ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Staying healthy while working from home
Many people are working from home right now. Spending all your time in one space has its challenges that can affect both your mental and physical health. It is important to create boundaries between work and personal life. If you are new to working remotely, these five tips can help you stay productive and maintain balance.
Create and stick to a daily routine. Developing a daily routine can help you stay organized, focused and motivated to work through your day. Start by designating times for waking, working and eating. It is also important to structure your routine with time for exercise and getting outdoors.
Take short breaks. Take breaks away from your desk for both your physical and mental health. Try using a timer to keep yourself from getting too distracted. For every 30 minutes of computer work, rest your eyes. Focus on something in the distance for 30 seconds to reduce eye strain and prevent headaches. Getting outside is also a great way to take a break and refresh your mind and boost your energy.
Optimize your work environment. Create a space in your home that is dedicated for work. Designate areas for work that are completely separate from your bed and couch. If your phone or television are big distractions, design your workspace away from them. One of the best parts of working from home is having control over your environment.
Stay connected to your network. Try to keep in touch with someone daily to help prevent feelings of isolation. It is important to maintain your social circle while at home. Limit your time on social media to prevent information overload and increased stress.
Fuel your day with healthy meals. When working from home, snacking throughout the day is tempting. To prevent unhealthy habits, minimize snacking and stick to eating only at mealtimes. Take advantage of having a full kitchen at your disposal and learn to cook healthy meals. Keep a bottle of water on your desk as a reminder to stay hydrated.
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For more information, contact Dr. Wendy Cunningham at haydenhealth@gmail.com.