In light of the coronavirus outbreak, people all over the world are now forced to work from home. Adjusting to working from home can be a challenge, especially when you have kids, pets or other lifestyle factors that make it hard to stay focused. In addition, many people will find that life as a telecommuting employee presents other challenges, including wellness concerns. Below are five wellness tips for employees working from home that will effectively help you protect your health.
1. Stick to a Schedule
When you work from home, it is tempting to work outside of the normal hours you would have kept in the office. Unfortunately, this can lead to health concerns. You may sacrifice sleep or experience higher stress levels related to a lack of free time. Protect yourself from this issue by setting specific times for work and walking away from your work-related tasks when these hours end. A set schedule makes it easier for you to create healthy habits while working from home.
2. Exercise Regularly
If you are wondering how to make working from home work without sacrificing your health, regular exercise is one of the best tools at your disposal. Be sure to get outside your house for at least half an hour each day to get some fresh air, while still complying with social distancing recommendations. If you would rather stay inside, there is an array of online resources to follow simple workout routines for remote workers that can be done at home.
3. Don’t Neglect Sleep
One of the most valuable tips for working remotely is not neglecting sleep. Working from home opens up a range of possibilities, including the temptation to work in bed. However, when you bring work into your bedroom, it makes it more difficult to maintain proper sleep hygiene and a good sleep schedule. If possible, complete all work-related tasks in a separate room. Go to bed at a reasonable time each night, and wake up as you normally would if you were going to the office. This helps maintain some normalcy so when the time comes to return to the office, you won’t feel a significant change in your routine.
4. Stay Connected
Working from home can be a lonely experience, especially when social distancing requirements prevent you from socializing when work is over. Luckily, plenty of resources are available to facilitate virtual meetings with coworkers, friends and family. Instead of having a call with your team or clients, try to encourage a video chat. This helps you feel less alone when seeing your coworker’s faces and keeps everyone on the call accountable to be present in the moment and not attempting to multitask. Platforms like Zoom and Google Hangouts Meet are free to use and simple to understand. You can also use these platforms to have video calls with your family and friends during lunch or dinner and enjoy meals together. Staying connected through virtual means can help your overall physical & mental health.
5. Focus on the Positive
Although working from home productivity may not be as high as it would be in the office, it is important to remain positive. Many people have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic or have had their paychecks cut. If you are able to work from home, you are part of the fortunate group that will be able to continue earning a living even during this pandemic and possible recession. We might not know when this difficult time will end, but we know that it will not be forever. Remaining positive will allow you to do something productive during your extra time at home.
6. Establish a Morning Routine
When you create a routine for yourself in the morning, it helps you start your day correctly. Instead of snoozing your alarm clock and rushing through your breakfast to start working, your morning routine can make mornings less hectic and set the mood for the rest of the day. Before you start your day, you should do an activity that helps relax your mind and body, like mediation, gratitude, yoga, journaling, reading, etc.
Working from home may not be ideal, but it is the best way to stay secure from the pandemic while continuing to meet your professional obligations.
Key Takeaways
- Working from home has its advantages, but it’s important to pay attention to the health and wellness of employees to maximize the benefits.
- By being proactive and staying active, telecommuting employees can maintain good health while still remaining productive.
- Setting a clear schedule, getting a good amount of sleep, maintaining social connections and focusing on the positive can also help employees protect their wellness.
- Establishing a morning routine helps maintain normalcy and create a more productive day.
Learn More Health and Wellness Tips While Working Remotely!
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