Working from home is a dream for many but the novelty of working in your pajamas, sleeping in, and avoiding the long commute may wear off as you start to lose your daily routine. You may find yourself ordering more takeout, skipping your daily workout, and struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy.
Interruptions to your routine and limited social interaction can have a negative impact on your health, but there are simple things you can do to keep your mental and physical health in check while working remotely. Here are five tips for staying healthy while working from home.
- Follow a Healthy Meal Plan
Though your old routine may have been thrown out the window, there’s no reason you can’t create a new one. Establishing a new schedule will keep you on track with work and help you maintain some sense of stability. It’s also the perfect time to establish new healthy eating habits. It’s also the perfect time to establish new healthy eating habits. If you have a busy lifestyle, it can be challenging to find the time to plan, shop for, and prepare healthy meals. Having pre-made, healthy meals from Nutre delivered to your door saves time and effort.
As you work from home, it’s easy to get distracted, and, for many people, that leads to snacking. Keep your fridge stocked with healthy food and snacks like fresh fruits and veggies so you can make a smart choice when you snack. If you have trouble moderating your portions, try prepping several meals at a time and package them in sensible portions.
Starting your day with a healthy smoothie is a great way to ensure you are eating enough fruit and vegetables. Kitchen Habit has lots of smoothie ideas that are not only healthy but taste great too.
- Make Time to Take Breaks
When you work from home, it can be difficult to separate work from daily life. Since you no longer leave the office to go home, the feeling that you’re always at work may create pressure to do more. Even if you take advantage of the opportunity to catch up or get ahead, it’s important to take time for mental breaks. Studies show that taking breaks from work actually increases productivity and motivation. You’ll end up getting more done if you take time out to rest and refresh instead of trying to power through.
- Keep a Separate Workspace
Working from home gives you the freedom to work when, where, and how you want. You can work in your pajamas in front of the TV or even while relaxing in bed. If you want to be productive, however, it’s important to create a designated workspace. It will also help you maintain a healthy balance between work and life. Keep your workspace organized and free from clutter so you can think clearly and try to minimize distractions by choosing a space away from the TV or kitchen.
If it helps you get into the right mindset for work, you might even want to keep getting up and dressed the same way you always have. When you’re finished with work, put your computer away and silence emails so you can enjoy some time to yourself or with your family.
- Make Self-Care a Priority
Taking care of yourself is always important but when you lose your routine, it’s easy to let the little things slide. Carve out some time each day to meditate, exercise, and do other activities you enjoy. Take a hot bath to relax and be sure to stay on top of your skincare routine. Prescription acne treatments can help you combat breakouts to keep your skin healthy and don’t forget to stay hydrated as well.
Social activity, even simple texting and phone calls can also be a form of self-care and will help prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation. If you’re struggling with your mental health, online resources are available. Support groups, virtual counseling, and online chats can help you get the help you need or simply give you an additional opportunity to connect with others.
- Don’t Stay Cooped Up Inside
When working from home you may have fewer opportunities for social interaction, but you don’t necessarily need to spend all of your time inside. Staying cooped up inside can contribute to feelings of detachment and isolation, so take the chance to get outside when you can. Something as simple as going for a walk can lift your spirits, plus its good exercise. If you’re craving human interaction, call a friend and catch up on overdue conversations while you walk.
Working from home may be different from what you’re used to, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. By establishing a new routine, you can stay on top of your mental and physical health while staying connected with the outside world. Get started with these simple tips.