Since June 2021, Ho Chi Minh City and various provinces have undergone over 90 days of social distancing. Working online from home has gradually become a habit for the majority of office workers. However, working from home often leads to boredom, loss of inspiration, and a drop in mood. That is the time to give yourself a break with some simple yet effective activities.
Signs of a “mood drop”
Failing to set boundaries between office work and personal life is a common issue for many young people. When multiple things intersect, people easily feel discouraged, fatigued, and unsure of which priorities come first.
Why do we experience a “mood drop”?
According to Healthline, when the working environment changes, we lose our usual motivation and enthusiasm.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, handshakes with colleagues, morning meetings, or ordering bubble tea together are no longer a part of the routine. Instead, they are replaced by short video calls, work reports, and task assignments via online platforms.
Many young people share that they fail to fully grasp the intentions of their bosses and colleagues when communicating online. This also hinders the brainstorming process for new campaigns and projects.
Covid-19 forces us to adjust aspects of our lives to adapt to new circumstances. Boredom, low spirits, and distraction reduce productivity, preventing work from being resolved in the most optimal way.
The psychology website Verywell Mind advises that if you are feeling stressed or fatigued from working from home, you should look for simple things that can quickly make you feel better.
1. Take a short break
Sometimes, simply clearing fatigue from your mind for a few minutes can make you feel lighter. Therefore, if you cannot continue with your unfinished work, give yourself a little time to relax.
An American study compared the performance of two groups: those who worked continuously versus those who took planned breaks. Individuals who spent a little time relaxing always completed their assigned tasks better than the other group.
Short breaks also help improve your concentration.
2. Light exercise
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults over 18 exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.
Exercising for more than 20 minutes a day is not only good for your health and longevity, but it is also a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood.
During social distancing, you can practice some simple exercises at home. You should avoid high-intensity workouts that quickly exhaust you.
3. Make a drink, play your favorite song
A cup of coffee or milk tea can help you wash away fatigue and clear your mind. Additionally, prepare some snacks to nibble on while working.
Listening to music also helps soothe current emotions. Many studies show that music brings psychological benefits, including influencing your mood. Listening to upbeat, energetic songs can quickly lift your spirits.
You should create dedicated albums of your favorite tracks to boost your motivation whenever you feel down.
4. Chat with friends and colleagues
Sometimes just spending a few minutes talking or texting with friends can make us more excited. Support from those around us will bring a cheerful mood and drive away temporary negative emotions when working remotely.
Short stories and useful information from each other can help you handle remaining tasks better. However, avoid “gossiping” for too long and getting overwhelmed with work.
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