10 Habits To Protect Your Mental Wellbeing as a Writer Working From Home
80% of Brits feel working from home has had a negative impact on their mental health.
A lot of writers tend to work from home because most people start off writing as a side hustle in addition to their usual 9–5 job.
As writers transition to working on their writing projects full time, the flexibility of working from home can be helpful.
This includes having more time to complete chores, having more time to spend with loved ones, exercising and getting adequate sleep.
However, it can also have a negative impact on our mental health; feeling socially isolated, working longer hours at our desk and heightened levels of stress and anxiety, as the responsibility of writing falls on yourself.
So here’s TEN habits you can adopt so you can make the most from working from home.
1. Organise Your Workspace: Be Neat & Tidy for Mental Clarity
A tidy workspace means a tidy mind. A tidy place to work puts your mind in a more focused attitude and allows you to concentrate better on the task at hand. This is why your workspace is your sanctuary.
Here’s how to create an oasis of order:
- Find a desk that supports your back and neck
- Choose a layout on your desk that is in line with your work flow
- Ensure your cables are detangled, organised and out of sight as much as possible
- Put all your documents away as you go along
- Keep a storage of the most common stationary you use for easy access
- Ensure you have a good visual of a clock
- Keep a waste basket nearby to dispose of items quickly
- Decorate with photos, plants, or motivational quotes that make you smile.
- Clear your desk at the end of your work day ready for tomorrow
Read more about how to organise your life.
2. Fit Mindfulness into Your Work Day: Meditation
You don’t have to be Master Yoda to master meditation but it’s a valuable tool for anyone seeking inner peace.
By finding 15 minutes in your day can help you to achieve regular mindfulness at work and do wonders for your wellbeing.
Research has shown that mindfulness-based therapy was especially effective for reducing anxiety, depression, and stress.
Meditation is all about focusing your mind on just one thing. Our minds tend to get caught up in thinking about a lot of things all in one go. So by focusing your attention on one thing, allows your mind to take the break it needs from all it thinks about.
So switch off all distractions and focus your attention on your breathing! Take short breaks during the day to reset your mind. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and let go of any stress or tension.
If you find yourself distracted because you are worried about something, read more about how to deal with worry for good, in our article here
3. Prioritise Self-Care: Create an Exercise Routine
Exercise helps to pump blood around the body which gives you more energy. So in effect, exercise is a powerhouse stress buster.
It releases endorphins, boosts your mood, and enhances your overall well-being. So set a schedule to exercise before writing. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or hitting the gym, getting those endorphins flowing in the morning can energise you for the day ahead.
Take a break during lunch to stretch or do some quick exercises. This helps alleviate tension and break up the monotony of work.
You can also consider unwinding with an evening workout or a relaxing yoga session. It can be a great way to transition from work mode to home mode. You’ll soon discover how it can boost your mood and set a positive tone for the day.
4. Nourish Your Body and Mind: Hydration and Healthy Eating
Drinking plenty of water and eating food that gives you essential nutrients is very important to help your body function well and reduce stress.
Make it a habit to drink water throughout the day. Staying hydrated not only improves your focus but also keeps headaches at bay.
As a writer sometimes being in the same space for long periods of time can cause your brain to become “stale” or “unmoving”. It’s that moment where your brain is no longer creating a flow of ideas for your creative writing.
So reach out for a balanced meal rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Choose healthy snacks like nuts, yoghurt, or fruit to keep your energy levels stable.
Avoid excessive caffeine and sugary treats, as they can lead to crashes and increased stress.
5. The Sound of Music: Crafting Your Stress-Relief Playlist
They say “Music is Art for the Soul” so it’s no surprise that we feel great when listening to good music.
Many studies have been conducted to show the positive effects that listening to music can have whether used in a clinical environment or in daily life;
- lower our heart rate and cortisol level
- release endorphins to help improve mood
- improve our sense of well-being
- reducing physical and emotional stress levels
So curate playlists with calming and motivating tracks. Instrumental music, classical tunes, or your favourite relaxing songs can create a soothing work atmosphere.
