Many people have grown accustomed to remote work setups over the past few years. After all, having a lenient dress code, no commute time, and the freedom to decide how to go about your workday sounds very appealing. But for workers in high-stress jobs, the narrative might be a bit different. Research published in Frontiers in Psychiatry has determined that depression, anxiety, and stress were found to be at excessive levels for participants, with various work and personal factors coming into play.
With work playing an integral role in our lives, how can employees, especially those in high-stress situations, cope with the mental toll that comes with remote work? Here are five mental health tips below.
Create a good work-life balance
Workers in the healthcare sector suffer the most from pandemic-induced stress. 49% of healthcare respondents from 42 organizations reported dealing with burnout, which is no surprise considering their heavy workload. Some studies have even found that some telehealth workers were doing twice as much as nurses who are focused on in-person care. A good work-life balance is necessary to keep your mental health in check. This can mean anything from time-outs, taking time off for recreation and hobbies, and restorative breaks.
Rethink going beyond expectations
While some may pride themselves on constantly overcoming high expectations, not everyone has the same threshold for handling the stress and anxiety that comes along with it. Often, facing unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment, anxiety, and even a sense of failure and shame. We need to rethink the expectations set on us by our superiors, our peers, and even ourselves. Doing your best while also accepting that some things are outside of your control is also a form of self-help.
Don’t hesitate to seek help yourself
Because the need for social workers has increased due to the pandemic, there’s also been an increased demand for remote social workers equipped to provide services for the public. But much like healthcare workers, social workers can also experience burnout and even compassion fatigue. For those with emotionally exhaustive responsibilities, don’t forget that you’re allowed to create boundaries between your personal and professional life, as well as seek the services of therapists and mental health professionals yourself.
Establish healthy lifestyle habits
It goes without saying that your lifestyle habits will directly affect both your physical and mental health. Those working high-stress jobs might often forget to eat due to the weight of their workload, or lack the time to prepare proper meals and exercise regularly. Maintaining a diet of healthy food will give you fewer mood fluctuations and more energy. Likewise, daily exercise helps your brain produce more feel-good endorphins, and process your stress in a healthy way.
Build a good support system
Experts have noted that full-time remote work increases loneliness over office work by up to 67%. Coupled with immense work responsibilities, employees need to rely on their very own supportive circle to help lessen the stress. Socializing with your colleagues, friends, and family is a great way to cope with remote work. In fact, relationships are as consequential as sleep and nutrition. The quality of your relationships, as well as the range of connections, are key to forming a great support network.
Remember that no amount of workplace recognition and accomplishments is worth sacrificing your mental health. Hopefully, these simple steps can help you achieve a good balance between your professional and personal life.
Somatic coach (therapist) in Canton, GA, and Worldwide Life Coach dedicated to inspiring and assisting people worldwide through candid conversations about anxiety. Having personally battled general anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD, I understand the daily challenges those grappling with anxiety face. My journey involved searching for the right therapist, medication, and natural supplements and undergoing various tests. It was only after deciding to reclaim my life that I finally overcame anxiety’s hold. I’m passionate about helping others conquer their struggles and discover their life purpose.