If you're both working from home and commuting into the office on a part-time basis, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to stress, health, and mental well-being in your hybrid working arrangement.
It can often feel like your brain works even harder to adapt to changes when you're trying to switch between working remotely and getting used to being around colleagues again. The good news is that there are ways you can manage this and enjoy a more fulfilling and balanced workday.
Here are some simple tips for staying mentally on top of things, no matter how far away from the office you find yourself, mentally or otherwise.
1. Sleep smart
The first step to a better workday is getting a good night's sleep. A tired brain can lead to a sluggish mind, while a sluggish mind leads to less productivity and more stress. Proper sleep is also essential for maintaining your regular physical maintenance.
Sounds like too much work? Far from it - research has shown that getting more sleep than the average person helps you get higher levels of concentration, stronger memory, and decreases feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.
If you feel you're having severe difficulties with getting sleep, talk to your GP or a trusted healthcare professional about your sleeping habits so they can help point you in the right direction. They can also provide tips on what sleep remedies might help you get better results at night and how to do home-based exercises that will benefit both your mental and physical health.
2. Get active
A lack of physical activity is a leading factor in many physical and mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, which makes regular exercise a must-do to maintain your physical and mental health.
People who are more active are also more likely to have better relationships with their family and friends, as well as performing better at work. Exercise is also good for your blood pressure and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing tension in your muscles.
3. Eat well
The foods you eat are essential for many aspects of your health, including keeping your brain healthy and combating stress and depression.
Eating a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, small amounts of red meat from grass-fed or free-range animals, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids such as wild salmon, eggs from free-range hens, and whole grains provides you with the nutrients you need to keep your body and mind feeling good.
4. Exercise your brain
While exercise helps your body, regular puzzles and brain teasers can help keep your mind sharp and relaxed.
You don't have to commit to a hard-core puzzle book or complex brain game to get the mental health benefits you're looking for - taking some time out to play a simple game of Sudoku or crossword each day will also provide your brain with the mental stimulation it needs to keep things running smoothly.
5. Plan your day
It's okay to have a plan for the day, but remember that the only person you need to please is yourself. Planning your day will make your routine easier to follow and ensure you don't end up staying up too late worrying about work.
If your work schedule is unpredictable, or you're having trouble sticking to your plan, it may help to try a more predictable routine in an area of your life you can control (such as meal and rest times) to get yourself into better habits.
Think about the small things you can do around the house that will help keep you organised, such as putting a few hours a day into cleaning out your home office. This leaves your brain free to concentrate on more important things and helps bring order to your overall working environment.
6. Practice mindfulness
This may seem like a bit of a no-brainer, but taking the time to relax regularly is essential to avoiding stress and depression in your hybrid working situation.
Using the tips above can help you decompress, while also giving you a chance to reflect on what's going well in your life and what areas might need some attention or improvement. Practise these techniques daily and your mental wellness will improve dramatically.
Sometimes, the effects of stress on mental health can be short-lived, so make sure you're focusing on being in the moment as much as possible. Try to spend quality time with your family, friends, and loved ones each day. This will help you keep a positive outlook on everything that's going on in your life, and will teach you some perspective by drawing your attention outside of your inner thoughts.
To wrap things up
Hybrid working will never be easy, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress and frustration in your life, either. If you take the time to learn about your own mental health and how to support it, you'll be able to enjoy a healthier, more productive workday no matter where you are. Regular exercise and proper sleep habits will help keep your mind from going dull, while mindfulness and a balanced diet will help keep your mind healthy as well as your body.
The key to mental wellness is balance. Take some time out of your day to focus on your health and productivity. With all the ups and downs of both remote working and the communal office environment, it's important to take care of yourself and ensure that you're doing everything you can to be healthy and happy.
