Work from home anxiety is no joke. It’s not “nag-iinarte” either. It is an issue that can affect both your work efficiency and mental health. It is one of the psychological effects of working from home during covid, and anyone can experience this.
There are plenty of reasons why we’re suddenly experiencing anxiety right now. Stress, being isolated from friends and family, and lack of exercise are just a few of the reasons why we’re all feeling anxious nowadays.
Another crucial factor of anxiety is the current state of both our country and the world. After all, when it seems that the world is in an uncontrollable spiral down the drain, how can you function properly?
This article isn’t just any ordinary article for me, as I have experienced anxiety attacks many times before and during this pandemic. And here are a few pieces of advice that I’ve come across, both from research and from friends, that I hope could help you with your anxiety as well.
Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Professional Help When Needed.
I can’t start an article regarding dealing with anxiety without mentioning this. Please, don’t be afraid to seek professional help when you’re experiencing anxiety. Many online psychiatrists are available for consultation during this pandemic, so there are ways to see them without going out of your house.
Of course, we can’t forget about the stigma related to seeking psychological help in the country. This stigma is perhaps the primary reason, aside from financial difficulties, why Filipinos are averse to seeking psychological help.
But here’s the thing, mental health problems are real, and people experiencing them need help. You don’t say, “just breath differently” to someone with asthma, would you? So don’t be afraid of what people will tell when you seek professional help, as it is your health that’s at stake here, not theirs.
Don’t Forget to Sleep.
I know it’s hard, especially when you’re experiencing work from home anxiety, but always strive to get some sleep every night. Trust me; it’s not fun working when you only have 30 minutes of sleep.
One way to remedy this is by establishing a sleep schedule and routine. Doing so allows your body to start relaxing before you even get to bed. So that when you get in bed, you’ll be able to focus your mind on a much-needed and deserved rest.
Another thing that you can do is do some de-stressing exercises. These could be anything from meditation to drinking a warm glass of milk before going to bed. These may not sound much, but they are handy for winding yourself down.
Talk to Your Friends and Family
Another remedy to stress and anxiety that I have found helpful is talking with your loved ones. Sometimes one of the best ways to remind yourself that the world hasn’t gone down the drain yet is a simple chat between friends.
It doesn’t have to be anything dramatic. Sometimes it could be just as simple as asking your mom or dad how their day was or talking with your friends about the new game that’s coming out next month.
These may seem small compared to the problems forming in your thoughts, but they go a long way in easing anxiety. These conversations remind us that we’re not alone, and there are people that love and care about us.
Form Routines and Stick to Them
One way to battle the confusion and feeling of powerlessness prevalent today is to set routines for yourself. Not only will this reduce your anxiety by having a step-by-step plan for the day, but it’ll also help in your time management.
One source of anxiety from my experience is the idea that you’re not productive enough. Having a routine helps keep your mind off these thoughts so you can focus on your tasks. It will also serve as a guide for you on how your day should go.
Conversely, be careful not to adhere to your routine too rigidly as well. Doing so can lead to inflexibility when faced with sudden and unforeseen events and even anxiety as well.
Reward Yourself for Your Small Victories
When we think of rewards, we think of something grand and expensive, given only after an achievement. But that shouldn’t be the case all the time. Sometimes, the best time to get rewards is after a simple achievement.
These achievements are neither life-changing nor fame-worthy, but being able to accomplish your tasks for today despite what your thoughts say is worthy of praise. The rewards themselves need not be something grand. It could be buying your favorite food, that dress you saw in Shopee, or watching a movie in Disney+.
By giving rewards to yourself, you assure yourself that you’re doing fine and that your anxious thoughts are just that: thoughts. No matter how small your achievements are today, be proud that you have achieved them. What matters more is you did them and that you are not slacking nor failing.
You’re Not Alone in Your Struggles
Dealing with work from home anxiety isn’t easy. But you still have to face it nonetheless. I know it’s hard, given that your thoughts could be overwhelming most of the time, but the first step is always accepting who we are and our current situation. Only then can you overcome your anxiety and become a better and more efficient worker.
Of course, you don’t have to do this alone. No man is an island, as they say. There is no shame in asking and accepting help from others, particularly if they’re your loved ones or professionals. By working together, you will have an easier time overcoming your anxiety and improve your mental health.
