The past few months have been a challenge for everyone, and we have all had to adapt to new ways of living and working!
Working from home can have its advantages, but feeling stress, boredom, anxiety and uncertainty is also completely normal. Alongside this, many of us are worried about the future. The NHS shares some amazing tips on how to keep a positive mental health whilst working at home.
1: Set and stick to a routine!
Without steady schedules, the lines between work and personal time can get blurred and be stressful to get right.
Follow your normal sleep and work patterns if you can, and stay consistent.
Get up at the same time, eat breakfast, and get out of your pyjamas! Try scheduling in your “commute time” and spend it exercising, take a visit to one of our centres for a class, or tune into a live session on the MemberZone!
2: Give yourself a break
Working at home can make us feel like we have to be available all the time. But just being “present” is no use to anyone if your mental health is suffering.
Making time for breaks is important to help manage feelings of stress – try to take lunch and regular screen breaks. Use your breaks to get out and into a new environment, visit one of our centres and get your exercise in during the day, allowing you to see new faces as well!
3: Stay connected
While working from home has its benefits, you may also feel more isolated. But there are lots of ways to stay in touch with those who matter – boosting their mental wellbeing as well as our own.
In and out of work, human interaction matters so make sure you’re seeing people! Our group exercise classes are a perfect way to interact with people. You can catch up with your instructor, and speak to others in the class (at a safe social distance of course!)
4: Be kind to yourself
Remember, this is an unusual situation and things will not feel normal!
Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you might not be as productive as you usually would be. Be realistic about what you can achieve given the circumstances, and relax!