Working from home can be great for both your health and mental health if you go about things in the right way, but there are some things to consider. Here are 5 ways to look after yourself as a home-based worker.
Take regular breaks
When you’re in a standard working environment, you tend to have set breaks or at least other people around you- and them taking breaks can be a cue for you. However, when it’s just you working from home, you might find hours have gone by and you’re still sitting in the exact same position. If you’re your own boss, it’s even more tempting to power through your breaks to get the job done since you and you alone are responsible for earning enough money. But it’s not healthy, regular breaks can prevent eye strain, headaches and ‘tunnel vision’ towards your tasks. Even five minutes to stretch your legs by going for a walk and drinking some water can be beneficial.
Get enough exercise
Speaking of stretching your legs, a lack of exercise is something that can affect all sedentary workers, and if you work from home you’ll no doubt fall into this category. Lack of moving around can lead to weight gain (and all of the complications that come along with that), a whole lot of restless energy. During your breaks you could walk your dog, or even take an hour out to go to the gym. The beauty of working from home is you’re pretty much on your own schedule, so why not use the gym when it’s less busy!
Consider relaxation
Working from home might seem like the most relaxing job in the world to those that don’t do it, but at the end of the day- it’s still work. There are still tasks that need to be done and effort that needs to be put in, that doesn’t change just because you’re at home rather than in a corporate office. On top of this, if your work at home job is your own business then there’s the added stress of needing to make enough money. Spend time each day meditating, take hot baths or even book a mobile massage once a week to keep stress levels down.
Eat well
When you work from home, you have no reason to meal prep and make things like lunches ahead of time like you would if you worked for a company. It’s quick and easy to grab whatever you have on hand at home, which can be a bad thing for some people. If you find you’re choosing the wrong things and snacking a lot this can come with its own problems. Batch cook a healthy meal that you can eat all week- some pasta or rice for example with a salad that you can grab out of the fridge. If you know you snack on the wrong things while you’re working, don’t keep them in the house.
Keep work and life separate
Finally, keep work and life separate or you’ll feel like you’re constantly at work. Ideally, have your own home office or at least a desk in the corner of the room to work from. Once you’re done for the day, relax and recover rather than catching up on emails in bed or writing up projects at the dinner table.
