’s been a tough year. With more than ten million people finding themselves unemployed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it is a blessing to be working still. Of course, your struggles are relative, especially when you’re based in a small office day in and day out. From a mental health perspective, it can be a struggle for your wellbeing. 

While our options on what we can do remain limited right now, there are still things that you can do. Here are the things you try when working in your home office is taking a toll on your mental health.

Head To A Coffee Shop

The good news is that many coffee shops and chains are still open and operating. However, you need to proceed with caution. Switching up your routine is essential as being cooped up can have serious side effects. Still, there is a contagious virus that has shut down the world. So if you do venture into public spaces, it’s best to make sure you adhere to social distancing measures and not stay all day. Even a simple morning or afternoon session can be enough to recharge your batteries.

Hire A Space

If you’re worried about being around people, there is a solution – hire an individual space. Renting a workspace is worth considering as it’s personal and confined. You’re in control, so you get to decide who comes in and out, making it perfect for limiting social interaction.

Plus, it’s a different environment to the one in which you normally spend your day, making it refreshing. Never underestimate the power of something new. They don’t have to be expensive. If shop around and speak to the owner, you could bag a bargain!

Convert Your Garden or Outdoor Living Space

Another alternative is to stay at home where the chances of contracting the virus are low but relocate to a different area than your “office”. The key is to go outside whenever you can since the fresh air and sunlight are useful remedies for the blues and fatigue.

Thankfully, if you have a garden or outdoor living space, it only needs a few tweaks before it’s ready to host your next virtual meeting. With a space heater, a comfy sofa, or a desk and chairs, you can make your garden your base without freezing to death! Just make sure there’s a roof in case the weather turns.

Understand The Dangers

The main thing you need to do is understand the connection between remote work and depression. Working from home is a positive feature, but only under normal circumstances. When you’re stuck inside from nine until five, it starts to play on your mind.

A massive 80% of people believe working from home and not seeing their colleagues has harmed their mental wellbeing. You might not notice it until it’s already taking a negative toll on you, which is why it’s imperative to watch out for the signs.

Then, you can take the necessary steps to restore your health.

Mike Veny

Mike Veny won Corporate LiveWire’s 2022 & 2023 Innovation & Excellence Awards for his work as a Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist®. He also won NAMI New York State’s 2023 Leader Of Mental Health Awareness award. As a PM360 ELITE Award Winner, he was recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the healthcare industry for his work with patient advocacy. Determined to overcome a lifetime of serious mental health challenges, Mike’s career began as a professional drummer and evolved into becoming a change maker in the workplace wellness industry. Mike is the author of several books, including the best-selling book, Transforming Stigma: How to Become a Mental Wellness Superhero. He is currently furthering his knowledge at Maharishi International University, pursuing a Consciousness and Human Potential degree.