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Staying mentally healthy while working from home

Posted at 7:11 AM, May 11, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-11 08:11:58-04

Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic can leave some Americans feeling stir crazy.

Surveys are mixed on whether working from home is any more or less stressful than from the office or another work site.

A study by Mental Health America showed 3/4 of Americans believe working from home is less stressful.

But a study by the United Nations surveyed people in 15 countries, including the United States, and found 41% of people who worked from home called themselves "highly stressed," compared to just 25% of on-site workers.

The online magazine Work at Home Moms says staying organized and managing your time well can help alleviate stress while working from home.

In a checklist of suggestions, the website suggests:

  • Creating a "designated work space," especially if you currently have kids home from school, to avoid getting distracted
  • Making a list to detail what you need to get done each day
  • Identify your "peak hours," when you do your best work, and focus on scheduling your toughest task during those hours
  • Screening your calls to prevent personal calls from friends or family getting you off-task and stressing you out

Going above and beyond to avoid unnecessary stress during your at-home workday will help workers stay fresh, productive and ready for the coming rebound.

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