You can manage your stress while working from home - It’s not that difficult!

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the unexpected workplace shift from offices to remote working at home, which is now being defined as the “New Normal”. While many companies did have Work from home culture in the past, this sudden shift of only working from home has given rise to some new challenges for the employees. 
 
Although employees do have the comfort and safety while working from their own homes, all the euphoria related to this idea is now gradually fading away. It seems adapting to this new way of working full time is being seen more stressful and is taking a toll on their mental health. According to a survey by the Indian Psychiatric Society, during Lockdown 1.0 itself, there had been an alarming 20 percent rise in cases related to mental health. The ‘new normal’ which is definitely going to stay for another 6 months to a year, has certainly taken away that human touch and made life a bit too lonely for so many people out there.
 
Humans are a social being, the sudden confinement to one place for long hours has contributed to the increased stress levels. Moreover, the uncertainty revolving around the entire pandemic and its effects on health, economy, jobs, finances, family, social life, etc. is further increasing the anxiety and stress to the alarming levels. 
 
Know the signs of stress
 
Stress can happen and can be managed. It is important to recognize the signs of stress in order to manage it effectively. The following are some of the indicators of the stress:
  • Feeling of uncertainty, nervousness, or anxiousness
  • Feeling of irritation, anger, or rejection
  • Lack of motivation
  • Feeling tired, overwhelmed, or burned out
  • Feeling of sadness or depression
  • Having trouble with sleep
  • Having trouble with concentration or focus at work
 
Do you have any of these? Should you be worried? Can you handle this? Oh yes, YOU CAN!
 
  • Key is to accept it! - Work from home is going to stay for a while. The situation is unprecedented. You don’t have control over it so making the best out of it is the only viable option.
  • Build your own base and get ready! - Create a separate workplace at your house. Choose a place at your house that makes you productive and which will not confine you to a corner or a locked room. If possible shift it near a balcony or window. It will allow you to breathe fresh air and steal some time to relax. 
  • Don’t overwork yourself! - Set a fixed schedule for your daily work and home activities. This will help you to gain a sense of control over things.
  • Focus! - Stay focussed on work and avoid feeding yourself with too much information about COVID-19. Being informed about the actual facts will certainly help you to avoid unnecessary panic.
  • Did you know that curiosity killed the cat! - Don’t be over curious simply, stop Googling around! :) Don’t open every COVID-19 related video that you receive on your Whatsapp group or on social media, it may not be always relevant. Hearing about the pandemic over and over again will only be disturbing and mentally exhausting.
  • Stay connected! - why use technology to connect only for work, while we can also connect with others. Connect with your family and friends regularly through phone calls, email, text messages, mailing letters or cards, video chat, and social media. It is observed that a healthy conversation with friends and family can uplift your mood and help reduce the stress levels.
  • Communicate! - Communicating with your colleagues and seniors about your difficulties, expectations can help in solving your problems. Remember those Coffee or Tea breaks that you took in office? You can always do it virtually. 
  • Me Time! - Take out some time for yourself. Take quick breaks from work to stretch, exercise, and have tea or coffee at regular intervals. Simply, checking in with your colleagues, family, and friends can help you to break the monotony.
  • Get Hobbified! - Have one hobby that will help you rejuvenate. Indulge into doing things that you enjoy when you are not working. This will help you stay content and active.
  • Eat Right - Sleep Tight! - Good food and sound sleep are equally important for the mental and physical well being. Prefer having a balanced diet and freshly cooked home meals. You should stay away from gadgets at least for some time of the day.
  • Don’t let the taps loose! - Avoid dependence on alcohol and Over the Counter medicines as a means of coping with stress.
  • Stay Positive! -  Keeping a positive mindset and looking at a brighter side of life, will certainly help to keep your stress at Bay! 
 
At AMS Human Resources Pvt. Ltd., we believe that employees are the most valuable asset of an organization and we take necessary care that they always remain in positive spirits and be in a healthy mental state.