How to Manage Your Mental Health While Working Remotely
Vincent Benjamin

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to discuss challenges facing the workforce today. Due to the pandemic, many professionals began working remotely full-time. While there are positive points to those arrangements, telecommuting also comes with its fair share of challenges. 

Often, working remotely can feel quite lonely. You aren’t getting the opportunity to engage with your colleagues face-to-face, something that can leave you feeling disconnected from your team. Plus, the stress of the pandemic is still looming for many, adding an extra layer of anxiety into the mix. 

While vaccine rollouts are continuing, it could be some time before many professionals ultimately end up back in the office. However, many positions are now permanently remote, marking a long-term transition into the world of telecommuting for some. 

That’s why maintaining your mental health is so vital. It ensures you can remain in a positive place, no matter what the situation brings. If you aren’t sure what you can do to manage your mental health, here are some tips that can help. 

Spend Time Connecting 

Pre-pandemic, much of a professional’s socializing took place in the office. Once they began working remotely, those opportunities diminished, causing many pros to feel lonely and disconnected. 

Luckily, this can be pretty simple to overcome. By making time to reconnect, you can keep those relationships strong, ensuring you don’t feel alone. 

One of the simplest ways to begin is with regular video calls. Schedule times with family and friends to catch up. Make appointments with your coworkers – such as over lunch breaks or before the start of the workday – creating a chance to socialize as you once did. 

These video calls can mimic the face-to-face experience, something that is crucial if you still can’t meet in person. Once you are able to get together, take some of those appointments offline. That way, you can rebuild the sense of camaraderie. 

Maintain a Schedule 

When you work remotely, it’s easy to let your professional responsibilities bleed into your off-hours. This can make it feel like you can’t get away, something that can be harmful to your mental health. 

Overcoming this challenge usually requires a two-fold approach. First, you need to set proper boundaries with your manager. Schedule a conversation to determine when you’re expected to be available and when you can disconnect. 

After that, create a formal schedule that includes your breaks, lunches, and off-hours. Whenever you’re off the clock, completely disconnect. Shut down your computer, silence notifications, and give yourself permission to set it all down. That way, your after-work time is yours once more. 

Practice Self-Care 

Taking time for yourself is crucial for mental health. After you set your schedule, make sure to dedicate some of your off-time to activities you enjoy. This can include hobbies, working out, socializing, meditation, or anything else that makes you happy and relaxed. That way, you ensure you are making yourself a priority, too. 

Contact Our Team Today to Learn More

Ultimately, all of the tips above can make a difference. If you’d like to learn more about maintaining your mental health while telecommuting, the team at VB can help. Contact us today. 

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