Mental health and wellness tips to help you adapt to working from home

WORKING FROM HOME IS THE NEW NORMAL FOR MANY OF US DURING THE PANDEMIC

MELANIE MCGREGOR SPECIAL TO METROLAND MEDIA Working from home presents a new change in our daily routine can definitely impact our mental health. Being physically separated from colleagues and others can bring feelings of disconnection and loneliness that can lower our mood and morale. And while remote work can give us flexibility in our schedule, it can also be tempting to blend our work and non-work lives to the point where we feel we don’t have the personal down time that is key to balance and well-being. I checked in with our team at the Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Region Branch for tips on what we are all doing for our mental health and wellness while working from home during the pandemic. From us to you, some things to consider: • I take regular breaks to exercise and reach out to friends and family. I separate from work by physically removing myself from the space where I’m working. I’ve been enjoying having lunch with my family and doing some virtual yoga classes to promote mindfulness that is especially helpful now. • I begin my day early with emails and check-ins with clients. I am a morning person and was always in the office early, so I’m trying to schedule my home working day similarly, which helps me feel more in control. • I call up co-workers that I would typically see around the office to talk about work and also have some laughs. We’re sharing photos of our work environments and our pets which is helping with connection, too. • I’m taking the time to call co-workers when I might otherwise just send an e-mail or a text. Even if it’s just a quick chat, hearing the voices of the people I miss seeing in person boosts my mood. • My team is having weekly video checkins to connect which is helping to foster team camaraderie and debrief on the effects of the pandemic personally and professionally. • When I’m done working for the day, I clearly mark the transition to personal time. I turn off and put away my phone and laptop, then have a cup of tea to signal to my body and mind that work is done for the day. I know that if I left my devices on, I’d keep working in the evening, which I want to be family time.

• I’ve developed a “Daily Quarantine Questionnaire,” where I ask myself a number of meaningful questions for that day, including what I’m grateful for, who I’m checking in on, how I’m moving my body, and what expectations of “normal” I’m letting go of. It’s helping me practise gratitude and stay positive. Most of all, hang in there and know you’re doing the best you can.

McGregor is the communications and advancement specialist at the Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Region Branch, which provides mental health and addiction community support and education. Visit www.halton.cmha. ca for more information and follow @cmhahalton on Twitter.

At the end of the day, ‘clearly mark the transition to personal time,’ writes McGregor.