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If you’re having a hard time staying productive while working from home, you’re not alone.
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Working from home It comes with its own set of challenges: dog barking, running kids, and the ever-present lack of separation from work and family life. If working from home wasn’t enough to get you out of your A-game at work, surely a global crisis can do it. And if your productivity suffers due to mental health issues like anxiety or depressionYou’re not alone: One-third of all Americans are dealing with symptoms of depression or anxiety from COVID-19.
If you feel less productive These days and wondering how to cope and what can help, read on below for information from a licensed mental health therapist.
Why do you feel less productive
Mental health plays a huge role in how good you feel on a day-to-day basis, and that includes how you feel at work. Even mild anxiety or depression can affect your productivity, according to Ashley McGirt, a licensed mental health therapist.
“Several studies have shown the connection between low work productivity and even mild forms of depression,” says McGirt. “A normal brain thinks about 70,000 thoughts a day; an anxious brain processes two to three times that many thoughts and can be inclined towards low productivity by spending time persevering in numerous thoughts.
“The current state of the world has caused immense pain, depression and anxiety. The normal ways of coping of many people have been closed, such as going to the gym, to the movies or [going] out with friends. As we have had to adjust to a new normal, many of us have had to find new coping skills, “says McGirt.
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And if rising stress levels coupled with fewer ways of coping is not enough, the current crisis has also brought to the surface major problems and tensions, such as problems in the health care system, racial tensions and systemic inequalities.
“COVID-19 has exposed things that already existed, from health care disparities to racial tensions, which has caused increased stress. All of this has a huge impact on mental health and overall well-being,” says McGirt.
In addition to all these problems, many people are isolated and far from their friends and family. Even if you’re close to loved ones, your social life definitely looks different these days with more people staying home or limiting contact with others, which can take a toll over time.
One way to deal with low productivity is by taking a break. It is not realistic to be productive all the time, especially in a pandemic.
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Ways to cope with lower productivity
First, it is unrealistic to expect that, in a time of unprecedented stress and uncertainty, you will be able to keep up with 100% of the workload or level of productivity you once sustained before the pandemic. With that said, here are some things you can try to deal with the problem, as often, not doing things can create even more stress and overwhelming.
Give yourself permission to slow down and do less
“It is extremely important that grace be given during this time,” says McGirt. “If all you do is get out of bed and brush your teeth, think about it. We push ourselves too hard to be productive and constantly work. It’s important to slow down, rest, and reflect. As we are faced with many unknowns during this unprecedented time , it’s important not to add the stress of productivity to your plate. “
Reduce your mental load
“Take one thing at a time and work to reduce your mental load,” says McGirt. “If you find that your daily household chores are not getting done, look for ways to eliminate some of them. From investing in paper plates to avoid washing dishes to finding other ways to eliminate some of your daily tasks from your list.”
Make joy and personal care a priority
“It sounds selfish on the outside, but it’s self-preservation,” says McGirt. “The first rule of thumb on the plane is to put on your oxygen mask in case of an emergency before helping others. We are in a global emergency, so it is important to find ways to put your mask on first, in more ways than one. “
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The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical or health advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.
