Working from home can offer an improved work-life balance that some people believe supports better physical and mental health. For others, there is an increased risk of anxiety when working from home due to isolation. If you’ve found your anxiety spikes after working from home, try these top tips to better manage your stress levels.
1. Stay away from junk food
There is a proof association between high levels of junk food consumption and poor mental well-being. Refined carbohydrates, often found in junk food, cause sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels. This can have a significant impact on energy, mood and anxiety. Try to limit your consumption of processed, high-fat, and high-sugar foods to better manage your anxiety.
The author of the photo Annie Spratt about Open it
The main advantage of working from home is access to your own kitchen, but the risk is that if you fill your cupboards with them, you will end up eating junk food. If you tend to graze, make sure you have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand. Prepare breakfasts and lunches that are a source of healthy protein and complex carbohydrates. This will help you feel full and satisfied without causing dramatic fluctuations in your energy levels.
2. Take regular breaks
Many remote workers struggle to take adequate breaks during the workday. 60% of people who work from home they feel guilty when they take a break30% do not take a lunch break at all.
The author of the photo Cassie Bock about Open it
Fear of poor productivity is a common reason for skipping breaks. It’s easy to worry that you won’t be able to keep up with the rest of your team if you don’t have a manager or co-workers in the same workplace as you. Breaks are important for managing stress. Giving your brain regular opportunities to unwind helps prevent burnout. When we don’t take adequate breaks, we become less productive and more anxious.
Make sure you’re taking the breaks you’re actually entitled to in order to better manage your anxiety. It is especially helpful to leave your workplace and spend time in another room or zone in your home during breaks. If possible, take a quick walk to get some fresh air and a change of scenery.
3. Connect with your colleagues
68% of people think it is somewhat important or very important they have social contact during the working day. For remote workers, it can be difficult to get as much social contact as those who work with their colleagues in the office, and this can lead to a number of problems.
Photo by Surface on Unsplash
First, social isolation and loneliness can lead to low mood and anxiety. Second, poor relationships can make it difficult to ask for help or support from colleagues, which can lead to performance anxiety. Third, when you don’t regularly interact with your colleagues, you may struggle to see how your performance compares to that of others, which can lead to imposter syndrome and subsequent anxiety.
In addition to email, it is important to keep in regular contact with your colleagues through calls and video meetings. If your workplace hosts remote social events, it can be really helpful to attend to build your professional relationships and increase social engagement.
Enjoy the benefits of remote work without the worry
If you can successfully manage your anxiety, telecommuting can give you more freedom and flexibility to socialize, exercise, eat a healthy diet, and pursue your favorite hobbies. All these factors contribute to good mental health and general well-being.
