Does Working from Home Negatively Impact Your Mental Health?

Working from home is now the norm for millions across the UK. While it brings benefits like no commute, flexible hours, and better work-life balance, it can also challenge mental health. Feelings of isolation, loneliness, and blurred work-life boundaries are common. Fortunately, there are proactive ways to protect and improve your well-being when working remotely.

Recognising the Signs

While working from home can be positive for some individuals, there are those who feel the strain on their mental health. Loneliness, for example, can creep in slowly. You might find yourself going several days without meaningful interaction, only leaving the house for essential errands. 

Over time, this can lead to anxiety, low mood, and a sense of disconnection from the world beyond your four walls. Recognising when these feelings begin is important — it’s much easier to address them early than to wait until they escalate.

Practical Activities to Boost Mental Wellbeing

Fortunately, there are plenty of activities on hand that people who work from home can do to boost mental health and improve their overall sense of well-being. Let’s have a look:

1) Join a Local Class or Club

Joining a class – whether it’s yoga, painting, running, or book discussions – can bring valuable face-to-face social interaction into your routine. It’s not just about the activity itself; it’s also a chance to share interests with others, from discussing rugby scores today to your favourite books, films, or hobbies. 

2) Establish a Routine Outside the Home

Creating reasons to leave the house daily can have a big impact. Something as simple as walking to a nearby bakery, dog walking during your lunch break, or visiting a local park after work can help structure your day. Exercise and regular exposure to daylight, even in small amounts, can also improve mood and energy levels.

3) Try a Co-working Space or Café

Even if you love working independently, a change of scenery once or twice a week can make a huge difference. Many towns now have spaces such as co-working sites, libraries, or cafés where you can work for a few hours. Surrounding yourself with the gentle buzz of others can ease feelings of isolation without the pressure of formal office life.

4) Schedule Virtual Social Time

While remote work relies heavily on technology, it can also be used positively. Set up regular video calls with colleagues for casual chats, join online communities related to your hobbies, or arrange virtual coffee breaks with friends. Sometimes, a short call can lift your mood far more than you might expect.

5) Volunteer Locally

 

Volunteering can be powerful. Helping others often provides a sense of purpose, routine, and connection. Even committing to a few hours a month at a local charity shop, food bank, or community garden can widen your social circle and enhance your wellbeing.

The Importance of Self-Compassion

Finally, it’s important to remember that struggling with the psychological aspects of remote work is not a sign of failure. Being kind to yourself and recognising when you need support is crucial. If feelings of loneliness or stress persist or worsen, seeking professional advice from a counsellor or mental health service can be a positive step forward.