As more and more people have started to work from home, or working in hybrid roles, there has been a significant shift in our daily routines. While working from home offers a lot of flexibility, it can also lead to unhealthy habits, such as a lack of physical activity and an increased consumption of unhealthy food. If you’re finding it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle while working from home, here are 5 top tips that you can follow:
Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water throughout the day is essential for maintaining good health. It helps to keep your body hydrated, aids digestion, and can help to prevent headaches and fatigue. Make sure to keep a water bottle nearby and take regular sips throughout the day. You can also add some flavour by infusing water with fruits and herbs, such as lemon, cucumber, and mint.
Set boundaries
When working from home, it can be challenging to separate work from personal life. Setting boundaries is essential to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Create a schedule for your workday and stick to it. When your workday is over, switch off your laptop and step away from your workspace. Setting clear boundaries can help you feel more in control of your time and reduce stress levels.
Connect with others
Working from home can be isolating, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. To maintain good mental health, it’s essential to connect with others. Schedule regular virtual coffee breaks with colleagues, join networking groups, and participate in virtual and in-person events. You could also join fitness classes or book clubs to connect with others who share similar interests when your working day is done. By having something booked to attend, you will have to stop working, which will help with gaining a good work-life balance.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on the present. Practising mindfulness can help to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost productivity. This doesn’t need to be a long session, you can practice mindfulness by taking a few deep breaths, meditating for a few minutes, or simply taking a few moments to appreciate your surroundings a few times a day.
Take care of your eyes
Staring at a computer screen for extended periods can cause eye strain and headaches. To take care of your eyes, make sure that your workspace is well-lit, adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen, and take frequent breaks. You can also try the 20-20-20 rule, which involves looking away from your screen every 20 minutes and focusing on an object that’s 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
In conclusion, staying healthy when working from home requires a little effort, but it’s essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance. By following these tips, you can stay healthy, productive, and maintain good mental and physical health. Remember to prioritise your health, take regular breaks, and connect with others to avoid feeling isolated. By making small changes to your daily routine, you can ensure that you stay healthy and happy while working from home.
References
American Heart Association. “Healthy for Good: Work from Home.” https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/healthy-for-good–work-from-home
Harvard Health Publishing. “Working from home? Here’s how to stay healthy and productive.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/working-from-home-heres-how-to-stay-healthy-and-productive-2020030520108
Mayo Clinic. “COVID-19 and your mental health.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-and-your-mental-health/art-20485721
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Stress and coping.” https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
