Unblur the Lines Between Work and Life to Manage Depression

In recent years, constant connectivity and hustle culture have made it difficult for us to define boundaries between work and life. Now that many of us are working from home owing to the coronavirus pandemic-induced social distancing, the lines have become more blurred than ever. 

Why the Lines Between Work and Life Are Blurred

Overtime Can Cause Depression

I believe this is a major problem because not only does working at odd hours increase stress and make life dull, but it can also increase one's depression. I have observed that people who work almost all the time tend to be emotionally numb and chronically depressed. In fact, in my personal experience, I have seen my depression deepen during times when I disregard the very notions of rest and overwork.

When I work sane hours, my depression lays low -- and I'm sure this rule applies to most of us prone to depression. Therefore, it is crucial for us to unblur or define lines between work and life in order to keep depression at bay. 

The 'Just One More Thing' Trap

If you want to fight depression due to an all-work-and-no-play lifestyle, you need to watch out for the just-one-more-thing trap. Picture this: you are almost done working for the day when a new email shows up in your inbox. It contains an ask or two, something that will not take much time. You decide to deal with it because, well, it won't take more than a few minutes to wrap up this work-related task. At least that's what you think before you get started. And then two hours later, you are still doing it. Oh, and a bunch of other tasks as well, because in today's world, work never really ends. You have to be mindful to know when to stop working for the day.

Exceptions aside, it's best to ignore the need to do "just one more thing" before you finish a day's work. Do not give in to this mentality even if most people you know are busy doing it. Doing this is even more crucial when you are feeling mentally or physically unwell.

Check out the video below for some tips on how I define boundaries between work and life to keep depression at bay. 

What do you do to unblur the lines between work and life? Or do you think it's okay if one bleeds over into the other? Please share your tips and views in the comments section below.