Whether you’ve been working remotely for years, or have transitioned recently due to the current climate, there are always adjustments to be made. Contrary to popular belief, working from home can be more challenging than heading into an office each day. Those who work from home may find it tougher to establish a work-life balance, and this includes staying healthy both mentally and physically. Below, we’ve compiled some tips to help you keep your health in check while working from home.
Maintain a Routine
As tempting as it may be to roll out of bed right before you have to start working for the day, maintaining some type of routine is crucial to your mental health. Consider waking up an hour or so before your workday begins to do the things you would normally do prior to heading into the office. This will vary depending on what your morning routine looks like, but consider utilizing this time to work out, read the paper, or just sit in silence and mentally prepare yourself for the day ahead.
However, you choose to spend this time, be sure it’s doing something that leaves you feeling refreshed so that your mind is clear when you head into your workday. Sleeping right up until that first meeting may sound good in theory, but your brain will thank you in the long run when you use that little bit of extra time to get your mind and body focused.
Create a Productive Space
Much like in the office, if there are too many distractions in your home, you may find it difficult to be productive. For this reason, it’s crucial to designate a workspace somewhere in your home just for you. Begin by seeking out space. Maybe it’s your bedroom or an area of your basement where you can close the door. Once you’ve chosen the right room, get your setup situated.
This will include any office furniture you might have as well as all your technology. You can even go as far as setting up your desk with photos of loved ones or memorabilia from your favorite sports team. Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and helps you to focus on your daily tasks.
If you live in a smaller space and don’t have the luxury of a basement or even a bedroom with a door, there are plenty of ways to get creative with your home office space. You can invest in a privacy divider to set up during the workday that can easily be taken down. If that doesn’t do the trick completely, you can also invest in noise-canceling headphones to ensure you’re truly in a disruption-free zone. Whatever you decide on, be sure the space you’re in is comfortable as you’ll be spending 40+ hours a week there!
Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
While working from home, it can be easy to wander into the kitchen during your downtime and raid the cupboards for snacks. Whether this is purely out of boredom or actual hunger, you want to be sure what you’re reaching for is the healthiest choice possible. If you have little ones at home, it’s possible your pantry is packed with snacks for them, which might not always be the best option for you.
When shopping, opt for snacks that keep you full and awake, rather than those containing a high carbohydrate count or tons of sugar. As tempting and tasty as those snacks can be, they are normally just a temporary fix for hunger and often lead to a crash which is exactly what you want to avoid mid-afternoon.
If you’re in a pinch, or have already consumed your snacks for the week but it’s only Tuesday,(we’ve all been there!) grab your phone, download the goPuff app and get a healthy, satisfying snack delivered right to your home office. With so many options to choose from, including gluten-free and vegan-friendly, having your snacks delivered to you is a win/win situation. Plus, this will encourage you to get up from your computer or workspace once your delivery arrives is the perfect way to get those extra steps in!
Keep Ergonomics in Mind
Just because you’re at home working doesn’t mean you don’t require the same ergonomically correct equipment as you’d find in an office. Sitting at a computer for eight hours a day can wreak havoc on your body as well as your mental health. You may be so wrapped up in your work that you don’t notice your terrible posture or realize your vision is suffering from the blue light of that computer screen. Over time, these small issues can turn into larger ones with negative repercussions. Luckily, there are products out there you can invest in in order to be more ergonomically correct in your home office. Simple swaps such as an office chair or one of these keyboards can make all the difference.
If you’re concerned about budget, many companies are willing to reimburse you for these products as they are considered a vital part of productivity. In addition to investing in products, listening to your body is also crucial. If you’ve been sitting for a while and begin to notice your body is sore, stand up and readjust. Sitting for a long time restricts blood flow and is not good for your muscles so be sure to get up and stretch when you need it!
Final Thoughts
Whether working from home is an option your place of employment has always offered, or you’re experiencing it for the first time due to the nation’s current climate, it can be easy to fall into some not-so-great habits. In order to avoid that and remain as healthy, both mentally and physically, as possible, you’ll want to make sure you’re sticking to a routine, creating a space just for you, eating healthy, and keeping proper ergonomics in mind.
These are certainly just a few of the things that will lead to a healthier work-from-home lifestyle and encourage you to explore other options available as well!
Featured image credit: Unsplash.com
