As most of us are now working remotely due to COVID-19, a whole new set of challenges are being presented to employees. Isolated from co-workers and sometimes family, having daily routines uprooted, and a lack of physical exercise all adds to the already present stressors and anxieties from the pandemic alone. This means that we must try and take care of our mental health, now more than ever, in order to ensure that social-distancing does not turn into social-isolation. Below are some resources for taking care of your well-being, as well as tips and tricks for maintaining schedules, staying connected, and self-care techniques.
Maintaining Health & Wellness
- It has become clear that without a structured daily schedule, it is much easier to fall off task or increase stress levels
- Create a schedule, whatever it may be, and try to stick to it with added breaks
- Staying connected with friends is imperative to keeping a support system and combating loneliness, either through technology like Skype, Facetime, Zoom, or just a phone call
- Maintaining personal hygiene at home is essential to feeling clean and healthy, as well as practicing safe measures against the coronavirus
- If it is safe to do so, go outside and get some fresh air, whether it be a quick walk or to practice yoga!
- Stay informed with credible sources such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), but limit continuous, all day exposure to the news
Managing Mental Health
- For those with diagnosed mental health conditions, be sure to continue treatment plans and keep medication refills up to date
- Keep up connections with your support network, and make check-ins with families and friends a routine
- Make sure to keep in touch with your mental health provider if possible, and see if they offer tele-mental health visits
- Recognize that this is an incredibly difficult time, and that you are valid in your feelings
Manager and HR Support for Employees
- Show empathy and be available for your employees
- Stay connected with virtual meetings and checkups
- Check in with your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and coordinate support for employees. Be sure to provide adequate resources to your employees in a timely manner.
For the full PDF version from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, click here.