5 Mental Health Tips For Working From Home

Working from home can be a double-edged sword.

On one hand, it offers unparalleled flexibility, convenience, and comfort.

On the other hand, it can be a daunting and isolating experience.

While the benefits of working from home are undeniable, it’s important to acknowledge the potential downsides.

Without the structure and social interaction of a traditional office environment, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected.

That being said, with the right mindset and approach, working from home can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

By setting clear boundaries, establishing a routine, and staying connected with colleagues and friends, you can make the most of your remote work situation.

To ensure that working from home doesn’t take a toll on your mental health, here are 5 tips to maintain your mental health while working from home.

1. Create a realistic routine and stick to it

Mental health is important when working from home, and one of the best ways to promote it is by creating a realistic and consistent schedule.

The first step to a good routine is to get up at the same time, eat breakfast, and get dressed every day.

Whether your day starts at 6am or 9am creating a routine that works for you is the first step in maintaining a healthy work and life balance.

The second step to staying productive when working from home is to take your “commute time” and use it to exercise, read, or listen to music before logging in. This will help you feel energised and focused throughout the day leading to a day full of productivity.

During the darker and colder winter months its essential to take care of your mental health, we recommend switching your commute time to SAD light therapy to improve your mood, focus, energy and productivity at home.

Our favourite SAD light therapy lamp is the Lumie Halo Light Therapy SAD Lamp that replicates the natural glow of sunlight providing treatment for winter blues in as little as 30 minutes.

Working in a room with little to no natural light? Halo is perfect for all year-round use on your desktop to boost productivity and beat afternoon slumps.

To maintain a healthy work-life balance, it is essential to follow your regular sleep and work patterns. This consistency will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

When your workday ends, it’s crucial to switch off and focus on your home life. Avoid checking emails or taking work calls after hours. Instead, spend time with your loved ones, pursue hobbies, or simply relax.

If you’re someone who struggles to switch off after work we recommend using a desk with an integrated storage drawer such as the Ola Heigth Adjustable Desk, that way your work essentials can be stored away out of sight and out of mind.

Finally, ensure that you get enough rest by going to bed at your usual time.

A good night’s sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being, and it will help you stay productive and focused during the day.

Unwind with ease and create a healthy sleep environment with the Lumie Glow 150 Alarm Clock.

Providing fully adjustable bedroom lighting the Lumie Glow helps you to get ready for sleep at night and wakes you up naturally using light that simulates sunrise and sunset displays.

2. Create a welcoming and productive workspace

Maintaining good mental health is crucial, especially when working from home. To achieve this, it’s essential to create a workspace that is both inviting and productive.

To begin with, try to find a quiet area away from distractions such as the television, people or the kitchen to set up for your working day.

Before starting work, ensure that you have all the necessary items in one place, such as chargers, pens, and paper. To optimise your working form home space, we recommend using a Smart desk such as the Tori 3.0.

Integrated with smart technology the Tori 3.0 Smart Desk provides wireless charging, a USB and USB-C charging port, Bluetooth speakers and a whiteboard-friendly glass top so you can jot down your bright ideas all in one place.

While it may be tempting to work from the sofa, it is much better to sit at a desk or table.

If you don’t have office furniture, consider using cushions to support your back or a box as a footrest.

To maintain your physical and mental health when working from home upgrade your static desk to a height adjustable one.

Standing desks, also referred to as sit-stand desks, offer the flexibility to seamlessly transition between sitting and standing positions while working at your desk, whenever it suits you.

With the Lana Smart Electric Height Adjustable Desk, you can effortlessly switch between sitting and standing positions to find the perfect posture for your work.

Or gain the benefits of standing during your working day with a standing desk convertor, a modern and simple solution to turn any desk into a standing desk

With a standing desk, you can enjoy the benefits of both sitting and standing, promoting a healthier and more productive work environment.

Standing at your desk not only improves productivity, boosts your mood and energy levels but can also provide health benefits such as lowering blood sugar levels, lowering the risk of weight gain and obesity and can even increase your life expectancy!

To read more about the benefits of using a height adjustable desk check out our blog post on the 5 Health Benefits Of Using A Standing Desk.

3. Take regular breaks for your mental health 

Managing your mental health while working from home is crucial, and taking regular breaks is an essential part of it.

It’s recommended that you take a lunch break and regular screen breaks to give yourself time away from work, which can help you remain focused and productive.

Even taking short breaks of 5 to 10 minutes each hour can be beneficial for your mental health while working from home.

If possible, spend some time outdoors. Regular time in green spaces has been proven to benefit your mental health.

Try going for a walk or bike ride on your lunch break to get fresh air and reach the recommend 10,000 steps a day.

By taking breaks and spending time outdoors, you can improve your mental health and overall well-being, which will ultimately lead to better productivity and success in your work.

4. Meet up outside of your home office

Extended periods of time spent at home can have a significant impact on your mental health and at times can feeling isolating.

Therefore, it is crucial to find ways to break up the monotony and reconnect with friends and colleagues.

Human interaction is crucial both in and out of the workplace. Therefore, its recommended by the NHS to schedule video calls or pick up the phone instead of relying solely on email communication.

One way to achieve this is by scheduling in-person meetings outside of your home office.

This could involve going out for lunch or meeting outdoors, which can help to break up your day and provide a change of scenery.

Another option is to arrange virtual coffee breaks or Friday online get-togethers with colleagues.

This can help you stay connected and discuss work-related topics, even if you are not physically in the same location.

By doing so, you can maintain a sense of community and support, which is essential for your well-being.

If you are struggling with working from home, it is important to talk to your manager or colleagues about it. They may be experiencing similar challenges and can offer valuable advice and support.

5) Remove distractions and tackle hard tasks first

Working from home can be a challenge, as it’s easy to get distracted and procrastinate.

However, there are several strategies you can use to stay focused and productive throughout the day.

One effective approach is to create a realistic plan for the week ahead.

This plan should include breaks and prioritise the harder tasks first. By doing so, you’ll be able to tackle the most challenging work when you’re most alert and focused, and you’ll have time to recharge throughout the day.

Another key strategy is to set boundaries with yourself and your family. This might involve setting a timer when you need to focus on work or turning off email notifications during breaks.

To avoid being distracted by noise both inside and outside your home, it is recommended that you invest in a pair of high-quality noise-cancelling headphones.

The Jabra Evolve2 75 Wireless On-Ear Stereo Headset is designed to block out unwanted sounds, allowing you to focus on your work stress free or enjoy your leisure time without any interruptions.

With the Jabra noise-cancelling headphones, you can create a peaceful and productive environment, no matter where you are.

By establishing these boundaries, you can create a healthy balance between your work life and home life.

Summary

Working from home has its advantages, but it can also be a challenge to maintain good mental health.

To keep your mental health in check while working remotely, it is important to set and stick to a routine, create a dedicated workspace, take regular breaks, stay connected with others, and set boundaries between work and personal life.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you stay productive and maintain your mental health while working from home