The concept of remote working has become increasingly popular over the past decade. With advancements in technology and the widespread availability of the internet, more and more people have been able to work from home, coffee shops or other spaces outside of traditional office settings. While this type of work affords many benefits like freedom and flexibility, it can also present significant challenges to one’s physical and mental wellbeing.
In this article, we’ll provide tips for maintaining your overall health and happiness while working from home. These tips are designed to support your productivity and maintain your work-life balance. By following these tips, you can maintain an energetic and healthy life even while working from the comforts of your home.
Set Boundaries
When you work from home, it can be easy for work to overtake personal life. You may find yourself working outside of normal business hours, skipping meals or failing to take breaks that would be required in an office. Setting boundaries between your professional and personal life is important to create some distance between the two. One way you can do this is by designating a specific workspace in your home that’s only used for work purposes.
Schedule your day as you would in a real office environment. Start at a certain time each day, take lunch breaks and have an end time. Make sure you stick to your schedule as much as you can – this will allow you to maintain a work-life balance and avoid burnout.
Take Breaks
Taking breaks is critical to staying motivated and doing your best work while working from home. When you never step away from your computer, you can quickly become fatigued, and your productivity declines. Consider setting up a timer that reminds you to take breaks every so often, so that you get up, stretch your legs and move around. These breaks could be as simple as taking the dog for a quick walk or doing jumping jacks in the living room.
Another technique to try is the Pomodoro Technique. It’s a method that encourages people to work for 25-minute increments followed by a five-minute break. After four 25-minute work sessions, you can take a longer break of 15 minutes. This method is perfect for those who are finding it challenging to remain focused and work when managing a home setting.
Get Dressed
When you’re working from your bed or couch, it may be tempting to stay in your pajamas all day. However, how you dress can impact your mindset and level of productivity. Getting dressed as if you were going into the office can provide some structure to your day and increase your motivation. You don’t have to dress as formally as you would for the office, but ensure you’re presentable and in comfortable clothes that you would wear outside your home.
Stay Active
Sitting in front of a screen for hours on end can pose serious health risks like stiffness and soreness in the neck, back, shoulders and arms. To reduce these risks, you should aim to move around more often, incorporate exercises, and stretches into your workday.
Start with some basic stretches that can be completed wherever you’re working, while incorporating small exercises such as sit-ups or walking in place. Another option is to purchase an exercise ball to sit on, which can help relieve discomfort associated with prolonged sitting.
Socialize
One reason why individuals choose remote work is to avoid the socialization that comes with a traditional office environment, such as office politics or gossip. But, total isolation can lead to decreased productivity, as well as feelings of loneliness and isolation. It’s essential to develop a routine and stay connected with colleagues, friends, and family.
Since you don’t have the privilege of having face-to-face conversations at the office, make use of technology. Platforms like Zoom, Skype or video conferences can be used to schedule virtual meetings or catch up with colleagues. You can also join online communities relevant to your profession or interests, use social media or join online forums to interact with others who have similar interests as you.
Focus on Task Accomplishment
Lack of control in managing time and procrastination is another challenge faced by remote workers. Utilize apps, planners or notebooks to keep track of your responsibilities and set deadlines. Break up your day into smaller tasks, which makes the work feel more achievable.
It’s essential to stay productive and remain motivated. Create a consistent routine and track your progress to keep yourself motivated to hit your daily targets.
Take Care of Yourself
Working from the comfort of your home can negatively impact your mental and physical health if you’re not careful. Remember to be mindful of healthy habits like drinking enough water, eating properly, and getting enough sleep.
Avoid the temptation of caffeine and sugar, and strive to eat balanced, healthy meals filled with fruits, veggies, and hydration. Take up regular exercise or a new hobby that can help reduce stress levels and increase your work-life satisfaction.
Learn and Grow
Remote work arrangements allow unique opportunities for professional development that wouldn’t be possible in a more traditional work environment. It provides you with the flexibility to invest time in personal goals that could lead to new opportunities or prospects that enhance your career.
Invest time to learn new skills, develop a new software or start a new side hustle, keeping your mind stimulated on a daily basis, and providing fresh challenges.
Seek Professional Help
When working from home, it’s not uncommon to feel unmotivated or even depressed. Working alone for extended periods may trigger or intensify existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of stress or anxiety, do not hesitate to seek professional help.
Final Thoughts
Remote working offers tons of flexibility, but it’s also essential you take care of your mental and physical health while doing it. Simple things like setting boundaries, taking breaks and taking regular exercise and eating well are basic things that can keep your productivity up and keep you motivated.
Make sure you stay connected with friends, colleagues, and family regularly, break up your day into small goals, and don’t hesitate to seek support when it comes to taking care of your emotional and mental health. With time and practice, you can figure out what works for you and make the most of the benefits that remote working provides.