Remote work opportunities are on the rise. The percentage of workers who work from home at least half the time has increased by 103 percent since 2005, according to a Global Workplace Analytics study. And with good reason – remote work has been shown to boost productivity, increase retention rates, and improve work-life balance.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to work from home who otherwise wouldn’t have. And while working from home has its perks—no commute, more flexible hours, working in your PJs—it also has its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It can be easy to let your health fall by the wayside when working from home, but it’s essential to prioritize your health. Here are six tips for taking care of your health while working from home.
Get up and move around every hour or so
When you’re stuck at a desk all day, it’s easy to let hours go by without moving your body. Walking around for a few minutes can improve your circulation and reduce your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Additionally, moving around will help to keep your energy levels up and prevent you from feeling sluggish. And if you have a standing desk, take advantage of it! Standing for even a short period can help to reduce the risk of back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal problems.
Set an appointment with your doctor
It’s essential to stay on top of your health when working from home. While it may be tempting to put off doctor’s appointments or other health care needs, it’s essential to set aside time to see your doctor. Luckily, there are many professional telehealth primary care options available that can help you get the care you need without having to leave home. These services can help you stay on top of your health, identify potential health concerns, and get the treatment you need. So if you’re working from home, set an appointment with your doctor and take care of your health.
Invest in a comfortable chair and setup
If you spend long hours at a desk, you might as well invest in a comfortable chair and setup that helps you maintain good posture. A supportive chair that encourages proper alignment will help prevent back pain and neck and shoulder strain. And if possible, try to position your computer screen so it’s at eye level—this will also help reduce stress on your neck and shoulders.
Stay hydrated
It’s essential to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially sitting at a desk all day long. It’s essential to drink lots of water every day (eight glasses is a good goal) and avoid sugary drinks that can dehydrate you. If you are tired mid-afternoon, reach for a cup of herbal tea instead of coffee—herbal teas are hydrating. They won’t give you the caffeine jitters like coffee can.
Eat healthy meals and snacks
When you’re working from home, it can be tempting to indulge in unhealthy comfort foods or eat whenever there’s food around (Hello, Oreos!). But it’s essential to eat healthy meals and snacks throughout the day to maintain your energy levels and focus. Make sure to eat breakfast within an hour of waking up, then eat smaller meals or snacks every few hours thereafter until dinner time (aim for three square meals plus two snacks).
And when it comes to what you eat, focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains—avoid processed foods as much as possible since they tend to be high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Try packing yourself a healthy lunch instead of ordering out, or keeping healthy snacks like nuts or fruit in easy reach so you’re not tempted by junk food.no matter how good it may look!
Get enough sleep
It’s common for people who work from home to either have trouble falling asleep because their mind is still racing with thoughts about work, or they oversleep because there’s no need to commute! But getting enough sleep is crucial for both our mental and physical health. Set a realistic sleep goal of seven to eight hours nightly. If you find it difficult to fall asleep, read or take a bath for 30 minutes before bed.
Take breaks
When we’re focused on work, it’s easy to forget to take breaks, but it’s essential not to overwork ourselves! Make sure to take short breaks every few hours to recharge and take at least one longer break (30 minutes To an hour) during the day To relax and rejuvenate. Maybe use this time to take a walk outside or call a friend! Whatever you do, make sure not To spend this break time doing more work.
The bottom line
Working from home doesn’t have to be all work and no play! By following these simple tips, you can make sure that you’re staying healthy both mentally and physically While continuing To be productive at work! What are some other things that you do to stay healthy while working from home?
