As the threat of the coronavirus continues to rise, many businesses are having their employees begin working from home. This kind of social distancing protects employees from coming in contact with the virus and spreading it to others, including those who are the most vulnerable.

It can be a big adjustment going from working in an office to working from home. It is important to take care of your mental health during this time. Here are some ways to stay productive and sane!

Establish a routine and stick to it

Creating a routine is extremely important for productivity. Just because you are working from home doesn’t mean you shouldn’t establish a morning routine before you begin your day. Wake up at the same time every morning. Get dressed. Make a cup of coffee. Do whatever you normally do. Then get to work.

Create an office space away from chaos

If you don’t normally work from home, you might not have an established office space for work. This does not mean you should be sitting on the couch while doing your work. If you don’t have a desk, use your kitchen table or sit at your counter. If possible, work in an area away from animals or children. The less distractions you have, the better off your productivity level will be!

Make sure you take breaks

You’re in your own home so you might forget that you need to take breaks from your work. Set timers to remind yourself to get up and take a few moments to yourself. Make sure you are taking your full lunch break, as well. Go on a quick walk, pet your dog, or watch a short television show.  

Know your weaknesses

Are you a big TV watcher? Can’t keep your hands off of the laundry when you have the chance to get it done? Know what your weaknesses are and make sure you are prepared to avoid them while at home. It can be easy to turn on the television while you type that email but for your own sake avoid doing anything you know will distract you.

Manage your expectations

Working from home is different than working in an office. You might be limited on what you can do or how much you can accomplish. Manage your expectations of yourself and your coworkers during this time.

Taking care of your mental health is always important, especially during times like this. Most Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas members have behavioral health benefits through New Directions. These benefits can be the helping hand you need, all year long. Resources are available to help you with things like emotional well-being, relationships, health, resilience and more.