During the pandemic, many working women found their “battlefield” shifting from the office to the home. Within the same space, they were expected to manage professional duties while also carrying household responsibilities. Spending extended time with family without personal space led to rising stress levels, sometimes triggering emotional imbalance or even risk of depression.
Dr. Ho Nga Lei Lily, Specialist in Psychiatry, observes that women frequently carry multiple responsibilities across work. While working from home offers flexibility, it also blurs the boundaries between work and personal life. Diminished concentration, heightened family tensions, and unresolved stress may build up over time and ultimately overwhelm emotional well‑being.
When facing emotional difficulties, Dr. Ho advises learning to distinguish between normal low mood and signs of depression. If low mood persists for more than two weeks, accompanied by fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, or thoughts of self‑harm or suicide, professional medical help should be sought promptly.
To effectively relieve stress, she recommends clearly dividing time into three categories:
- Me Time: Set aside at least 30 minutes daily for reading, listening to music, or light exercise to calm the mind and body.
- Couple Time: Share meals, watch a movie, or take a walk with your partner to rebuild intimacy.
- Family Time: Engage in activities such as crafts, picnics, or park walks to strengthen family bonds and mutual understanding.
In addition, working women are encouraged to open up to trusted friends or relatives, or join online and offline support groups. Paying attention to positive aspects of daily life and cultivating gratitude can also help. Through mindful time management and emotional regulation, women can find balance between family and career, safeguarding both mental and physical health.
Interview with Dr Ho Nga Lei Lily, Specialist in Psychiatry
Published on Sky Post “Balancing Work and Family While Working From Home: How Women Can Relieve Emotional Stress”
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