Working from home during COVID-19. Don’t forget your mental health

Virginia Clark 06 Nov 2020 4 min read

With the COVID-19 pandemic, strict lockdowns, economic freefall and political uncertainty, 2020 has certainly had its fair share of challenges. And not to forget the fires, hurricanes, heatwaves and floods that have caused havoc to nations around the world. On top of all of this, many are adjusting to the new reality of remote working. It’s no surprise that more than 40% of people have reported adverse mental health conditions since June.

We, together with Women in Localization (W.L.), is committed to helping home workers stay healthy—both mentally and physically. W.L. has been a powerful, positive source of encouragement for those working from home, and combined with our experience of having 4,500 remote workers, we’re calling on the industry, and workers, to recognize the mental and physical difficulties associated with home working.

Those affected by mental health issues often suffer in silence. Our goal is to change that by offering encouragement and opening a dialogue where everyone feels safe to express how they feel. Here we offer some basic tips to get you thinking, and most importantly, recognize how you’ve personally been affected during these unprecedented times.

You’re not alone…don’t suffer in silence

Did you know that 46% of US adults and 25% of UK adults suffer from mental illness in their life? It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in how you feel—and even more important to reach out if you’re struggling. Don’t be afraid—break the stigma and talk to people about your own mental health struggles. And if you’re concerned about someone, why not ask them how they’re coping? You might be surprised by how much they open up.

Get active… even if it’s just a few minutes a day

Living through a pandemic is stressful. This is why it’s important to identify what brings you happiness and do more of it. Getting active is one way to fortify your mental health. Research from one report said that taking a 5-minute stroll every hour can boost your mood, cut cravings and counter fatigue more than a 30-minute workout session. Yoga is a fitness option that helps with relaxation and breathing, reduces inflammation, improves posture and decreases stress and anxiety. Other creative pursuits like art and painting can also offer mental serenity.

Transport yourself around the world

While travel is on hold for many, the mental health benefits of getting away are possible from a virtual vacation. Immerse yourself in dinosaur skeletons, cultural artifacts and classical paintings on a virtual day trip to the Louvre, the British Museum or the Smithsonian. Maybe you need something more adventurous? Then explore the Great Wall of China, stroll through Jerusalem’s old city or mingle with llamas at Machu Picchu. Movies filmed in beautiful locations like Jamaica, Greece, Tuscany, Monument Valley, Hawaii and Iceland can transport you out of your everyday surroundings and into paradise.

Learn to cook, or just fix things

Spending more time at home gives you the opportunity to check some things off your to-do list or develop a skill. The point is – keep busy. Experts say cooking is an everyday creative act that provides focus, promotes a feeling of relaxation and creates a sense of accomplishment. Treasured family recipes also stimulate happy memories and a feeling of connection despite being far from our loved ones. Why not learn to cook a new dish, or revisit family favorites?

Home centers, hardware stores and garden centers have reported a 22.6% increase in sales and 57% of homeowners have prioritized home improvement during the first three months of COVID. Many have also spent time organizing their closets and decluttering their home. Now is the time to fix those things that have been bugging you for years. And, it will also make you feel better.

Educate yourself

Been putting off learning Italian? Want to learn how to paint? Haven’t had time to learn how to code? While you’re at home it’s important to continue to work on your skills. Learning something new is always beneficial, whether it’s a personal interest or professional goal, and provides a mental lift.

Continuing to develop professional skills will benefit you and your career. Some ideas may include practicing communication skills such as giving feedback to others in a positive way or negotiating with your partner to share responsibility for childcare, laundry, groceries, cleaning and cooking responsibilities.

Set boundaries and cut-off points

With your work laptop only a few steps away, it’s critical that you set boundaries and find that “cut-off” point. You need to relax, and keeping one eye on emails 24/7 won’t do any good. That’s why time management is even more important when working amid the many distractions of home. Prepare your to-do list for the next day, log off and put your laptop away each evening. Turning off email notifications before and after working hours and maintaining a regular sleep schedule will also support your mental health. Disconnecting from work to enjoy an evening with your family brings wellness dividends that make you happier and more productive.

Although 67% of companies expect working from home to be permanent post-COVID, it’s still unclear whether this will happen and what it will look like. In the meantime, it’s key to take the initiative to ensure your own well-being and, if you need help, remember—reach out to friends, colleagues or family members for support.

Virginia Clark

VP, Global Talent Development

Virginia Clark is VP of global talent development at SDL.

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