Life is pretty surreal at the moment, and most of us are spending more time at home than ever before. If you’re working from home, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and wellbeing. Times are tough, and it’s important to look after yourself.
Here are some simple ways to stay healthy at home.
Establish a routine
Whether you’re working at home, you’re currently looking for a job, or you’re on furlough, it can be hugely beneficial for both your physical and mental health to establish routines. Most of us are creatures of habit, and having plans every morning can motivate you to get out of bed with a degree of enthusiasm. Even if you don’t have a packed schedule of meetings, it’s helpful to get into the habit of following a plan.
Make time for activities, hobbies and getting out into the fresh air if you’re not working. If you are working from home, set an alarm for the same time each morning, organize your diary and take regular breaks to recharge your batteries.
You do not need to work extra while remote working. Set aside time in the evening for your entertainment needs and family commitments. Set a nice movie to download on the pirate bay, help your partner prepare the dinner, dim the lights and enjoy the movie without worrying about work-related issues. You will see that striking the ideal work-life balance will help you grow productive professionally.
Exercise and enjoy the fresh air
Exercise might not be your favorite pastime, but it’s critical for your health. Physical activity is a natural stress reliever and mood booster, and it also helps to lower the risk of a raft of physical health problems. There are various options when it comes to getting fit at home. You can look into home gym design options and invest in equipment and machines, you could embrace virtual training and work with a personal trainer online, you can join online classes or you can follow workouts through your TV by downloading or streaming fitness DVDs or programs.
You can also take advantage of the opportunity to get out and about. Going for a walk, a jog or a bike ride will help to boost energy levels, and it can also provide a welcome change of scenery. If you tend to make excuses, try and set targets. You can use activity trackers to up your step count, compete with friends and family online or try and beat your PB for a 5 km or 10 km run.
Socialize
For many of us, socializing usually involves hanging out with friends on the weekends and catching up with colleagues at the water-cooler. Times have changed, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t stay in touch. It may not be possible to get together at the moment, but technology offers opportunities to engage with others. From work socials and family quizzes to virtual Friday night drinks with friends, it’s so important to stay connected and to remember that physical distance doesn’t have to result in isolation or loneliness.
Check in with your friends, be proactive about arranging fun things to do at the end of the working week and catch up with family. Even a quick phone conversation or a message in the group chat can lift the spirits and boost mental health.
2020 has been an extraordinary year. There have been challenges, and life isn’t going to return to normal any time soon. With this in mind, it’s vital to look after yourself. Take these tips on board to stay healthy at home.
