The uncertain economic times of this pandemic have forced many employees to work long hours and often in the isolation of their home for long periods of time. Increased workload and social isolation has the potential to to lead to feelings of anxiety or loneliness. Here are some tips that you can encourage your employees to implement to foster good mental health while working long days.

1. Have a Morning Routine

Begin the day with habits that are important to you: eat a healthy breakfast, go for a walk, do a workout, or spend time in the sun. This sets the tone of the day and helps you be at your best as you launch into the work day. Working from home may lend itself to scattered schedules without the routine of going to the office at a certain time. Though it may be tempting to sleep in and get started late in the day, this may lead to feelings of being overwhelmed later on. It is very important to stick to a schedule that is manageable even when working from home. If you are going into the office, try to arrive at the same time each morning for better consistency and routine. 

2. Nourish Your Body

To keep your mental health strong, don’t forget about your physical health. Remember to eat lunch and include plenty of protein to fuel your brain for all the hard work you’re doing. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Lastly, move your body every hour or so to keep the blood flowing! 

3. Step Away from Your Desk

It can be easy to get lost in your work when there is so much to do but it is important to give your mind a break every once in a while to prevent burnt out. It is even more vital to get out and about for the sake of your mental health when you are spending much of your day at your desk, whether in the office or in your home. Go for a quick walk, work outside for a portion of the day, grab an afternoon teh tarik at the local mamak, or stop by a coworkers office for a brief hello to mix up the day.