For many people, working from home and spending several hours indoors can take a toll on your mental health.

As the number of cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to grow around the world, more and more people (who are able to do so) are taking their work home. Here are a few ways to put your mental health first while spending so much time indoors:

Stick to your morning routine

Routine is a useful tool for reducing stress and anxiety, and a healthy morning routine helps set the tone for the day ahead. Try starting your day with an energizing yoga routine, a nourishing breakfast, some journaling, or all of the above. 

Establish healthy work hours

When you don’t commute to and from work, it’s easy to stay in “work mode” all day and into the night. It’s important to set boundaries and give yourself time to relax and decompress after a busy day of work. To avoid stress, anxiety, and even burnout, establish your work hours at home and stick to them as much as possible. 

Set up a comfortable workspace

If you’re worried about your whole home turning into your office, having a distinct workspace can help you differentiate between where you work and where you relax. Choose a space that allows you to sit comfortably with good posture. Working near a window where you can look outside has also been linked to higher levels of happiness and lower levels of stress.

Take breaks like you would at the office

When you’re in the comfort of your own home, you might not prioritize taking breaks like you would at the office. But taking breaks reduces stress and helps you recharge so you can tackle your to-do list with ease. Aside from the always-important lunch break, set time aside to work out, meditate, stretch, fuel up with snacks, and more. 

Communicate effectively with your colleagues

Working from home can be an isolating experience, and that may affect your mental health. Make sure you’re regularly communicating with your colleagues. Whether you use an instant messaging or chat platform or you prefer getting face time with video calls, communicating effectively will boost your productivity and give you some time to socialize.

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Your health and well-being is our top priority. For the latest information regarding protective measures, please see WHO’s COVID-19 advice for the public. If you have concerns about your personal health, consult your doctor to determine the appropriate action.