Career Advice

Working From Home? Here’s How to Stay Healthy

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Since the onset of the pandemic, thousands of people have embraced the work-from-home lifestyle, and it’s proving to be quite effective. We are spending far less time on commuting and unnecessary face-to-face meetings, and many of us can work in a more comfortable and stress-free environment.

However, working from home does come with its challenges, and some people are still finding it difficult to establish a routine. When your home is also your workplace, it can be tough to balance work obligations with personal well-being. It’s important to create a structured routine that allows you to meet your professional responsibilities while also taking care of yourself.

When you work from home, there are a few important habits you need to implement for the sake of self-care. Here are some tips for managing your work-life balance when the lines are blurred.

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Focus on Back Health

In a real office location, we’re far more inclined to get up and walk around, talk to co-workers, grab a cup of coffee, and generally move more. When we’re at home, it’s easy to get stuck in the zone and barely move for 5 hours at a go.

This is detrimental to the health of our backs and necks. You can counter this by taking forced breaks to move around and changing your desk setup to be better for your spine. Invest in an ergonomic desk chair, and consider looking at which sit stand desk is best since this can force you to stand straight for a few hours and stretch your back muscles.

You might implement a morning or evening stretching routine or even try out desk yoga – just make sure you’re prioritizing your muscular health.

Boost your well-being while working from home with these tips: practice good posture, take regular breaks to stretch, stay hydrated, eat healthy snacks, and ensure proper lighting. Your health matters! #WorkFromHome #HealthyHabits #RemoteWork #StayHealthyClick To Tweet

Prioritize Your Physical Environment

Working in a dull, uninspiring office is often part of the trade when you have a desk job. However, when your office is at home, you have the freedom to decorate your space however you like. Creating an environment that you find relaxing and tranquil, or one that sparks inspiration and creativity, can significantly boost your productivity.

Look for office interior design ideas online, pick a look that really speaks to you and truly invest in making your space inviting. This will make it far easier for you to walk in there each morning with an actual desire to spend the next few hours at your desk.

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12/22/2024 09:43 am GMT

Implement a Morning Routine

When working from home, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of rolling out of bed and plopping down at your desk without any semblance of a morning routine. However, skipping these “non-essential” steps can be detrimental to your work and mental health.

To start your day off right, it’s important to implement a morning routine. This should include activities like taking a shower, making a nutritious breakfast, making your bed, and getting ready. You may also want to incorporate some personal time in the mornings for reflection, reading, mindfulness, or other practices that will help you prepare for the workday.

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By taking the time to establish a morning routine, you’ll set yourself up for success and ensure that you’re in the right headspace to tackle the day’s tasks. Remember, starting your day off right is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance when working from home.

Get Dressed

No, not in yoga pants and not in a fresh pair of pajamas. Getting dressed and making an effort with our appearances can truly help us to feel put-together, ready, and positive about the day ahead.

There’s nothing wrong with embracing the work-from-home life and skipping the pencil skirt and heels, but opting for a comfortable yet professional-looking outfit is going to help you avoid the burning desire to curl up on the couch.

It’s been proven that getting ready for the day boosts productivity and gives a better sense of purpose to people who work from home. 

Remove Distractions

One of the more challenging aspects of working from home is the endless distractions we face daily. Social media notifications, needy children, chatty spouses, dirty dishes, and the temptation of a bottle of wine or new episodes of your favorite show can all interrupt your workflow. Constantly battling these distractions makes it harder to work effectively and can leave you feeling unaccomplished and frustrated.

Treat your workday as a workday and minimize distractions as much as possible. Keep your office door closed and clearly communicate to friends and family that you are not available for interruptions during work hours. This approach helps maintain your focus and productivity.

Remember Your Lunch Break

Eating your sandwich with one hand while typing with the other isn’t mindful eating. Worse still is forgetting to eat lunch altogether. Everyone needs to eat and take a break during the day, which is why you’re typically given an hour’s lunch break in your employment contract.

Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean this rule no longer applies. Make an effort to take your lunch break. Step away from your workspace and mindfully enjoy a balanced and nutritious meal away from your desk, even if it’s in front of the TV.

The energy boost from both the food and the rest will benefit you in the second half of your workday.

Snack Mindfully

Constantly being within walking distance of your fridge can make it easy to snack all day every day (often replacing that crucial lunch break). However, this is not a healthy or beneficial way to eat and you might find that the calories add up significantly!

Listen to your hunger cues and snack when your body is really asking for it. When you do feel a craving, satisfy it with ready-made and pre-portioned healthy snacks, instead of simply grabbing a bag of chips. Being prepared is the key to good nutrition.

Set a Switch-Off Time

Without the cue of colleagues packing up and leaving the office, it’s easy to lose track of time and work late into the evening. Setting a cut-off time to switch off your computer and close the office door is crucial for ensuring you rest and spend time with the people who matter. If necessary, set an alarm to remind yourself. This routine helps maintain a healthy work-life balance and ensures you recharge for the next day.

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12/21/2024 11:27 pm GMT

Final Words

Maintaining your health while working from home is essential for long-term productivity and well-being. By setting up an ergonomic workspace, taking regular breaks, staying hydrated, and practicing mindful eating, you can create a balanced routine that supports both your professional and personal life. Remember to set boundaries between work and home life to ensure you get the rest and connection you need. These strategies will help you thrive in a remote work environment and keep you healthy and productive.


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