Working from home can seem ideal, however, it does come with its own set of challenges. As remote workers primarily work from home, often they don’t take enough breaks, or successfully separate work and life. This is often unintentional and can lead to work burnout and a very sedentary lifestyle. Below are some tips for how remote workers can maintain a healthy lifestyle when working from home.
When working from home, it can be tough to make time to exercise. However, by scheduling it into your day you can make sure to get your body moving. Consider going for a walk as part of your lunch break, or doing a quick workout in between a meeting and other tasks. Reward yourself at the end of the week if you stick to your schedule, after all, consistency is key to maintaining physical health.
Set up a daily routine that focuses on mindfulness. This could be part of your day before logging on to work, or after you finish the day to unwind. Try to schedule your self-care for the same time every day to help set a steady routine and maintain your mental health.
A great way to improve your health is to stay active during your work day. Consider getting a standing desk so you can take your meetings standing up. Just this small change can help you to avoid becoming sedentary and boost your physical health. You can also walk in place while typing or on a call using your standing desk. You could also consider taking non-video calls while walking around your home, using a wireless headset. Finally, there are desk cycles you can use while sitting at your desk.
When working remotely, you may get distracted more easily than in an office. However, technology can help you to maximize your productivity through apps and smart devices. Set timers, or reminders to keep you on task, and consider locking social media apps while you focus.
When you are a remote worker, you should ensure that you take actual breaks away from your workspace. Instead of making a coffee and bringing it back to your desk, take it outside or to another room to enjoy it. At lunchtime, make sure to take your whole break away from your desk. Consider leaving the house to grab lunch, or make something in the kitchen and eat somewhere else. If you usually work at the kitchen table, consider turning off your computer or screen during your break.
When you work from home, it can be difficult to stick to standard work hours. Set realistic working hours, and let your team know that you will not respond outside of those hours. Having set hours allows you to better manage both your work tasks and any other commitments. After all, if you were working in an office you wouldn’t be answering emails or calls after you leave for the day.
Using the tips above, remote workers can easily maintain a healthy lifestyle that doesn’t interfere with their productivity. Just make sure that you take the time to set up your week and schedule regular exercise and breaks. Modern technology is a great tool, and utilizing it can help improve your productivity and health. Soon, you’ll be able to have a healthy, and productive work-life balance.
