In recent years, millions of professionals have opted for remote work over onsite work. A study on remote work conducted by Kennesaw State University found that as many as 47% had already worked remotely before 2020. Remote work allows workers to avoid commutes, have more flexibility to juggle various responsibilities, and increase overall productivity.
For example, remote therapists and social workers in Florida have helped fill the shortage left by physical care providers. In fact, many mental health professionals in Florida have turned to remote work because they suffered burnout in their previous roles, undergoing additional training so they can use relevant telemedicine platforms and practice the best web-side manner for their patients. The shift has also helped them to stay healthier and serve more people.
In the same survey, however, 40% struggled with the forced transition and lack of experience with online setups, which contributed to their stress and burnout. Considering how remote work entails working in the same location (mostly at home), it is challenging to balance both personal and professional responsibilities. Additionally, some jobs aren’t particularly well suited to be fully remote. Remote teachers from California, for instance, were on the brink of burnout after facing difficulties in student engagement and handling the hard technical aspects of online learning. They also faced physical challenges like repetitive strain injuries, and they weren’t used to sitting in front of a computer the whole day.
Even with improvements to the work environment, it’s up to the individual to find ways to cope with stress from remote work. One of the best ways to deal with stress-associated burnout is through living a healthier lifestyle. In addition to regular exercise and getting enough sleep, you can boost your mood and health through taking supplements.
Here are some supplements that can help you withstand the stress of remote work:
B Vitamins
B Vitamins are essential when it comes to brain and heart health. Specific vitamins like Vitamin B9 (folate) and B12 (cobalamin) are critical for improving your mood, helping you deal with the stress and burnout associated with remote work. Through our our suggestions on the Medicinal Herbs site, you can look for the different sources of B vitamins like moringa and elecampane.
L-Theanine
When it comes to stress, the hormone cortisol is often involved. In primitive times, cortisol, along with adrenaline, would be helpful in intense survival situations. However, having high levels of cortisol in the long-term can increase your risk of high blood pressure and insomnia. Cortisol blockers like L-theanine can help keep our hormones in check. Our post on “What Are Cortisol Blockers?” notes how just 15-25mg of L-theanine per day is an effective way of reducing cortisol levels, and you can increase your intake simply by drinking one cup of green tea every day.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or “winter cherry”, is a versatile herb that can help in many ways. As an adaptogen, it can help the body cope with physical and mental stress, while also improving energy levels. Our post on “What is Ashwagandha?” details the specific dosage recommended for daily intake, with a warning that people who have hormone-sensitive prostate cancer should consider taking other supplements.
Passionflower
The passionflower is a widely distributed flowering plant that historically has been used in treating insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, and high blood pressure. Mental stress can also make you feel physically ill, so consuming passionflower is great for easing these specific pain points. In fluid extract form, around 1 milliliter, one to three times a day is what you need to help you feel more relaxed.
One of the best steps you can take to relieve stress is by taking the opportunity to rest and have a cup of tea. Factoring in other healthy lifestyle habits is a surefire way to help you deal with stress and burnout from remote work.
