How To Cope with Stress and Social Isolation During Work From Home?

Working from home is one of the most intriguing ways to work! You can have your timing, dress code and freedom from supervision. It has become a way of life for many business entities, especially during the pandemic.

However, working from home has introduced extreme challenges in the lifestyle of common people. Lack of social interaction and social isolation has increased stress levels to a great extent. It can further lead to depression, anxiety and increase the incidences of deaths by suicide too.

As the pandemic demands work from the home environment considering the health benefits associated with the spread of disease, we must accept the work style. However, it is also equally important to cope up with the stress to work efficiently and happily. So, how do we go about handling stress while working from home?

Why does stress develop while working from home?

Before we start dealing with stress and social isolation, let us understand why it develops for better management. Some of the common causes are:

1. Lack of proper work structure - Working at home can be an arduous task if you have too many family commitments. For instance, you may be responsible for cooking, taking care of your baby, and doing other household chores. It can disturb your routine and create a problem with the work-life balance, leading to delayed deliverables affecting your professional growth.
   
   

2. Distractions - When a higher official does not monitor you, you get distracted with many activities such as television, pets, social media etc.
   
   

3. Lack of social interaction - Sharing responsibilities and ideas with your colleagues can be extremely mind reliving. Social interaction can decrease the motivation levels affecting productivity.
   
   

4. Lack of physical movement - When you are working at home, physical exertion is extremely low. Lack of regular exercise can affect your mental health and quality of sleep leading to stress.

How to cope with stress and social isolation?

As we realise the causes, let us discuss the top ways to deal with stress.

1. Make a routine - Based on your responsibilities at home and work, create a schedule for efficient time management. Set a morning alarm and wake up early. Start your day by doing yoga, going for a walk and having a refreshing look at your tasks for the day. Plan your work based on your deliverables and include an adequate number of breaks for snacks, lunch, tea etc. Prioritise your tasks and work comfortably.
   
   Make use of modern technology and download applications for time management and task allocation for working efficiently. It will organise your work and reduce your stress levels. Engage in video conference calls, talk to your colleagues, start developing healthy discussions over the calls and ensure social isolation is not getting prominent to a bad extent.
   
   

2. Plan for a designated workspace - While sitting in the comfort of your comfy sofa or bed, you may not be able to concentrate for a better quality of work. You might start showing social isolation signs that can worsen productivity.
   
   Setting boundaries at home with adequate technical support for viewing your teammates and discussing virtually while keeping yourself within a limited workspace can help you focus better and work efficiently.
   
   After completing your work for the day, as you move out of the workspace, you will start getting the feel of stepping out of the office. It can relax your mind and body.
   
   

3. Make a financial plan - Financial security for your family, especially during a pandemic, can increase your stress levels while working from home. Organising your income and diversifying your portfolio with a life insurance policy, savings and investment plan can help you feel secure.
   
   Insurance providers have realised the importance of financial assistance during extreme emergencies in a person's life and introduced policies with flexible features to incorporate maximum protection.
   
   For instance, choosing the right Tata AIA policy - from term plans, savings solutions, ULIPs and immediate life annuity plans - coupled with the exclusive service on health and wellness can provide comprehensive life insurance solutions for ensuring protection and savings benefits.
   
   

4. Handle distractions and reward yourself - Social media and television can get you addicted to the latest news and entertainment programmes. It is one of the main causes of social isolation. Try not to get distracted while at work. You can switch off notifications, keep your phone on silent and concentrate for the designated work time.
   
   If you have spent the time wisely, you can reward yourself for self-motivation by taking a deserved break, having a healthy meal, going on a drive for refreshment etc.
   
   

5. Respect and trust your body - Practising personal care should be your priority. Only a healthy body can ensure a healthy mind for work.
   
   Therefore, exercise regularly, practice meditation and yoga, take a nap after lunch, spend time with friends, engage in a hobby of your choice and stay healthy.
   
   

6. Have adequate sleep - The quality of your sleep will greatly impact your mind and body. Make sure you sleep at least eight hours a day to set yourself strong for the next morning.
   
   You might go to bed early. However, having a longer screen time before sleep can certainly affect sleep quality, leading to stress.
   
   

7. Combat social isolation - You can combat social isolation by playing online games with your friends, having conference video calls with your colleagues, engaging in group chats etc. You can also look for participating in cultural events or religious services online.
   
   Start doing a regular workout, yoga and practice mindfulness with technologically well developed mobile applications. Adopt a pet and comfort yourself with the best engaging company.
   
   

8. Opt for therapy or counselling - If you find it difficult to follow the points mentioned above to get yourself relaxed, you should reach out to a healthcare professional at the earliest for better treatment of your stress levels. 

Conclusion

Stress and social isolation can have detrimental effects on your mind and body. It can cause muscle tension, fatigue, sleeping issues, restlessness, lack of motivation, social withdrawal etc. And, extreme levels of stress are experienced by most of us while working from home.

However, as work from home is becoming the new normal, it is important to look for ways to deal with stress and loneliness for better health and productivity. Respect your body, make a routine, engage in social interaction and combat stress for the best work from home style! 

L&C/Advt/2021/Nov/1962