Working remotely has become a reality far quicker than many had expected. The Coronavirus pandemic has made working remotely more commonplace than any other time in history. Social distancing has caused a myriad of mental health impacts that have been negative. The amount of substance abuse around the world has increased with alcohol being the main culprit. You need to make your mental health a priority especially heading into the holiday season. The holiday season is notoriously stressful and this year the stress could multiply. The following are tips to keep your mental health on track while working remotely.
Avoid Drinking Too Much
Boredom makes it easy to have a drink when otherwise you would not. Working remotely allows people to have a drink at lunch as no manager will be looking over your shoulder. You do not want to come out on the other side of this pandemic with an alcohol problem. Try other hobbies that are a bit healthier like that of learning a new skill. You can come out of the pandemic as more valuable to your company which can provide additional income in the future. Take the time to assess which skills you would like to learn then put a plan of action to do so.
If you feel like you are having trouble stopping drinking, there are plenty of resources available online. You could attend online AA meetings or join a Reddit community like r/Stopdrinking. Support matters during this time as stress is at an all-time high with a new strain of the virus found in Europe.
Spend Time on Projects Around The House
Doing projects around the house can be a great way to spend the time you would have commuting. You likely have multiple hours per day if you had a moderate commute during rush hour. Bathtub refinishing is a great example of something that should be handled by a professional. You might want to have a handyman help you with certain tasks so you do not do more damage than improving. You are spending more time at home so it is time to fix all of those little things that you didn’t have time to before the pandemic.
Keep Exercise a Priority
Your mental and physical health are directly linked as exercise can provide the mood boost you have been looking for. The gym is closed in many locations due to social distancing restrictions. You can get a great workout at home with a few pieces of gym equipment. A stationary bike can be used while clearing your emails in the morning or when watching your favorite streaming service. You should also focus on your nutrition during this time as you have extra time to prep healthy meals. Feeling good mentally incorporates quite a few different factors that you can easily manage.
Your mental health should be a focus during this time where most people are isolated. Take solace in the fact that you are still working as there are many people without jobs due to restrictions put into place by state governments.