Is Working Remotely Taking a Toll on Your Mental Health?

Dr. Ali Razzak According to a recent survey, 4 out of 5 workers find it hard to ‘shut off’ in the evenings while 45 percent of respondents say they feel less healthy mentally while working from home. To shed light on the impact of working remotely on mental health, HEALTH speaks with Dr. Ali Razzak, Consultant Family Medicine and Aesthetics expert to learn more.

The shift

According to Dr. Razzak, working from home has led to huge changes in the culture of working and what is nowadays acceptable. “In some instances, it has been very beneficial to workers as there is a lot of evidence that much in the way of resources and time can be saved by remote working,” he says, however, the flipside to this is that many workers now find it difficult to separate their working and personal space and lives apart, both physically and mentally. A new culture is also developing where people are expected to be available late into the evening at the end of their phones and emails. He emphasizes that it is healthy to have a clear boundary between the two. “Certainly I am seeing more patients' with stress and anxiety related to these new working styles.” The ramifications

“Difficulty in switching off after a long work day can lead to a number of physical and mental health issues,” he explains. “Being able to relax and have a comforting routine in the evening prior to bed time is an essential part of the winding down process that helps trigger the brain to go into sleep mode.” When this process is interfered with, people will develop stress, anxiety and insomnia. Sleep is an essential part of keeping neurotransmitter levels in the brain healthy, and deprivation coupled with increased stress hormones will affect mood, memory, and physical performance. Over time, Dr. Razzak points out that it may increase the risk of various cancers, cardiovascular disease, and depression, not to mention the disruption it can cause to family life.

Put mental health first

Studies are continuing to show the benefits of prioritizing mental health in order to be more productive in the workplace. He elaborates, “Some countries have even started to introduce a shorter working week. I certainly am a big supporter of putting mental health first. That can mean taking a day off for the sake of your mental health or just taking a break/ short holiday when you start feeling overwhelmed. The important thing is to listen to your body and be mindful and in tune with your mental health and to know when it’s time for a break.”

Making it work

If you are spending the majority of your time working from home, he advises that it is still very important to maintain a regular routine to your days. “This would involve you trying to wake up and sleep at the same time every day, having a healthy and balanced diet, taking regular breaks, and also incorporating a regular exercise regime into your working week,” he explains. “Having a hobby, spending time with friends and family are also extremely important fun and natural ways to recharge.” Sleep is also vastly underestimated in its ability to help you recharge and maintain optimal physical and mental performance – be sure to aim to get around seven to eight hours of quality uninterrupted sleep. H