How to manage stress and take care of your mental health whilst working from home.

Most thought working from home would be better and less stressful. Recently we have found this not to be the case, anyone else agree with us? Isn't crazy that we get just as stressed working from our dining rooms tables just as much as the desk in the office – if not more at times?

The main problem many of us have had is that there are no boundaries. You’ve worked, played, ate, slept all in the same place. Many of us have had to figure out how to have a zoom-meetings in a small flat with housemates, perhaps dogs and children around. It has been a logistical juggling act! On top of the embargo we have had on our natural pull we as humans have for other human interactions restricted. To hug, interact and to be around our loved ones. No wonder so many people we talk to our super stressed and feel in limbo!

Whilst we are still working from home you can, and you should set boundaries. To begin with, we believe in having a daily routine. We feel that making small changes in your daily life can really help you feel less stressed and more on purpose. We believe that getting up at the same time every morning and giving time to yourself is one of the best ways to start your day. Some of the most successful people on the planet have their own morning ritual with which they start each day. Devise your own and keep it going.

Your morning can be half an hour, or an hour (if you can) to yourself. That might be in the form of exercise, meditation, reading a book, sitting with a coffee to take in your morning. It allows you to produce positive endorphins and set you up for a successful day. For us, breakfast is a must! We enjoy smoothie bowls, eggs & avo on seeded wholemeal bread, porridge with fruit and drizzle of honey and our favourtite; protein, banana and oat pancakes! We love them! We also go for a breakfast smoothie sometimes. If you do this, we recommend that these include all your MACROS, protein, dairy, fibre, good fats & carbs. (Keep your eyes peeled for some shake recipes coming soon).

Now you have completed a task for YOU, it is time to start work. Try to have a specific work area where you do your work.

It is key to have access to plugs, and an area that is lit up with natural light. We love a plant! Plants have been proven to increases concentration and mood! GO WILD!

This is now your dedicated work area. At the end of the day, close your laptop and leave everything for work in this corner, cover it up – You have left work.

Our Founder, Philippa has shared her view on this. As she is a Producer as well, we are aware that this can’t always happen! There are times where working into the evening is needed. However, be mindful how often this happens, and look after yourself first. Your mental health is so important and that is helped by a work life balance! Even more so than ever, seeing as the majority of us are still working from home!

Try and stand up every hour, walk around the room or go for a stroll. Make a tea or coffee or if you didn’t manage to get a workout in earlier, perhaps go for a jog, or simply move.

Moving is even more important when you are living, sleeping and working in the same space. It is proven to help with stress and concentration levels. Be aware of your posture along with any hunching over! We will be sharing some desk stretches with you at a later date, for you to save and practice.

When we are stressed, and overwhelmed with work we forget to breathe, and take a moment to process a feeling (we know this moment far too well!) That is why we have made it a priority and feel it is important to take a moment to simply breathe. We don’t mean that in the literal state, suggesting you are holding your breath all day. What we mean is to breath deep to engage the diaphragm and fully expand our lunges.

Try breathing in deeply for a count 4, hold for 4, and breath out for a count of 6. Repeat 4 times.

After your day, try and turn to habits that help you unwind, and destress. Understanding our mental health and wellbeing is becoming so important day by day. We work with FidlLeaf, who work to help us understand our natural make up and support with stress management and support us with spotting signs of burnout using Nobel Prize science.

We also practice daily meditation, ranging from 5 minutes to 45 minutes, to clear white noise and understand how to manage your thoughts. Alongside this, we recommend writing down three things you have enjoyed about your day, or that things you are thankful for. Keep a gratitude diary. These are very simple techniques to allow you to recognise the positive things in your day and to fall asleep happy and fulfilled. These could be as simple as, the fact that the sun is shining, or that you had a phone call from a loved one, or you managed to get a workout in. Find the successes and celebrate them!

Stress breakers can be so simple! Small changes in your day-to-day really help bring in balance and clarity.

#stessmanagement #workingfromhome #workoutandwinedown