The Importance of Self-Care when Working From Home During Times of High Stress
By: Heather Jelonek, DBH Candidate,Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies
Self-care is critical during these times of high stress and associated anxiety and depression. While social distancing is the recommended way to control the spread of COVID19 it also interferes with our normal routines and sense of community that we experience in the workplace.
In order to ensure that we are taking care of ourselves it is important to establish clear start and stop times for working at home.
- Set a reminder on your calendar or watch to alert you when you workday is over.
- Turn off your computer, close your office door and ignore email on your phone.
However, strict start and stop times are not the only solution. Consider placing appointments on your calendar for things like walking the dog, listening to music, good old fashion stretching, clean a room or a closet, watch 30 minutes of your favorite show, or my all-time favorite – break out a coloring book.
By scheduling some “me time” on your calendar it discourages colleagues from filling up your calendar with meetings and allows you some time to just breathe!
