In this talk I discuss the typical day of a remote worker, the issues they face with mental health, and ways to keep you mentally healthier.

1. Demons In the Closet
WordCamp St Louis 2017
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

2. Michele Butcher
Customer Support Rocketeer at WP Rocket
The WP Crowd
Member
Lead Organizer
Southern IL WP
Beginners WP
Instructor
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

3. Disclaimer
I am in no way a medical professional. If you feel you
need professional help, please seek help. Ideas
expressed in this talk are opinion based.
Oh and there will
be lots of cat memes!
Because cats make
people happy
@michele_butcher
mlb.pw/stl2017

4. A day in the life of a
remote worker
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

5. How society thinks we work
@michele_butcher
mlb.pw/stl2017

6. How our day typically goes
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7. Benefits of working
remotely
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

8. We work wherever there is
WiFi and coffee
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

9. We can have our music or movies on
without any co-workers complaining
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10. Because pants are optional
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

11. The demon in the closet no
one wants to talk about.
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12. Mental Illness
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13. Depression is one of the #1 Health
Concerns of Remote Workers
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14. Burnout is a real thing
Anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, insomnia, anger,
irritability, health issues like indigestion and headaches),
lack of motivation, decreased job performance, loss of
focus and forgetfulness can all be signs of burnout.
@michele_butcher
mlb.pw/stl2017

15. Work Anxiety
Am I good enough?
Will they fire me for this one mistake?
I am not coding fast enough.
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

16. Ways to stay happy and sane.
Well semi-sane for some of us.
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

17. Leave work at work
It will be there when you get back I promise
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

18. Relax
Life does not have to be at the
speed of light all the time.
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

19. Change your routine
Work someplace new, go out to lunch, take a walk
break, take a 20 minute nap sometimes.
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

20. Talk to people
Take advantage of social media platforms.
Slack, Facebook, Twitter, and other chats can help you
feel connected while working alone.
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

21. Do something fun
And make it something that does not involve a screen
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

22. Don’t forget about you
Be deliberate on taking care of yourself. Eat healthy,
keep up with hygiene, and stay clear of bad health habits.
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

23. Get Physical
Boosting the heart rate makes endorphins and
endorphins make you happy
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

24. Talk about it
You might feel alone but you are never alone. There is
always someone willing to listen.
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

25. Get help
If you ever feel sducidal, just can’t take it anymore, or
wanting to hurt yourself or others, seek professional help.
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

26. Making a
community stand
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

27. Kick the stigma
Mental Health can affect everyone.
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

28. Be a friend
If you see someone who seems like they are having a
bad day, be a friend to them.
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

29. Raise Awareness
Don’t be afraid to share your story and share
information.
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

30. Questions?
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017