Earlier this week I started a post about working from home. It covered the things I’ve learned over the last year that might be helpful to you who are now finding yourselves having to work from home, too. It turned into a bit of a beast of a post. So, I decided to stop things where they were and write a part 2 to cover the rest of the information. If you’d like to read part one, you can do that here.
So, here’s what I’ve learned about working from home (part two!).
Your mental health matters
I spoke, in the first post, about how working from home can have a distinct effect on your mental health. That’s something I’d like to cover in more detail in this second post.
Isolation is a big concern when working from home. I can’t imagine how having to stay at home must feel if you’re more extroverted. As a complete introvert, I’m more than comfortable in my own company. I find social situations quite emotionally draining. That being said, even I appreciate the company of people outside my four walls at times!
Keep talkin’
The first thing to do is to figure out how to maintain communications and keep up those relationships even though you now need to stay at home. Luckily, we’re in an incredible digital age. There are a whole host of apps and programs out there you can utilise to keep in touch with one another.
For one-to-one communications, there’s always Facetime or WhatsApp. If you need to chat with groups, or if you’re looking to network, programs like Zoom and Google Hangouts are useful. There are plenty of ways and I’m sure there are plenty I haven’t mentioned.
Regardless of your work setup and the hours you work during the day, do make time to keep in touch with friends and family too. Whether you arrange chats at lunch or evening calls, make time for them. As someone who finds it very easy to hide away from the world, I know it’s the conversations I’ve kept up with friends and family that have kept me sane. Even a die-hard introvert like me needs to get out and see people from time to time.
Be open and honest
When the pandemic first kicked off, my mental health took a bit of a nosedive. For the first time, I missed two client deadlines. I was more worried and ashamed about having to admit that than anything else.
Luckily I have the most amazing clients who were both so understanding. I spoke with them honestly and openly about what was happening with me. I would urge you to do the same if you are also struggling with client deadlines right now. There’s no shame in admitting when you’re having mental health struggles, particularly when you’re remote working. Clients are generally far more understanding than we give them credit for, so be honest if it’s taking you a little longer to complete work.
Fresh air
Getting outside can do wonders for your mental health, so consider going out for a walk, a run or a bike ride when possible. If you’re not able to do those things, I’d advocate getting out into your yard or onto your balcony for a bit of time each day. Breathe in the fresh air and listen to the world outside your home. It will do you so much good mentally.
Meditation
One of the things that help me when things are getting a little overwhelming is to meditate. Taking 10 minutes out of my day to practise a little mindfulness helps me to build my strength mentally. I would recommend a couple of apps – one is Headspace and the other is Calm. Both of them offer short meditations for free.
Journaling
As a writer, of course, I’m going to talk about journaling as a method of aiding your mental health. Now, more than ever, it’s important to document what’s going on and how you’re feeling. I find journaling helps me to figure out my thoughts when I’m struggling to understand them. It gives me a lot of clarity.
Being thankful
This brings me to expressing gratitude. This is something I’ve only been practising lately and I use my journal to do it. I know, right now, it might seem like there’s nothing to be thankful for. But I try to express my gratitude about one thing each day, even if it’s the smallest most mundane thing. The very act of being thankful for something is a great way of boosting your mental health. Give it a try. You’ll be thankful you did!
Go easy on yourself
If there’s one thing you take away from this post today, it should be this. Whatever happens, however it affects your mental health, remember not to be too hard on yourself. Life and the wider world is pretty crazy these days. There’s no right way to deal with it or manage your feelings and emotions. Just be aware that whatever you’re feeling is normal and you’re not alone in feeling that way.
If you have anything you want to discuss, any questions about working from home or you want to speak to someone who understands, then please don’t hesitate to email me: hello@sarahwayte.com. I’m always happy to lend an ear.
