Some of us have become well versed in working from home during the last year. For the most part remote working is a win-win for both employers and employees - better work-life balance and improved productivity are just some of the key benefits.

However, that’s not the case for everyone, the lack of structure, interaction with people - those coffee machine conversations are so much more important than we realised - and support has left some people struggling mentally. 

If the thought of remote working is making you anxious then read our tips on ways that you can protect your mental health while working from home.

• Create a routine

Lack of structure and routine can leave you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritise your workload. We’ve found that if you approach your day like any other work day it really changes your mindset.  Set an alarm, ‘get dressed for work’ instead of putting your comfies on, take regular breaks and finish on time. Using a planner or diary will make it easier to stick to a routine.

• Find a reliable method of communication

Feeling out of the loop is a major reason most stay-at-home employees feel anxious, especially when it comes to career longevity and progression. You might also feel a bit ‘zoomed’ out - so many of those quick ‘at the desk’ conversations now have to be formalised meetings.

Find the method of communication that works best for you, make sure you’re getting the same level of one-to-one support that you would normally receive from your manager and, if you have direct reports, make sure you support them how you want to be supported yourself. 

• Limit your social media use

Social media makes it difficult to switch off from the pandemic. If you find yourself obsessively scrolling through Twitter or Facebook, your stomach in knots every time, you need to take decisive action by turning off notifications, deleting apps or using time management tools like Offtime or BreakFree.

• Go for a walk

Staying cooped up all day erodes our connection with the outside world, making us feel more alone than ever. To combat this, prioritise walks, runs and lunch breaks in parks or gardens as allowed within current guidelines.

Add in the endorphin boost that you get from exercising outdoors and you’ll quickly realise why getting outside is so important for both your physical and mental well-being. 

A happy work-from-home environment

As well as the tips above, having the right workspace and facilities can be key to looking after your mental health while working from home. Your employer should provide all the equipment you need to do your job effectively, to avoid any extra stress on you while working from home. 

Whether it’s a printer and shredder to help with filing or the right desk and chair for space and posture, Ryman has everything you need to create the ultimate home office. Take a look at our full range online or find your local store.