3 Tips for Handling Your Stress: The New Age of Remote Work
The world we all live in is changing faster than most can keep up since the start of COVID-19. As a result, an increased build-up of workplace stress, depression, and anxiety caused by remote working has led to severe mental health issues. Pre-pandemic, only around five percent of office workers worked remotely, a number that is expected to settle at around 30% by 2022.
Since remote work is still a relatively new concept, there is little to no data on the long-term effects on our minds and emotions. Because of this, there are no concrete guides on how to handle this new form of stress. Therefore, this blog will visit some of the more common causes of remote work stress and how to help control it.
Not Taking Time for Friends and Family
Remote workers are experiencing unprecedented loneliness because of the pandemic. Covid-19 has prevented many of us from enjoying time with our loved ones. If you are working remotely, you most likely are not interacting with many people, if any.
Take the time to see those closest to you, whether it's over Skype, Zoom, or Facetime. Meet up in public places such as parks, where you can interact safely with those near and dear to you. Allow friends and family to give you a sense of comfort while you are forced to be in your new environment.
2. Not Creating A Routine For Your Body and Health
To be at your best mentally and physically, you must create a routine for yourself. Unfortunately, many remote workers have lost touch with their physical bodies because of the pandemic. As a result, many problems arise, such as obesity and diabetes-related complications from not eating right or exercising enough.
Create a plan for each day. One of the biggest challenges for remote workers is staying motivated and on task when alone all day. So even if you're just getting started with daily walks, don't get stuck in one spot. Instead, enjoy the outdoors and soak up some rays.
3. Not Defining Your Personal Spaces
The pandemic has affected all of us in one way or another, but it may be worse for remote workers. Since we are forced to work alone and differently from our routines, everything feels temporary. Unfortunately, this can lead to a sense that nothing truly matters because you aren't capable of having long-term relationships with anything around you due to your environment's constant moving and instability.
Give yourself a sense of permanence in an ever-changing world by creating personal safe zones that are sacred to you and only you. These could be anything from carving out space on the shelf or desk for one item, such as a family photo; setting up a dedicated time each day to do something creative like drawing or painting; or, maybe even set up a small altar with your intimate items.
Remember, You Are Not Alone
Remote work is a relatively new concept. Yet, as the pandemic continues to develop, we must remember to lean on each other for support and conversation.
These are just three tips for dealing with the new age of remote work stress and the ever-changing world around us. The pandemic has made it more critical than ever to take care of yourself and find the help you need during this uncertain time in our lives. If you feel like you may need an expert to help you cope with your stress, reach out to the Center for Mental Wealth, where a trained professional is prepared to help with anything you need.
