Remote Work: How It Can Benefit Your Mental Health
Article by Katie Pierce
When the entire world faced the uncertainty that the pandemic brought, some lifestyles and trends became more than just buzzwords and passing hobbies. We’ve seen it with more and more people exploring and collecting crystals and the practice of detoxing. But nothing has truly made an impact on everyone everywhere like remote working.
Working remotely was predicted to be a workplace trend that we would see in the future. However, that was pushed a lot earlier than expected. Employers and employees alike realized the benefits of hybrid work or remote working, and we haven’t looked back since. There are pretty good reasons for that!
What’s great about remote working is that its advantages go beyond cost savings, flexibility, and a reduction in absenteeism. Without having to worry about the age-old “9 to 5” expectations, you’ll feel a lot lighter than you ever did before. Remote work is good for your mental health. Let’s explore why below!
Remote Work Means Lowers Stress Levels
With remote work, you don’t have to worry about office politics, rumors, or having your supervisor hover over you. Say goodbye to micromanagement and office drama! Plus, you’re not required to dress up for work, which means you’re free to wear whatever’s most comfortable for the day. It might sound simple, but, trust us, comfort goes a long way!
When the time comes to visit the office, you’ll find it much easier to have fun because most people who work remotely tend to be happier at their jobs than those who commute each day from home.
Remote Work Means Enjoying A More Personalized Work Environment
Whether you prefer to work near a glistening beach, in a cabin hidden in the woods, or simply in your living room, working remotely gives you the flexibility to customize your work environment.
While offices are designed to accommodate the needs of the majority, some people find it difficult to concentrate due to so many distractions.
You know best where and under what circumstances you are most productive. Having this freedom and flexibility will help boost your self-esteem and keep you more relaxed, both of which are essential for a sustainable work routine.
Remote Work Means Fewer Distractions
When you’re working remotely, you’ll experience fewer distractions, such as coworkers dropping by unexpectedly with food or other items for sale. You won’t have to deal with people knocking on your door because they want someone else in the room or annoying phone calls asking questions that could wait until tomorrow or later this afternoon.
With fewer interruptions, you’re well on your way to increased productivity. All of these unexpected visits from coworkers or calendars filled with meetings only divert your attention. Working from home (or somewhere with just a few people around) allows you to concentrate on what has to be done without being sidetracked.
Remote Work Means Less Commuting and More Hours For Personal Development
Traffic is a time-sucking void, and having to face it daily is torture. Because of this reality, you have to get up earlier just to make sure you won’t arrive late or stay later in the evening to avoid traffic jams. Plus, you might also need to rush through lunch just to make the most of each day.
It’s no surprise that being stuck in traffic makes us more stressed than we already are. Remote work relieves us of all of this burden.
With remote work, that time you spend commuting can instead be used to enjoy a few more hours pursuing your passions, like studying an instrument or a foreign language. You can also use it to catch up with old friends or bond with your loved ones. Remote work frees up more time for activities that are important to you on a personal and professional level.
Remote Work Means Improved Time Management
When working from the office, it can be challenging to balance work and family responsibilities. Going remote will provide you with greater control over your day, and it also allows you to choose new priorities and schedule each day differently.
Because of this, you’ll no longer experience any conflicts between personal and work obligations. This will help keep you calm and organized. Plus, this also makes forward planning much, much easier!
Remote Work Means Better Physical Health
Working from home not only benefits mental health but also enhances physical health. Many people discover that they exercise and walk more frequently when they’re not confined in an office all day. This is particularly true if they work a desk job and previously commuted by car each day.
People who work remotely tend to exercise more, eat better, and sleep more since they are relieved of the stress of commuting during rush hour or waking up early to get to work by 8:00 AM.
Remember, your physical health is also connected to your mental health. Without all that stress, you’ll feel less tired and anxious.
Prioritize Mental Health By Working Remotely
Whether employee or employer, anyone can take advantage of the numerous benefits of remote work. The best part is that more and more companies all over the world are seriously considering switching to remote or hybrid work. With everything it offers for everyone’s mental and physical health, it’s not hard to see why!
For more articles on mindfulness and health, check out Bring Me 2 Life’s Articles & News section!
Katie Pierce is a teacher-slash-writer who loves telling stories to an audience, whether it’s bored adults in front of a computer screen or a bunch of hyperactive 4-year-olds. Writing keeps her sane (most of the time) and allows her to enjoy some quiet time in the evening before she walks into a room of screaming kids (all of whom she loves dearly) the next morning.