LMD has embraced a hybrid work environment, with most of our employees working remotely. While prioritizing mental health is essential to happiness and productivity, whether your workplace is remote, hybrid, or in person, it’s especially important in remote (or mostly remote) settings like LMD’s. Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month—and LMD’s corporate social responsibility focus is health and wellness this year—I want to offer four practical strategies for staying mentally healthy while working remotely:
1. Make and Break Your Routine
In the past, our commutes home served as a natural break, but that distinction has faded with remote work—it's much easier to blur the lines between work and personal time. Establishing a daily routine can provide much-needed structure, but it's crucial to take breaks for meals and fresh air to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life, and also reduce the risk of burnout.
“Working remotely has been great, but there was a long period where I would not leave my office and had no fresh air. I finally realized that I had to make time for myself and clear my mind, even if for a few minutes. When the weather cooperates, I take a 15-minute walk outside for a change of scenery. However, during the winter, I found that sometimes it was too cold or icy to be outside, so I did my research and found a solution. I joined two of the Cleveland Clinic's free virtual wellness classes to support my mental health and well-being. It is fun, gets me out of my office chair, and still gets my body moving.” –Jenn Dolin Olsen, Senior Market Research Analyst
2. Create a Dedicated Workspace
A designated workspace is imperative for mentally separating work from relaxation, as well as promoting focus and productivity during work hours. Before the pandemic, I didn’t have a workspace at home since I was in the office. When I transitioned to remote work, I worked at my dining room table, surrounded by distractions. Later, when I moved in with my partner and we both worked from home, we dedicated a room as our office. This transformation reduced distractions, improved our work-life balance, enhanced our productivity, and improved our overall well-being.
3. Stay Connected with Colleagues
Working remotely can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you're accustomed to the camaraderie of an office environment. Staying connected with your coworkers through virtual meetings, instant messaging platforms, or occasional in-person gatherings can help combat this isolation. Regular communication fosters a sense of belonging, promotes team-building, and provides crucial support for mental well-being.
“At least once a week, our team dedicates 5–10 minutes of our meeting to share common interests or weekend plans. Through these conversations, we discovered a shared passion for true crime. We exchange recommendations for shows, movies, and podcasts, which has strengthened our bond and truly made us feel like a team. As someone with anxiety, this connection has been invaluable. It helps me relate to others, prevents tunnel vision, and brings back the camaraderie of the workplace.” –Lori Ketchum, Project Coordinator
“A great way to stay connected and not feel isolated is exchanging new ideas for shows to watch with my colleagues. We often discuss current events, including pop culture and true crime. I am lucky to have two ladies I share so many similarities with. It feels like a very close-knit team.” –Bryana Madison, Account Coordinator
4. Prioritize Self-care
It's vital to integrate self-care and activities that promote relaxation—such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or journaling—into our daily routines. Hobbies and activities that bring you joy and fulfillment outside of work, as well as healthy habits like exercise, nutrition, and sleep, can directly impact your mindset, mood, and productivity.
“Work-life balance is admittedly an area I am working to improve, but here are a few things I've been doing lately that have really made a difference on my balance and overall mental health:
Using a walking pad to get some physical exercise in.
Working with professionals, like a therapist and a nutritionist, to help with accountability and learn best practices.
Taking advantage of personal days.
Making time for hobbies that are important for maintaining identity and feeling grounded.
Setting intentional time to spend with my partner, like meals and walks at the end of the day.”
–Lauren Rainford, Account Director, MarCom Group (MarCom Group is LMD’s sister company)
Remember, small changes can make a significant difference in how you navigate the challenges of remote work. Let's commit to prioritizing our mental health and supporting each other on this journey toward a healthier work-life balance.
