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The Covid 19 pandemic began about four years ago. Whew, it’s crazy to say that. Life has changed as we know it, especially work life. Many people who once commuted hours a day to work, now do all of their responsibilities from the comfort of their own home. Working hybrid or fully remote has become the new norm which many of us love! I am a work from home advocate, okay! Nonetheless, it begs the question, how do we adjust, longer-term? Extended periods of time in your home or being confined to one space can lead to decreased motivation, sleep changes, depression, and many other distressing symptoms that can be characterized as cabin fever. Many people think cabin fever is just being bored or a weekend in, but in fact it can be far more serious when not managed. People can be more vulnerable to cabin fever when working from home, the seasons are changes, or when they lack resources such as transportation. One may not be experiencing symptoms as severe as cabin fever, however the loneliness and mundaneness of working from home daily can still be difficult to cope with. Let’s discuss how to manage.
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Get social
Research shows humans are innately social and socialization is a basic human need. For many work-from-homers, especially those who live alone, they are missing that key need they typically get from work—socialization. A lack of social interaction can exacerbate cabin fever symptoms. Scheduling outings with friends is a great mood booster, gives you something to look forward to, and is a sure way to get you out of your home. Having things to look forward to has shown to increase happiness and brighten up your mood. If it’s difficult to align schedules or perhaps you live in different locations, scheduling facetime dates is a great substitution until the gang can all get together.
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Clear space = clear mind
Ever notice when your space is cluttered or perhaps laundry is piling up, you feel more stressed and dare I say down? The state of your home and space can heavily impact your mood. Since many people are spending more time in their home because they are working from them, having an organized space is even more vital. There are many mental health benefits to having a tidy space such as decreased stress, feeling more relaxed, and reduced anxiety. Cleaning and organizing can also make one feel more in control and be a form of mindfulness.
Routine never hurt nobody
Keeping a routine or schedule when you’re spending more time in your home, especially working, can make or break boundaries. When the pandemic began, many experts stressed the importance of having a designated work space and work time, because lines can get blurred when working from home. A daily routine might consist of:
- getting dressed (or putting on your wfh uniform)
- adequate mealtimes
- screen breaks
- going outside
- physical activity
- and most importantly, time to unwind.
Although work has been combined with home, our safe space should remain a safe space.
“Me” time
Let’s be real when the workday ends, your responsibilities don’t. Working from home, starting dinner, and taking care of the kids are all happening in one place—that’s a lot. Taking that designated “me time” to unwind is a form of self-care. An added benefit to ‘me time’ is diversifying your self-care because that not only allows you to relax but breaks up the repetitiveness of your routine. Unwinding may look different for everyone so it’s important to consider what that looks like for you.
If you feel the effects of your isolation is declining your mental health, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.
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