Many individuals must relocate for their jobs. Even when you choose to move voluntarily, work remains a significant factor to consider. Is your new home close to your workplace? Will your daily commute be lengthy? Will you have enough energy each day to manage the travel?
Remote work is beneficial since you can do your job without going to the office. However, the new challenge for teleworkers is to maintain their well-being.
How Remote Work Impacts Mental Health
A person’s job is incredibly impactful to their mental health. Company culture and the nature of the work are the top factors dictating how helpful or stressful your source of income is. However, work arrangements also emerge as a contender.
The COVID–19 pandemic implored many workers to work from home. In 2023, around 35% of U.S. workers who have jobs with remote potential continue to work from home all the time. Interestingly enough, about 34% of people with a hybrid setup say they’d like to perform their duties remotely all the time if they had the choice.
However, some people dislike having to work from home all the time. This divide is a testament to how much of a double-edged sword remote jobs are.
Advantages
Remote work can create a positive impact on a worker’s mental health, especially for introverted adults or other individuals who prefer to focus on work. Here are examples:
- More flexibility: You can conduct your jobs from anywhere at any time. There are fewer restrictions with moving unless stated otherwise in your contract. This arrangement is fulfilling if you’re a dynamic person who desires this freedom.
- Better energy levels: No sudden water cooler conversations or other impromptu in-person talks exist. You can reserve as much social energy as you need. Direct the extra brain power toward more productive work.
- Control over work-life balance: Remote work has an excellent reputation for giving extra control over their own schedules. If you’re a working student, a single parent, or have other obligations outside the office, there’s extra time to fulfill them after being on the clock.
- Travel without using PTO: Workers can explore new destinations without taking time off. Travel can lead to a more enriching and balanced lifestyle, as individuals can experience diverse cultures, environments, and activities outside their usual routine. By integrating work with travel, remote workers can rejuvenate their creativity and productivity, enhancing their professional and personal lives. Pro tip: Rent an apartment set up for remote work with an equipped home office and reliable internet.
Disadvantages
Remote work may be refreshing for one’s mental health. However, some cons tend to show up after some time when mismanaged. Here are examples:
- Lack of interactions: Remote work usually means working alone. While there is freedom, it can be isolating and lonely for employees. The disconnect can especially hurt individuals who prefer to be around other people.
- Harder to set boundaries: Working from home means your place of rest is your personal office. Teleworkers may find trouble clocking in and out from their jobs. This oversight can encourage overworking and increase mental stress.
- Lack of motivation: Working from home can seem like an endless cycle of waking up from bed and logging into work immediately. Exhaustion combined with the loss of human interaction lessens motivation to complete tasks in the long run.
Preserving Mental Well-Being
Remote workers should strive to maintain their well-being, even if the going gets tough. Here are some strategies you can use daily to put your mental health first.
Log into a Dedicated Workspace
Remote work’s main appeal is being able to do your job from anywhere. To set physical boundaries, pick one space in your home to set up an office. This distinction can let your body and mind know when it’s time to be productive or rest.
If you still prefer moving to cafes or other places when working, devise a pre-work ritual. For example, taking five minutes to check your emails or read industry-related material.
Set Working Hours and Breaks
Set your working hours. People with remote jobs should still avoid going overtime to prevent mental exhaustion. If you have a flexible arrangement with your employer, start working during your most productive hours.
Don’t forget to set breaks as well! Working countless hours can contribute to burnout, so give yourself room to breathe. Schedule alarms to have a reminder. If you’re taking an impromptu pause, use a timer to stay right on track.
Walk and Get Fresh Air
Working from home provides plenty of convenience, but it can also coop you up indoors. Whether it’s on your break or right after productivity hours, take a walk outside. You can go on an errand or just stroll around your block.
Seeing the environment around you is a good screen break for the eyes in the middle of the day. Plus, the fresh air outside can raise serotonin levels and lessen stress. Make a point to step outside every day.
Communicate with People
To avoid human isolation, you should still try to talk to people. Hop on a video call with your coworkers or boss to discuss a project you’re working on. Send a text to a friend or family member to start a conversation.
Try to set in-person meet-ups as well. Seeing the people you love and know face-to-face is quite comforting. You can also get to know new people since it can keep your social skills intact and create meaningful relationships. Reserve the weekends for these plans.
Adopt Wellness Hobbies
Adopt wellness hobbies you can use every day to destress. Some people love journaling to get out their thoughts from the previous day. You can also try strategies like yoga and meditation to clear your mind.
If you feel down afterward, don’t hesitate to take time off the next day. The Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees to take a leave for their or a family member’s mental health condition. Check with your employer if you’re eligible and coordinate for the rest.
Safecare Your Mental Health
Securing your mental health should always be a priority when you work remotely. If the downsides tend to show up more, pause and assess what you can do to change things up. Use the tips above to minimize negativity and maximize peace of mind.
Where to next? Find monthly rentals designed for remote workers on Anyplace.
