Shana Feibel, DO, Lindner Center of HOPE, Staff Psychiatrist

In this trying time, it may be difficult to adjust to the sudden changes in the world. Now abruptly, many people have been directed to gather their essential work resources and set up an office at home. Though many may have thought working remotely would be ideal, it still requires an adjustment to manage being productive and maintaining a positive mental outlook. Though there can be many benefits to working from home, isolation, additional stress about how to accomplish requirements and striking the right balance can cause some anxiety and/or depression. Some key and easy additions to your daily schedule might just make all the difference!

1. Start your day with mindfulness: Being present in the moment and allowing yourself to really focus on the tasks at hand, is a positive way to start the work day at home. There are dozens of sites where you can find plenty of material to print out or purchase. Meditation is a mindful technique. Just a few minutes spent on relaxing breathing techniques and guided imagery can do wonders.
2. Choose a bright and energizing workspace at home: Now is your time to pick your office. Choose a space where you can open the curtains and windows. Even though the sun may not always be shining, nature and natural light can provide many benefits. Picking some flowers and putting them in a vase in your workspace can also add both color and fragrance to your house.
3. Aromatherapy for your home office: there is more and more growing evidence that certain scents can produce different moods. There are many different sites online that can help you to find the perfect aroma for you.
4. Positive affirmations: Since you are working in your own space, don’t be afraid to write out as many quotes, inspirations and funny statements as you’d like and place them anywhere you will see them often. It’s surprising how they can really motivate and inspire your productivity.
5. Stay connected: This is especially important if you live alone and will be virtually eliminating the time you spend with other people. Keep your supervisor and co-workers in the loop. You are not just helping yourself, but them as well. People are texting, skyping, face timing and calling each other to remain connected. Virtual happy hours and other on-line social gatherings have sprung up, as well. Sometimes, old fashioned ingenuity works just as well. For example, sending personal notes to colleagues.
6. Exercise during breaks: With gym closings and stay in place orders, it may be hard to get in the workouts you are used to. Use your breaks and take a walk, run or ride a bike. You can even turn up your favorite tunes and dance. Endorphins are great stress relievers, so don’t be afraid to work up a sweat, your colleagues won’t be there to notice.
7. Take time to eat a nutritious lunch: Healthy, well-balanced meals will give you the necessary energy to power through your day.
8. Journaling for business: This can be a great way to capture your ideas for how to help your department, your company or enhance your own career. Look at the blank page as an opportunity to just put your thoughts on paper. You may be surprised at what comes out.
9. Set a clock-in time and a clock-out time: Schedules help keep us on track and focused on deadlines and priorities. Stay consistent with starting your day and getting objectives accomplished, but do not allow yourself to work non-stop, it is important to shut down and recharge.
10. Recharge during your off-hours: Watch your favorite TV shows and films. Read a book you may have been wanting to read or pull out an old classic that you loved when you were younger.
11. Be good to yourself on your days off: There is no better time than this to pamper yourself. Take a long relaxing bath, pull out something special you have been saving to eat or drink. In other words, make yourself a priority when you are not at work.
12. Seek help if you feel overwhelmed: If you begin to feel overwhelmed, talk to someone you trust or seek the help of a professional. Added stress can quickly turn into significant anxiety or depression or other mental health issues, don’t wait to ask for help.

All of the above additions can not only make you happier while adapting to these new circumstances, but also strengthen your immune system which is very important. In the end, these are only a few suggestions. Spend some time brainstorming by yourself and with others for things you know you will find helpful and rewarding.