Feelings of isolation and loneliness are common among remote workers, many of whom spend much of the day inside their homes. These feelings may be exacerbated during the fall and winter months when there’s less sunlight and fewer options for outdoor activities. As such, remote employees may be more prone to negative feelings in the cooler seasons, worsening mental health. Fortunately, positive mental health can still be achieved, regardless of the season or workplace location.
A OnePoll study found that 7 in 10 remote employees feel more isolated than when they worked in the office.
Lack of in-person contact can increase feelings of isolation. Combined with more time spent indoors, remote workers may experience anxiety, loneliness, depression and “cabin fever.” Consider the following ways you can prioritize mental health while working and living at home during the fall and winter:
- Get outside more Nearly one-quarter of remote workers never leave their homes during a typical work day, according to recent findings by Upright Prose. While it might be tempting to stay inside where it’s warm, this can negatively impact your mental health and increase your feelings of isolation or confinement. Wear as much warm clothing as you need to be safe and challenge yourself to get outside every day that you can, especially while the sun is out.
- Connect with others.There are often fewer social activities during the fall and winter. However, staying in touch with family and friends is crucial to ensure you’re receiving adequate mental and emotional support. Make time to connect with people who support you throughout the week, either in person or virtually.
- Stay physically active. Exercise can boost mood, reduce stress and increase sleep quality. It can also improve your physical and mental On days when it’s too cold for a walk around your neighborhood, prioritize your health with indoor activities, such as yoga, dancing or riding a stationary bike.
- Create a daily routine. If your job has flexible hours, you can help yourself stay motivated by creating a daily schedule for working and non-working. This can help you ensure that all of your mental and physical health needs are being met. Additionally, you may find it helpful to schedule creative time into your day. This could include 20 to 30-minute breaks throughout the day for activities that energize you, such as journaling, singing, reading or playing an instrument.
While working remotely during the fall and winter months, it’s easy to feel trapped or isolated inside your home. Therefore, it’s crucial that you take intentional steps to prioritize your mental health during the colder seasons. Talk to your manager to learn more about mental health while working from home.
This newsletter is intended for informational use only and should not be construed as professional advice. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.