Working from home can be a dream come true for many parents since it offers lots of flexibility, but it brings its own brand of stress as well. Remote employees often feel pressured to match their workday to an office standard, and this can be next to impossible when you have a little one depending on you throughout the day.
The resulting stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, but there are some things you can do to minimize those feelings so you can get back to your best self, including asking for help.
Aspiring Families offers counseling and therapy services for both adults and children and can assist you in working through a stressful time so you can heal. You can also look for ways to boost your emotional and mental wellness at home to ensure better days ahead.
Get Active
Exercise and physical activity are great ways to reduce anxiety and elevate your mood, but it can be hard to find the motivation when you’re dealing with a busy day. Try an activity that involves your child, such as a walk outside when the weather is nice–which has its own advantages–or gentle stretches that can be done while holding your child. Make it even more fun by investing in some tech, like a smartwatch that will help you track your steps through the day.
These come with tons of great accessories, such as a different color band for every outfit, and you can keep the watch safe with a screen protector no matter what your busy day brings. If you’re going to be working out while the baby naps, consider investing in a quality pair of headphones so you can keep the beat going without making noise.
Overhaul your diet
Like working out, eating well when you work from home can be a challenge. Having constant access to the kitchen and pantry can create a diet that leaves you feeling sluggish during the day, but keeping healthy snacks on hand and preparing your lunch ahead of time is a great way to combat this.
Breastfeeding parents may want to make sure there are plenty of protein-heavy, easy snack options on hand that are healthy and satisfying; this will also keep your energy up throughout a long day. You can also add specific foods to your diet that are thought to reduce anxiety, such as dark chocolate and yogurt.
Make your workspace work for you
Another area of your home that plays a big role in the way you handle stress during the day is your workspace. Whether it’s an office or just a small desk in the living room, your space should be comfortable and organized. Your desk should also hold only those things that you require to work, and the same goes for your computer. If you have the luxury, take some time out to clean up your life by tidying up your physical workspace, as well as doing a digital declutter.
Keeping your child’s things separate is important for your mental wellbeing. If you have a home office and your child will be spending time there during the day, set up their own area in the room and keep it organized with bins, baskets, or shelves to prevent distractions.
Stay connected
Both working from home and being a stay-at-home parent can be isolating, which can have a detrimental effect on your emotional and mental wellbeing. Take steps to stay in touch with friends and loved ones throughout the week by setting up video calls or lunch dates, and look for social opportunities on your days off that will help you stay connected to the people you enjoy spending time with most.
Having a remote job can be hugely beneficial for many people, but it does take a bit of planning to ensure that it works for your needs. By staying on top of your mental health and taking care of yourself, you can make the most of your job while being the best parent you can be.
Aspiring Families can help you or your family members with a variety of therapy services. Take a look around the site to find out more and use the contact form to get in touch.