Mental health is extremely important, and now with COVID being isolated and working from home, it can get even harder. Here are resources to help you.

The coronavirus pandemic has flipped our world upside down.

Many are now adjusting to working from home. If you’re one of these people, you might also be struggling with your mental health.

Mental health isn’t something that should taken for granted. It can affect all aspects of our life. From how we think and act, to how we feel on a daily basis. Whether it’s our emotional health, physical wellbeing, or how we interact socially, everything can be affected by our mental health.

Working from home can be a huge change for many. Some of us love the idea, while others may actually notice a negative impact on their health.

Keep reading for our guide on 6 awesome ways to maintain your mental health if you’re now working from home.

1. Keep a Regular Schedule

One of the best ways to preserve your mental health is to maintain your regular schedule (the best you can).

Create a routine similar to the one that you were used to before the pandemic hit.

If you woke up at a certain time to start getting ready for work, then keep doing so. Be sure to start working at the same time and end work at the same time. Take your scheduled breaks and do something that doesn’t involve work during them.

The main thing is to not let your work life and home life blur together.

If you still work your regular hours, this will be a lot easier. Many who start working from home think being able to work anytime they like is a blessing, and for some that may be true. But for others, it can make it feel like they’re always at work, severely impacting their ability to relax.

2. Stick to a Morning Routine

Each workday starts with getting reading in the morning; working from home should be no different.

The difference?

You used to need get ready to leave your house and commute. But now your commute is zero!

This might make you think that you don’t need to get ready because you’re going to your living room or home office all day.

This isn’t the case!

Getting ready every day can be crucial for your mental health even when you’re quarantined at home. When you get ready,  you feel better, and more productive. It can also help make you feel like you have a purpose for the day.

When you’re creating your work schedule to stay at home, then make sure to schedule some time for you to get ready each morning.

It can be as simple as having a shower right when you wake up. Your mental health will thank you.

3. Reach Out to a Doctor

If you’re struggling with your mental health at home, try reaching out to a doctor or specialist for help.

The best way to contact a doctor nowadays is online! An online doctor or specialist is only a click away. You can set up an appointment to speak with a doctor by phone or video conference.

Talking with a specialist like a psychiatrist about your quarantine mental health can be a huge help. The best part it’s never been easier to see a doctor and get the support you need.

4. Get Some Fresh Air

One way to improve your quarantine mental health when working from home is to get outside and get some fresh air.

One of the best times to do this is when you’re taking a break from work.

After lunch be sure to spend a few minutes outside, weather permitting. It can even be a walk around the block. You’re probably sitting a lot more than you used to so your legs could use the stretch, too.

For a change of scenery, eat lunch outside!

You could also spend evenings outside after work as well. Walking your dog, going for a run, or sitting on your porch are great ways to physically distance while getting some fresh air.

Just remember to stay thoughtful to others around you; physically distancing, and wearing masks when close to others.

5. Stay Connected to Family and Friends

Working from home can feel extremely isolating and lonely, especially if you’re just staring at a screen all day.

Make sure to schedule time to connect with family and friends.

The easiest way is by video chatting. It may not be exactly the same, but seeing a friendly face is still nice. Playing online games with loved ones is another great option for staying connected with friends during COVID-19. Doing an activity together strengthens the bond between you, and gives you more conversation fodder for later.

Especially if you live alone, and work from home, make sure you’re always checking in with your friends and family. Poor mental health can sometimes make it challenging to take the step to contact them, or reply to their messages.

Start small. Reaching out to one person a day is a great way to start.

Speaking with close friends and family will definitely help your mental health. And even if they don’t say it explicitly, their mental health will probably be improved by hearing from you.

6. Call a Hotline

If you’re thinking of taking your life, then please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

If you’d be more comfortable, you can even text ‘TALK’ to speak with someone right away, over SMS.

Someone is available 24/7 to help. It’s free and they’re ready to deal with anyone who is in distress, crisis, or just needs a supportive ear.

Mental Health and Working From Home

Working from home isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. If done thoughtfully, it can have many benefits, like saving on commute time and expenses.

However, working from home doesn’t come without it’s share of challenges.

Remember to make time for yourself, and to set boundaries between your work life and your professional life. If you’ve notice your mental health declining, be sure to seek the guidance of a doctor or specialist to help create a program to heal.

If you need to see a Canadian doctor online, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at YesMD.