Experts named the advantages and psychological risks of working remotely
A remote work format can become a tool for a more conscious organization of life or, conversely, increase anxiety in the absence of a clear regime and communication. The experts explained how to take advantage of working from home and reduce possible psychological risks. All the details are in the Izvestia article.
Advantages of a home office
Anna Alikova, an independent HR expert, noted that remote work in itself is not a cause of psychological problems, but with a competent organization it can become a tool for a more comfortable and conscious life.
According to the expert, boredom and a feeling of monotony arise not because of the format of the work itself, but because of the lack of personal initiative. While in the office, employees often get the opportunity to communicate with colleagues and participate in spontaneous activities, at home, people independently determine the structure of their day and choose which activities to include in their daily lives.
The expert emphasized that the remote format makes it possible not to depend on casual social contacts, but to independently create a convenient schedule. You can add activities to your workday that are really important to a particular person: physical activity, hobbies, walking, or time with loved ones.
"Remote work is not a source of problems, but a powerful tool for a conscious and happy life, if used correctly," says Alikova.
According to the expert, modern employers are increasingly considering the psychological risks of remote work not only as a threat, but also as an opportunity to develop new approaches to work organization. In the absence of an office environment, there may be a feeling of isolation, but it can be compensated through high-quality interaction with colleagues and greater involvement in work processes.
Alikova noted that the blurred boundaries between work and personal life are becoming a problem not because of the format itself, but because of the lack of self-organization skills. In her opinion, remoteness allows a person to develop independence and learn how to manage their own time.
"Yes, there is a risk of isolation, but it is easily offset by deep involvement in work processes without office fuss. Blurring boundaries scares only those who do not know how to build them, but it is udalenka who teaches us maturity and self—organization at a new level," the expert emphasized.
Mental health risks
Maria Todorova, a family psychologist and neuropsychologist, noted that remote work can increase anxiety under certain conditions. First of all, this applies to situations where a person lacks live communication, a change of environment and a clear separation of work and personal time.
According to the expert, with a monotonous lifestyle, a person's attention can gradually shift to their own well-being. As a result, normal changes in the body begin to be perceived as possible signs of illness, and constant health checks become a way to gain a sense of control and security.
Todorova explained that the search for diseases in the absence of serious symptoms is often associated not with real health problems, but with increased anxiety and hypochondriac experiences.
According to the psychologist, a vicious circle arises: a person begins to listen more often to the body's sensations, search for information about possible diseases, and undergo examinations, but the results obtained do not provide long-term reassurance.
"The more a person listens to their body and looks for symptoms, the more they notice them. There is a vicious circle: anxiety makes you check your health more often, and constant checks only increase anxiety," said Maria Todorova.
The expert explained that the boundary between normal health care and excessive fixation passes at the moment when examinations cease to be related to medical indications and become a way to cope with internal stress.
Increased anxiety can be caused by obsessive thoughts about illnesses, regular searches for symptoms on the Internet, frequent visits to doctors in the absence of new complaints, the inability to calm down after good test results and abandoning the usual activities for fear of getting sick.
Recommendations for maintaining balance
To maintain psychological balance when working remotely, experts recommend forming stable daily habits. According to Alikova, it is important to start the day with a pleasant ritual that helps you tune into the workflow: it can be exercise, a walk or a quiet breakfast.
The specialist also recommends that you clearly mark your workspace, even at home. The end of the working day should be accompanied by a symbolic transition to rest — for example, closing the laptop and changing the activity.
Live contacts play an important role. These can be meetings with friends, walks with loved ones, or even short conversations during the workday. According to the expert, a person should remember that he manages his time, and does not become a hostage to the home regime.
Employers can also help employees maintain a balance. Alikova recommends organizing virtual meetings without a work agenda, where colleagues can communicate on informal topics, as well as introducing meeting-free days for focused work and regularly assessing employee satisfaction.
Psychologist Maria Todorova believes that with increased anxiety, it is important not to focus on finding possible threats, but to expand the space of life through meaningful activities. According to her, creativity, learning, physical activity, meetings with loved ones and new hobbies help the brain switch and reduce the amount of time a person spends on disturbing thoughts.
Experts also recommend using simple daily practices: doing short stretches during a break, having lunch without gadgets, keeping a gratitude diary, or just taking a few minutes to breathe calmly.
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