How to Tackle Mental Health While Working From Home
Your mental health can take a hit at any point in time. Whether you’re working 9-5 in an office, running your own business, taking a vacation - It has no limits to when it could plummet. However, certain circumstances can bring upon an awful mental state and is aided by change, events, conversations, etc. With that being said, many people are facing poor mental health due to the outbreak and spread of COVID-19...aka the Coronavirus. Much of this is due to the overwhelming fear and anxiety of contracting the virus, not being able to really leave the house, and of course, having to work from home.
If you find yourself having difficulty with mental health whether it be anxiety, depression, or anything else in between aided by COVID-19 - Read on...We will give you some ways to cope during this crazy time.
The Way You Cope Will Be Unique to YOU!
Let’s get one thing clear - Everyone deals with mental health, stress, and anxiety differently. While there are many tips and tricks to help sufferers generally - There really isn’t a one size fits all, wonder-solution! Why? Everyone’s mental health varies so every solution should and will vary too. The way that YOU cope will be unique to YOU! And that.is.okay! It should be unique to you because you are wonderfully unique. Whether you grab a few tips you like and apply those, or find your own way to cope - don’t expect your story and success to be reflective and similar of those around you. That’s the first way to quell your mental health - stop comparing yourself.
Don’t Compare Yourself - Stop!
A major way to move in the right direction towards a better mental health is to stop comparisons now. Your place in the world right now is your own. Don’t look at Betty’s salary, Jim’s title, or Karen’s compensation - Look at yourself. Mind your business, remember? But seriously, stop the comparisons, take a look at yourself, your life, your career and better that for YOU! Not because you want to compete with those “doing better than you.” Remember that not everything is as it seems and just because someone posts, comments, shares, or even tells you one thing doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true and it doesn’t at all mean that it’s better than where you are right now. Be grateful for your job, your life, and even the bad stuff - you’re learning and it’s only going to boost you further to where you need to be.
Do Something That Makes You Happy Every Single Day
This is so important for everyone. Doing something that makes you happy boosts your serotonin levels and can boost your mood almost instantly. Whether it’s making your favorite food, watching your favorite show, calling your friend - Something! Do it. Everyone can spare 30 minutes throughout the day to take care of themselves.
Exercise
When you’re cooped up in the house, it’s so easy to sit around all day long, mope here and there, and just get pretty lethargic. While a day or two of rest and relaxation is important for everyone - exercise is just as important too! Go for a walk, do some yoga, take a swim, jog, bike ride, etc. You don’t need a gym to exercise. All you need are a pair of sneakers and a bit of motivation.
Aside from those quick fixes, here are a few more awesome examples of ways to get your mind clear from our previous mental health blog: How to Tackle Mental Health in the Workplace from the site Learn How to Become:
Know the signs of a problem
Make a to-do list
Take frequent breaks
Drink water
Avoid workplace gossip
Avoid taking on too much
Set small, manageable goals
Add personal items to a workspace
Talk to human resources
Identify triggers
Get help
Don’t feel ashamed
All in all, it’s important to keep yourself focused and clear in your tasks, life, and outlook. Be diligent in your mental health routine and don’t be afraid of change.
If you or someone else you know is struggling with a mental health disorder, SAMHSA is a great resource and contact. There, they have access to a number of hotlines and treatments and operate 24/7. Remember that the fight against mental illness is a fight you should never fight alone.