With millions of people working from home due to the COVID-19 epidemic, employees need to be aware of their work well-being, says Dr. Michelle McQuaid, a leader in workplace well-being, positive psychology, and neuroscience.  

If you’re finding it hard to care for your well-being as you work from home, know that you are in good company.

Studies have found that 41 percent of remote workers report experiencing stress in their jobs, compared to 25 percent of office workers.  

So how can you effectively care for your well-being?  

It’s important to know that feelings of stress and struggle are not signs that you are breaking; they are signs that something important to you is happening, which needs your attention. Rather than ignoring, suppressing, or projecting the struggle elsewhere, try to see this struggle as an opportunity for learning and growth.  

The good news is that while your levels of wellbeing may ebb and flow based on what’s happening around you, prioritizing tiny wellbeing challenges throughout your workday can make it easier to care for your well-being – even during these uncertain times.  

For example, the Just Challenge Wellness [with which Dr McQuaid has consulted] program suggests:  

• Get moving early by stretching, strengthening, or getting your heart rate up after you first get out of bed.

• Prioritizing a jolt of joy – a favorite song, a funny video, or anything that makes you smile – to start your workday to supercharge your energy.  

• Boosting your levels of engagement by aligning your strengths – the things you’re good at and enjoy doing – to a task, so you can turn a morning to-do into a tah-dah.      
• Improving your relationships by catching up virtually with someone over lunch so you can chew and connect at the same time.

• Making a positive difference by doing a five-minute favor to help someone out for an afternoon treat that is better than sugar.

• Savoring what you’ve accomplished by taking a victory lap and reflecting on what went well, where you struggled, and what you learned as you pack down for the day.