To address the elephant in the room: The newsreel in print or on television has become akin to a horror movie. Amidst the ensuing chaos presently, especially in India, those who still have their jobs are deemed as being the fortunate few. Putting up with long work hours as companies undergo a period of transition and changing roles is a far lesser woe, isn’t it?
While there are many advantages to remote work, as statistics by Global Workplace Analytics reveal that in comparison to their office counterparts, teleworkers are 15% to 45% more productive. However, what often gets pushed under the rug is that there are instances where remote work can take a toll on your well-being: Physical and Mental. Especially if you find yourself chained to a desk all day. A survey published by TELUS International of 1.000 Americans highlights that 75% of the workers surveyed have struggled with anxiety and other mental health challenges due to COVID-19 and other world events.
In countries like India, the situation is likely to be more dire. To make matters worse feelings of loneliness and isolation were exacerbated with remote work. Here are some strategies that can make remote work less stressful and more productive, based on insights from Forbes.
Maintain the social connect
One does not have to be lonely just because of a remote-working mandate. It is important to engage and stay connected with others while having conversations. These steps are critical to maintaining mental health. A survey discovered that some small talk can have a profound impact on one’s happiness. Having a stable and healthy social life
As we’ve already established, working remotely doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. Staying connected with others and engaging in conversations is critical to mental health. Deep conversations with friends and loved ones lead to greater satisfaction, but small talk also helps. An article by Psychology Today elucidates that socializing has a number of physical and mental health benefits: A lower risk of cognitive impairment and depression and a more robust immune system. This also holds true for socializing with the aid of technology.
Physical and mental exercise
Any physical or mental activity can be beneficial to your overall health. According to a study, even a 10-minute brisk stroll will help you feel more energised, have a better attitude, and be more mentally alert. Regular exercise will help you feel less anxious and stressed, as well as boost your self-esteem. In only 10 weeks of doing at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercises three to five days a week, mood can be improved. Adults who participate in regular physical exercise have a 10 to 20 percent lower risk for depression.
According to Harvard Researchers, mindfulness has an array of mental and physical benefits including a lowered risk for depression and anxiety.
Focus on a growth mindset
You can embrace challenges better by inculcating a growth mindset: The willingness to learn more and put in more efforts. People who have a growth mindset have depicted greater neuroplasticity, and have therefore increased their achievement and abilities, according to research. Such a mindset can also help you persevere amidst obstacles. You can even keep a diary of your achievements to reinforce the growth mindset.
The road ahead
Some, the obstacle is the way. By employing pragmatic strategies for work from home, you can not only prevent burnout but find greater happiness and meaning in your work. Creating regular healthy habits may seem like a small step but these would lead to a domino effect to enhance your physical and mental health.
