Working from home causing anxiety...

[bthnown]

I recently started my own business and until I get into my new office (July 1st), I am working from home. While I was employed during regular business hours, I was fine. As soon as I started working from home, my anxiety attacks started up again. I do find myself worrying that I will "relapse" and be very sick again (constant anxiety attacks), as that is what happened last time I was home for a lengthy period of time. Not only has my anxiety kicked up, but my motivation has gone down. I find it hard to do anything during the day but sleep.

I guess I am looking for some words of encouragement as I struggle through this difficult time. Also, if anyone is working from home, could you provide some suggestions on how to maintain a healthy working schedule?

Thanks,
Beth

[maryanne_g]

Hi, First of all hang in there. Second of all as for healthy work schedule. Just try to mimic what you did when you were working for someone else. Get up on time, go for a walk first as if you were commuting to work, come back work, taking small breaks every 2.5 hrs, then have lunch- maybe get outside since sitting all the time is difficult. Then keep working till 5 pm and then do whatever you would do when you came home from work.

I am the opposite. I want to start my home office, and I am not sure how to go about it. What business are you in, if you don't mind me asking. Some are more suitable for working from home and others are not.

Also if you want I can be your anxiety buddy:) I am going through the program for the first time now, and if you get lonely during the day, you can leave a message for me here on the forum or we can figure out a way how I can get you my email or something and we can write to each other. Hope that helps,

Maryanne

[alic7725]

I too work from home and I am having trouble disciplining myself to set a schedule, have had this problem for about 5 years. I work whenever I feel like it mostly. I totally understand! I thought being at home, in my "safe place," would make things better, but I feel like it makes me feel more isolated and turns me into a hermit, especially in the winter months. Also, there are not enough distractions, so my mind tends to wander and obsess. My job is very boring and unchallenging, typing medical dictations, so it's easy for the mind to drift. People keep telling me how lucky I am, but I think I am struggling with balance. I need to find outlets to socialize, as work used to be my main social outlet, but that is hard when you have social anxiety. Having to leave the house at a certain time every day was good for me because I do tend to sleep a lot too, naps especially.

We need to look on the bright side though. Working from home provides such freedom! I love that I can go for a walk whenever I want and eat whenever I want and not have to deal with the stress of annoying coworkers This program should help us focus our minds on good things, so we can appreciate what we have even more. I think it's just being with ourselves that can be tough at times and the silence that's associated with that. We need to learn to feel comfortable with silence.

Sorry if this isn't very helpful. I haven't got it all figured out yet, but it's my goal to figure it all out one of these days