Building a Remote Work Routine for Better Mental Health

Working from home can be the best thing for managing your work/life balance but it comes with its own challenges. Without the structure of an office environment, it can be so easy to work longer hours than required. It can also be lonely from time to time when you aren’t socialising with your colleagues in the office. It’s really important to establish a good work from home routine that supports your mental health and wellbeing.

Here are some tips on how you can build a remote work routine that helps keep you happy, productive and mentally healthy.

SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES BETWEEN WORK AND HOME

One of the hardest parts of working remotely is the lack of separation between your personal life and your work life. When your home becomes your office, it’s easy to work late into the evening and after your hours and check emails when you shouldn’t’. Make sure to set clear working hours and commit to them, just like you would if you were in the office. Make it a rule to only work within the hours you should, as this can help prevent you feeling burnt out.

Create a designated work space, whether it’s an office nook in your living room or your own separate office space. And remember, when you leave that space, truly disconnect from work just like you would leaving the office.

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INCORPORATE REGULAR BREAKS AND MOVEMENT

Sitting at a desk for long periods of time can be physically and mentally draining. Remember to include regular breaks in your daily routine to give your body and mind a rest. Maybe take a break from your desk when you complete a task, or when a is meeting finished. During these breaks remember to stand up, get a drink or just go for a short walk. This movement will help your circulation but also your mental wellbeing.

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STAY CONNECTED WITH OTHERS

Working remotely can feel lonely and isolating at time. So it’s important for you to stay connected with your work colleagues, friends and family. Schedule regular video calls with your coworkers. This will help keep the sense of community that working can bring.

After work, make time for social interactions, even if they’re just online. Regular catch ups with friends and family can stop you from feeling lonely.

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CREATE AN END-OF-DAY RITUAL

Just as it’s important to begin your day with a good routine, an after work routine is just as important. Whether you go for a walk, read a book or take a relaxing bath, make time for something you enjoy after work. Doing this can signal to your brain that the work day is over, which can help you unwind. This is also a great way to stop you from carrying work stress into your personal time.

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Having a remote work routine that includes boundaries, breaks, mindfulness and social connections can help you to maintain a great balance between home work and home life.

Olivia x