To mark World Mental Health Day 2023 (October 10th), we wanted to share some tips on maintaining work-life balance and overall wellbeing. At Republic of Work, our bustling coworking space welcomes hundreds of people each week, and we've observed some helpful habits along the way. Whether you work from home, the office, or a similar coworking space, we hope these tips will resonate with you and help improve your daily routine.

Create a Dedicated Workspace

If you currently work in an office or a coworking space, then you're already one step ahead - there's a clear distinction between your work and personal life. However, if you work from home, it's important to set aside a designated area solely for work. This will allow you to separate your workspace from your personal space, helping you establish a clear boundary between your work life and personal life. By doing so, you'll have the opportunity to easily disconnect from work once the work day is over.

Establish a Consistent Schedule

Design a personalized timetable that effectively delineates your work hours, breaks, and leisure time to unwind. By adhering to a routine, you will forge and sustain a well-organized schedule. This will help your ability to handle unexpected tasks promptly, as you will have designated time slots throughout the day to tackle them.

Stay Connected

It's effortless to have these micro-connections when you're in the office or a coworking space, whether it's a friendly chat at the coffee dock or water cooler, or even enjoying lunch together. If you work remotely, you will need to take the initiative to maintain connections with your colleagues and friends, whether it's through virtual meetings on platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, or by exchanging messages and meeting up with other friends who are in a similar situation as you. For example, you could create a weekly tradition of having lunch with friends on Wednesdays. This will provide you with the human interaction you need, rather than relying solely on digital conversations. Something as simple as this can truly mean the world to someone.

Take Regular Breaks

Whether you find yourself in a bustling office or a shared coworking space, it's important to pause and recharge. Instead of just grabbing a quick snack during lunch breaks, don't hesitate to incorporate these rejuvenating breaks into your remote working routine as well. Step outside and treat yourself to a refreshing walk to soak up some crisp fresh air or take a moment for meditation and yoga to melt away any stress that may be weighing you down.

Physical Activity

It is crucial to incorporate some form of exercise into your daily routine. Exercise offers numerous mental health benefits, whether it's taking a brisk walk while enjoying your favourite music to uplift your mood or daring to try the popular practice of a cold plunge. The reason why a cold plunge is so beneficial is because it challenges you against the water, forcing your mind to battle and heat up your body, effectively eliminating any lingering problems. By incorporating these activities, you can effectively combat the sedentary nature of many jobs which involve staring at a laptop all day.

Seek Professional Help

Don't hesitate to reach out for professional assistance if you find yourself facing challenges with your mental well-being, especially if work is a contributing factor and you feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. Reaching out to a mental health professional can provide you with the support and guidance you need. Many individuals who struggle with mental health often avoid seeking help, but it is one of the most beneficial steps you can take in the long run. It's time to break free from the stigma that surrounds seeking help and embrace the fact that these professionals are here to support you. 

It is so important to have a healthy work-life balance over the long term to help with your happiness and success regardless of where you work. Just remember that you are not alone and you are worthy of happiness and peace of mind. 💜