Maintaining Good Mental Health While Working or Studying From Home

The way we work has completely changed since COVID-19. Working from home is the new normal, especially for students/entry-level job workers who are balancing studying and living in the same place.

It can be challenging at times for your mental health, but it’s really important to stay healthy and feel good when you are juggling everything to do with your work and your home life. It’s easier said than done, but there are ways to prevent poor mental health. Take a look at our advice below to help you maintain good mental health while studying at home. 

Depending on your living situation, you might find it beneficial to study in a different room every few days for a change of scenery. However, you should try to find a space where you feel the most comfortable and where you’ll have the least distractions. 

Even though sitting on your bed or sofa feels great, it is not good for your posture or concentration, and you’ll feel the negative effects in the long term. A chair and desk arrangement is highly recommended to provide good support for your body and mind. For more guidance, watch this video. 

As you’re in your own surroundings, you might not think a routine is needed. However, this is when you need it the most! On a daily basis, have a set routine for when you wake up, work, take a break and eat. Routines can help your stress levels, which leads to improved mental well-being.

When you are busy working on your latest assignment, you can lose track of time, but make sure you eat your main meals of the day. If you forget to set time aside for food, set the alarm or reminder so you remember. 

Having regular meals gives you the energy required to stay focused and alert, which is important for students who have crazy work schedules! Keeping a strong, balanced diet can be tricky, but it really does help with your mental health.

Working at home can be very intense, so you need to take little breaks when it gets overwhelming and stressful. You need to listen to your body and take care of it! There are lots of things you can do without switching off, like going for a walk to get some fresh air, meditating, doing a quick workout, and many more.

Luckily, our technology allows us to keep in touch easily, therefore making sure you don’t isolate yourself for long periods of time. Have a chat with your friends, other students/work colleagues or even a family member about your day (or something completely different that makes you smile). There is always someone you can talk to when things get too much, so ensure you stay in touch with the people that you care about (and who care about you!).

It is crucial that you set a certain time to finish the day. Separating your home and study life is vital for your mental health, as you can feel very fatigued if you don’t stop working. You’ll feel much better for it when you have some time for yourself, knowing that you can pick things up where you left off the next day. 

Hopefully, by following our guidance, you will notice a positive outcome in your mental well-being. However, if you are still struggling, please speak to someone. If you don’t have a person to talk to, here are some mental health services that can help you: Time to Change, Kooth, Talkspace, and Mind. 

• Set boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work/study time and personal time. Try to maintain a regular schedule and create a separate workspace if possible. This can help create a sense of routine and structure, which can reduce stress and improve productivity.
• Take breaks: Take regular breaks throughout the day to stretch, move, and recharge. Taking a short walk outside or doing a quick exercise routine can help reduce stress and increase energy levels.
• Stay connected: Stay connected with colleagues, classmates, and friends through regular check-ins, video calls, or social media. Social support can be a valuable resource for maintaining good mental health and reducing feelings of isolation.
• Practice self-care: Make time for self-care activities, such as meditation, yoga, or taking a relaxing bath. Taking care of your physical health, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and getting regular exercise, can also help improve your mental health.
• Manage stress: Use stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, visualization, or progressive muscle relaxation, to help manage stress and anxiety. If you feel overwhelmed or stressed, take a break and do something relaxing or enjoyable.
• Seek help if needed: If you are struggling with your mental health, seek help from a mental health professional. Many therapists now offer teletherapy, which can be a convenient option for those working or studying from home.

Working or studying from home can be a difficult transition, especially when trying to maintain good mental health. It is important that you create a space where you can take breaks, access natural light, and structure your routine in order to remain productive while also taking care of yourself. 

Self-care activities such as mindfulness exercises or connecting with others can help keep spirits high during this time. With a healthy balance of focusing on work and allowing for time to de-stress, working from home doesn’t have to be so overwhelming after all.

It's important to establish a routine that includes breaks, exercise, and time for relaxation. This can help you manage stress levels and avoid burnout. Staying connected with colleagues or classmates through virtual meetings or social media can also provide a sense of community and support.

Make an effort to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues through phone calls, video chats or social media to combat feelings of loneliness or isolation. Engage in activities that bring you joy such as hobbies or exercise classes that have gone virtual.

Set boundaries between work/school hours and personal time by establishing a clear schedule and sticking to it. Create a designated workspace that is separate from other areas of your living space to create physical separation between work/school life and personal life. Take breaks throughout the day to engage in self-care practices such as meditation or going for a walk outside.