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How Working From Home Can Impact Your Mental Health

Matt McTeague

The COVID-19 pandemic saw a marked increase in the popularity of remote working due to the complete shutdown of businesses and offices. Many companies and corporate offices found a way to run their affairs without employees stepping out of their homes.


Although working remotely is just as productive as working from the office, it positively and negatively impacts the employee's mental health. This article will discuss some of the benefits and negative impacts of working remotely. Keep reading.


Benefits of working from home

There are several many benefits that come with working from home. Here are a few of them.


Lower personal costs

As the name implies, working from home doesn’t require you to leave the comfort of your home. This means you don’t have to worry about transportation fares, office attire, or pay to have lunch when you don’t have your lunch packed from home. Everything is within your reach and in the comfort of your home.


Improved productivity

Your productivity will significantly increase when you do not have to rush and try to meet up with time to avoid clocking in late. You can wake up and be in bed while still completing the day's work without hassle. The time saved by working remotely means less fatigue and more productivity.


Flexibility

With the ability to work from home, you can set your own schedule and work in an environment that is comfortable and suits your needs. This can be particularly beneficial if you have young children or other personal commitments, as it allows you to balance your work and personal life more effectively.



Disadvantages of working from home

Remote working is not unconditionally beneficial. They also have negative impacts. Here are some of them:


Distractions at home

Working from home can be very distracting, as you have to contend with house chores, television distractions, and sometimes pets and kids playing around.


Fewer social connections

Working at home can be very promising and enjoyable. However, it means no physical interactions with your colleagues. The fun side to socializing with colleagues that balances out the serious aspects of work is entirely cut off. This often makes tasks more tedious, and isn't good for mental health.


Risk of overworking

Working from home may lead to one working way more than one should, leading to increased stress. However, overworking can be avoided by defining your work schedule and sticking to it. Overworking may lead to mental burnout.


What is mental burn out?

Mental burnout refers to exhaustion due to excessive work and prolonged stress. Employees can get carried away with work and get mentally burned out, which may lead to easily irritable and mental and physical exhaustion, tremendously reducing productivity. You can take a mental break from work to feel refreshed and do better.


Keeping yourself mentally balanced

The best way to deal with mental burnout is to take a break and take a day or two off to rest and enjoy peace. Defining your schedule and adhering to it strictly will also help with mental burnout.


However, if you do not feel better after the time off or vacation, slow down and see a certified therapist or psychiatrist. Do you think you need to speak to a therapist? Book an appointment today.


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