In many ways, working from home is a healthier alternative to going out to any other workplace.
You can have a greater work-life balance, for example, and this can have a positive effect on your mental health. You don’t need to deal with stresses associated with the daily commute. And you don’t need to put up with a nagging boss or any toxic work colleagues, two other aspects of work that can sometimes interfere with our personal wellbeing.
However, working from home poses its own set of health challenges, so this is something you need to be aware of. In this article, we will give you a few tips to help you stay fit and healthy during your working day.
#1: Move around occasionally
You might be sat at your desk for much of the day, or on your sofa when working on your computer. This can create problems, as there are health risks to sitting down for long periods of time, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and even certain types of cancer. You won’t be doing your eyes any favors either, especially if you’re staring at a computer screen, so you do need to remember to protect your vision too.
To counter any health issues, get up every hour or so, and move around. Take a walk around the garden, do a little housework, or exercise with bend and stretch activities to flex your body. Close and rest your eyes for a while too, or look outside to give them something else to focus on.
#2: Choose a good chair to sit on
As comfortable as your sofa is, it’s not the best place to be when you’re working, especially if you’re sat for long periods of time. You need something that is ergonomically designed, as this will provide optimal support for your spine and pelvis. So, shop online or visit your local office furniture store, and buy something that is good for your posture.
#3: Eat and drink healthily
It can be easy to wander into the kitchen for a snack when you’re feeling peckish, but if you choose something that is bordering on the unhealthy side, you will scupper both your health and your energy levels. And on the subject of your energy levels, if they flag, you might be tempted to overload yourself with caffeine. While you will feel more alert, you do need to take note of the harmful side-effects of your caffeinated drinks.
So, do yourself a favor and drink and eat healthily. Eat fruit and protein snacks, and choose water over any other beverage. You will protect your health if you do, and you will also benefit from increased energy when you’re working.
#4: Be social
It’s important to have some kind of social interaction, especially if you’re naturally sociable, as you might start to feel depressed if you’re isolated at home for too long. So, make the effort to say hello to your neighbors if you see them outside, have some contact with the people who are living at home with you, and message other people you know who are working from home. You don’t need to prolong conversations if you’re working to deadlines, of course, but five-ten minutes of social interaction shouldn’t be a hindrance.
These are just a few suggestions but look online for more. Your health matters, so as wonderful as working from home can be, remember that your working life will be affected if you don’t take proper care of yourself. Follow our tips then, and do whatever else you need to do to stay healthy at home.
