Working from home can be quite an adjustment initially. There are some significant pros, like no longer having to wake up earlier to commute or no longer driving back during rush hour. However, at the same time, it can be challenging to find the motivation to work, and it can also lead to feelings of being cooped-up in ways that can affect our mental health. This post will go over a few ways to keep an eye on your mental health during this time and what to do if you start feeling overwhelmed.
The first tip would be to create a visually appealing workspace. This can promote feelings of productivity and motivation. According to the field of neuroaesthetics, our minds are wired to appreciate beauty as it can stimulate feelings of calmness in the mind and body.
Surrounding ourselves with a clean and organized workspace can allow the mind to stay focused, and if possible, try to make a designated “work from home” area in your home. It’s a plus if this area has a lot of natural light, but you can also try making the space visually appealing and cheerful by adding pops of colors with indoor houseplants, candles, or flowers.
The second major tip would be to take breaks to nourish the body and stretch whenever you start to feel tense. Try to take a mindful moment every hour to unclench your jaw, loosen your shoulders, take a deep breath (inhale for four seconds, hold for seven seconds, and exhale for eight seconds), and take a sip of water. To make sure that you’re drinking enough water, try to keep a water bottle on your desk and infuse it with lemon or fresh mint leaves for additional health benefits.
The next tip has to do with increasing your intake of an amino acid called L-theanine. There is a high content of L-theanine in matcha (which is why it is known to promote a zen feeling), and it is also known to support levels of GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter that allows the body to fall asleep), support for cognition, a healthy sleep cycle, and support for the management of stress and anxiety. To maintain healthy levels of L-theanine, try taking a supplement from a company like SunTheanine from Tomorrow’s Nutrition Pro, or consume a matcha latte!
Finally, try to get some fresh air (even if it’s as simple as opening your window) or by taking a walk in your neighborhood while listening to a conference call. All in all, although working from home can be an adjustment initially, there are ways to make sure that you’re still putting your mental health first.