Times are changing. Wait…Times have changed. People who worked away from home have been working at home for a year or more due to the pandemic. Mental health is important in every job. No matter where we work or play, we need to protect our mental health.
The transition from working out in the community to working at home is not possible for everyone. Some jobs need people on site. Health care, restaurants, law enforcement, grocery stores and other professions need to give one on one service. I am thankful for the businesses that are able to stay open and provide needed services. Rules must be followed for the safety of everyone. I appreciate everyone who follows those guidelines.
I’ve noticed several things about my friends who previously traveled to work. One thing I have seen is more involvement with family outside. In our neighborhood, late afternoon brings kickball games, kids and parents riding bicycles and grandparents walking hand in hand with toddlers. Laughter and conversation can be heard. Joyful sounds that make me smile.
Sitting too long at the computer, focusing on the task to be completed, can take our minds off of the ordinary moments of life.
Have you stared at the computer screen for too long? How do your shoulders feel? Do you have a pain in your neck? Check out your legs. Are they stiff? These are all signs that your body needs a break.
What about your mental health? Are you so caught up in the computer screen or phone that you’ve lost focus on family, friends, and enjoying life? Tense muscles, body pain, feelings of anger or sadness can be signs that your mental health is suffering.
Several ways to protect your mental health while working from home are:
- Take breaks often. Stand up and stretch. Breathe in and out slowly. Notice your body relaxing.
- Walk away from the computer or the task you are trying to complete. It will still be there when you return.
- Smile. Yes, think of something that makes you happy and smile.
- Share conversation with family and/or friends. Ask how others are feeling.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water. Keep water closeby so you can take sips often.
- Reach out for help. Contact a medical professional if needed. You are not alone.
- PRAY. Pray for God to give you a healthy mind. Ask God to guide you in daily decisions and tasks.
Working from home may continue for months or longer. Taking care of our mental health is vital to us and those people around us.
If you are one of the many people working from home, please know your struggles are real. Take extra care of your mental health.
Do you have ways of taking care of your mental health while working from home? Please share.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages through fiction, non-fiction, devotions, guest blogs, articles and more. Her first book for children, “Licky the Lizard”, was released in 2018. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. Her passions are helping in community and church. She hopes her experiences with anxiety and depression can show others they are not alone.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com
Defying Shadows 
As one who has worked as a writer from home for more than fifteen years, I can definitely vouch for all of these tips and blessings detailed. Needing to change position, to smile, to get up and walk around, to get a ball-chair as I have done, to take the time to take care of our bodies, and to drink water frequently, all are so, so important.
Having also seen the improvements in family life that this pandemic has brought — people outside with their kids, going for walks earlier in the day, regaining the lost hours of long commutes, all of these are blessings. I hope that businesses recognize the benefits to their workers and continue to allow them to work from home. It’s a good outcome.
I agree with you Melinda. The pandemic has brought some families closer together because they are sharing more activities. 🙂
Such wonderful words of wisdom and wellness! Thank you, Melissa, for reminding us of all that is good in our circumstances, but to be mindful of how to be healthy in the areas that can be all consuming- like the screens!
Thank you Melissa. I use these tips myself. I’m at the computer a lot during the day writing blog posts, stories, devotions, articles, etc. and I definitely need to “walk away” at times. 🙂
Wise words . . . even when the pandemic is over!
Thank you Ava. 🙂
Wonderful tips. I have mostly been in person since The pandemic began, but being home this week has given me an idea of the struggles many have gone through over the course of this year. These are beautiful tips; I shared them with my Pinterest community.
Thank you Candice. I have been praying for you and will continue praying.
Great message and insight, Melissa. I worked from home for sixteen years, working telecommute for many companies. Then also writing the last seven years. But now, as an office admin of a real estate firm, I’m going into an office and I love it. Of course, we have to practice safety measures right now and sometimes we work from home if someone is getting tested or has corona. Sitting in a chair too long has affected my spine over the years more than anything. The chiropractor told me to get up every so many minutes and do stretches. Especially when I’m writing.
Thank you Karen. Yes, I have to remember to get up from my office chair and walk around the house. 🙂
Awesome tips! Yoga has really helped me in my transition to working from home. And reading the Bible first thing before beginning work… that is critical for me. And when the weather is good, talking a quick lunchtime walk is wonderful for my body and energy.
Love that you read the Bible first thing before beginning work. Yes! Yes! A great tip! 🙂