What are effective strategies to maintain mental health while working from home?

Working from home can be challenging for your mental health, especially if you are a journalist who has to deal with stressful deadlines, complex topics, and constant exposure to negative news. How can you cope with these pressures and maintain your well-being while working remotely? Here are some effective strategies to help you.

1 Create a routine

One of the benefits of working from home is having more flexibility in your schedule, but that can also lead to chaos and confusion if you don't have a clear plan. Creating a routine can help you set boundaries between your work and personal life, establish a consistent rhythm, and reduce stress. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time, have regular meals and breaks, and schedule your most important tasks for the time of day when you are most productive and focused.

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Hector Alejandro Solis Canales

MBA & MPM purchase and Supply chain
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Añadir una estructura a un medio ambiente distinto al laboral permitirá el enfoque mediante objetivos delimitados que permitan acceder a rendimientos laborales marcados

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Mona Schnell

Freie Journalistin, Autorin, Ghostwriterin bei Mona Schnell
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Ich arbeite seit über 20 Jahren von zuhause aus und bin sehr dankbar, dass ich einen Raum habe, den ich hinter mir schließen kann. Ansonsten hätte ich gar keine Möglichkeit, einmal abzuschalten. Außerdem ermöglicht mir das, auch konzentriert und fokussiert zu arbeiten, ohne den Blick aufs Sofa.

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Emmanuel Edet

1x LinkedIn Top Voice| Expert in SEO, Content Writing, and Content Strategy|
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Set Clear Work Hours: Establish a routine to mimic a traditional workday. Clearly defined work hours promote a healthy work-life balance. Dress for Success: While it's tempting to stay in pajamas, getting dressed can boost your mood and create a professional mindset.

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2 Set up a comfortable workspace

Your physical environment can have a big impact on your mental health, so make sure you set up a comfortable and ergonomic workspace that suits your needs. Choose a location that is quiet, well-lit, and free of distractions, and invest in a good chair, desk, and equipment that support your posture and health. You can also personalize your workspace with plants, photos, or other items that make you happy and motivated.

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Ashley Couto

CMO Turned Leadership & Career Advisor | Keynote Speaker | Corporate Trainer | Journalist ✍️ Forbes, Business Insider, Entrepreneur | Board Advisor | 5'0" With 6'2" Energy
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If you can, working in a space with natural lighting and a view to the street or building can help combat the sense of isolation that can come from working from home for a prolonged period of time.

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Mona Schnell

Freie Journalistin, Autorin, Ghostwriterin bei Mona Schnell
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Ich wechsle auch zuhause den Arbeitsplatz regelmäßig. Mal sitze ich am Schreibtisch, mal stehe ich, besonders für Videokonferenzen. Manchmal setze ich mich auch zum Brainstorming auf meine große Fensterbank und schaue einfach nur nach draußen. Es hilft mir sehr beim Fokussieren, wenn ich öfter einmal die Perspektive wechsle.

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3 Stay connected

Working from home can make you feel isolated and lonely, especially if you are used to interacting with your colleagues and sources in person. To combat this, make an effort to stay connected with your professional and personal network through regular phone calls, video chats, emails, or social media. You can also join online communities, forums, or groups that relate to your interests or field of work, and participate in virtual events, webinars, or trainings that can enrich your skills and knowledge.

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Emmanuel Edet

1x LinkedIn Top Voice| Expert in SEO, Content Writing, and Content Strategy|
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Connect with Colleagues: Schedule virtual coffee breaks or meetings to maintain social connections. Sharing experiences with coworkers can combat feelings of isolation.

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4 Take care of yourself

Working from home can also affect your physical health, as you may be more prone to sedentary habits, unhealthy snacks, or disrupted sleep. To prevent this, take care of yourself by following a balanced diet, drinking enough water, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest. You can also practice some relaxation techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga, to calm your mind and body. And don't forget to have some fun and enjoy your hobbies, passions, or leisure activities that can boost your mood and creativity.

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Mona Schnell

Freie Journalistin, Autorin, Ghostwriterin bei Mona Schnell
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Ich halte es für sehr wichtig, immer wieder nach draußen zu gehen und Menschen um mich zu haben. Wenn mir im Home Office die Decke auf den Kopf fällt, fahre ich öfter auch mal in einen Coworking Space, um etwas mehr Arbeitsatmosphäre zu schnuppern und mich hin und wieder auch mit anderen zu unterhalten.

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5 Seek support

Working from home can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with difficult or traumatic stories, or facing personal or professional challenges. If you feel that your mental health is suffering, don't hesitate to seek support from your family, friends, colleagues, or mentors. You can also reach out to professional help, such as a therapist, counselor, or coach, who can offer you guidance, advice, or treatment. Remember that you are not alone, and that there are resources and services available to help you.

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6 Review your goals

Working from home can also affect your motivation and performance, as you may lose sight of your goals, achievements, or feedback. To avoid this, review your goals regularly and track your progress and results. You can also celebrate your wins, big or small, and reward yourself for your hard work. And don't forget to ask for feedback from your editors, clients, or peers, and use it to improve your skills and quality of your work.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Teresa Vázquez

Substance Misuse Prevention Specialist- Bilingual | Providing Substance Use Disorder Prevention Education | Building Impactful Partnerships | Advocating for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Trauma-Informed Care.
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Call other friends who work from home, your parents, or anyone when you’re not super busy. WFH can be isolating. Even a 5-minute phone call helps combat that.

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Philippe CUFFAUT🔹Manager

Manager d’équipes et de projets |Consultant business développement et change management
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Droit à la déconnection Il est essentiel de pratiquer des vraies coupures afin d’être plus efficace durant les périodes de réunions Un coupure dans la matinée , une indispensable pour déjeuner hors de l’espace bureau Une autre dans l’après midi et la coupure du soir qui devient définitive Tout ceci pour garder la lucidité et un juste équilibre vie pro /vie personnelle

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What are effective strategies to maintain mental health while working from home?

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1 Create a routine

2 Set up a comfortable workspace

3 Stay connected

4 Take care of yourself

5 Seek support

6 Review your goals

7 Here’s what else to consider

Journalism

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