Many writers choose to invest in noise-canceling headphones to drown out distractions and create your little world of tranquility.
Switch between different music genres to match your mood and tasks. Sometimes, a change in rhythm can be refreshing.
6. Breathe in Nature: Refresh Your Mind
Escape your home’s confines and connect with nature. Being cooped up indoors all day, in front of a screen, can lead to feelings of restlessness and stress.
Step outside for short breaks. Breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun on your skin, and connect with nature, even if it’s just in your backyard.
It will help you feel sharper when you get back to your work as you are more energised to tackle the rest of your day.
If possible, set up an outdoor workspace. The change of scenery can do wonders for your creativity and mood which is essential for writing.
Use your lunch break to go for a walk in the neighbourhood. It’s an excellent way to recharge and gain a fresh perspective.
7. Smile for Mental Wellness: The Science of Positivity
Smiling triggers the release of endorphins, those wonderful feel-good chemicals in your brain.
Begin your workday with a smile, even if you don’t feel like it. It sets a positive tone and can make tasks seem less daunting.
Take occasional “smile breaks” throughout the day. Think of something that makes you happy or share a joke with a coworker (virtually, of course).
Smiling is contagious. When you smile, you spread positivity to those around you, creating a happier and more relaxed work environment.
It automatically puts you in a good mood and anyone looking at you in a good mood too!
8. Empathy and Connection: Be Supportive
Supporting others can be a powerful stress reliever. It not only benefits them but also brings a sense of fulfilment and connection to your life.
Doing things selflessly for others always appeals to your noble side and makes you feel great. Not to mention it helps create trust in relationships and is a great way to give back your knowledge, time or skills to others.
Research has shown that helping others can decrease cortisol, the stress hormone, while increasing oxytocin, related to positive social interactions and generosity.
Reach out to colleagues or friends who may need help or a listening ear.
Collaborate with coworkers on projects or initiatives. Teamwork fosters camaraderie and makes work more enjoyable.
Engage with others on social media platforms so you can inspire others.
Practice random acts of kindness, whether it’s sending an encouraging message, sharing resources, or just being a good listener.
You’ll see that such generosity helps to release feel-good hormones in your brain in no time!
9. Gratitude Practice: Be Thankful
The act of being grateful puts us in a mindset of appreciating the things we have in life. Remember not everyone has the things you have.
Practicing gratitude is a game-changer when it comes to reducing stress and increasing happiness.
In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.
Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. Start a gratitude journal where you jot down three things you’re grateful for each day. It can be as simple as a sunny day or a delicious meal.
During stressful moments, pause and remind yourself of the things you’re grateful for. It shifts your perspective and helps you stay grounded.
Don’t forget to express your gratitude to others.
A heartfelt “thank you” can brighten someone’s day and strengthen relationships. You’ll soon notice how it’ll make you feel more positive, more brighter and much happier.
10. Self-Care Rewards: Motivating Mental Health Maintenance
Rewarding yourself is essential for maintaining motivation and reducing stress. It can help to prioritise your mental health, especially while working from home.
However, instead of impulsive indulgence, plan your rewards in advance. Set small milestones for your tasks and projects. When you achieve them, reward yourself with a treat, like a piece of chocolate or a short break.
Plan something enjoyable at the end of the week. It could be a movie night, a special meal, or a relaxing bath — whatever makes you happy.
Summary
- Organise Your Workspace: Be Neat & Tidy for Mental Clarity
- Fit Mindfulness at Work: Meditation
- Prioritise Self-Care: Create a Exercise Routine
- Nourish Your Body and Mind: Hydration and Healthy Eating
- The Sound of Music: Crafting Your Stress-Relief Playlist
- Breathe in Nature: Refresh Your Mind
- Smile for Mental Wellness: The Science of Positivity
- Empathy and Connection: Be Supportive
- Gratitude Practice: Be Thankful
- Self-Care Rewards: Motivating Mental Health Maintenance
Thats it!… What did you think?
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Thanks for reading. Wishing you a life of peace and harmony.
