Even if we ignore the uncertainty related to the global pandemic, working from home could be challenging. It does sound good in theory, but once you get comfortable, you might start procrastinating, eating junk food, and completely mess up your sleep cycle. Luckily, it is not impossible to stay healthy while working from home.
However, remote work doesn’t mean you can’t get sick. You still need to go out and get groceries or enjoy an evening walk. Don’t forget to keep a social distance, wear a mask at all times, and wash your hands regularly. These health recommendations are not complicated but can make a difference and stop the spread of the virus.
Make a Daily Schedule
You probably have a list of things to do every time you get into the office, and remote work shouldn’t be any different. Plan your workday to avoid procrastination and distractions. But make sure you keep things in balance. Don’t write down tasks you won’t be able to finish within a day. Instead, spread them out throughout the week to keep the stress levels down.
Besides that, make sure you include meal breaks just like you would. You can even prepare the meals the day before and have them waiting in the fridge. Stick to the routine for some time and then assess what works for you and what doesn’t. Working from home allows you to change and improve your schedule the way it suits you.
Create Your Workspace
Not everyone has plenty of space in their apartments to have their own home office, but you can still create a designated work zone. Think about placing a small desk near a window and do all of your tasks there. So as soon as you sit down, you will be in work mode. Make sure the room has zero distractions and that it is quiet. Then you can decorate your workspace to your liking.
For instance, place all the materials and documents within arm’s reach. Your chair should also be as comfortable as possible. Small details can elevate your workspace, so don’t shy away from placing plants or pictures around the desk. Customization options are endless so let your imagination run wild as long as it is not distracting.
Keep your computer in good shape too. You should already have antivirus software installed, as well as a VPN. What is a VPN, and how can it help you? (https://nordvpn.com/what-is-a-vpn/) You will be working with the information related to your company, and keeping it safe is a must. A VPN will encrypt the data in case someone tries to gain access to it. It is a useful little tool that will elevate your cybersecurity.
Don’t Forget to Work Out
If you had a habit of going to a gym after work, there is no reason why you should skip your daily exercise now that you are working from home. Most people think that you can’t get a good sweat in your living room, but that is not true. There are so many home workout programs that involve cardio and will get your heart pumping in no time.
The lack of motivation can make you forget about working out, but there are ways to fight this as well. Schedule a workout at a specific time of the day, just like any other task on your to-do list. Tell yourself that you will feel better once you are done. Regular exercise will strengthen your muscles, which is great if you tend to sit for the majority of the day.
Additionally, your stress levels will go down, and we can all use that right now. When heading back to the gym just ease back into your program. A spokesperson from Knee Force says over 60% of gym related injuries occur when you have not properly warmed up for your workout. Knee injuries are one of the most common injuries at the gym. Take things slow, and always stretch before you begin.
Be Kind to Yourself
Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself. This whole situation is new for a majority of us, and we are all dealing with it the best we can. You might not be as productive as you expected, and that is okay. Don’t stress about not completing everything off your to-do list. Take a breather and relax. You can always pick up the work tomorrow when you feel rested.
If you lack focus, stop what you are doing and take a break. A short walk around your neighborhood will lift your mood and boost creativity. You can even listen to your favorite podcast or playlist to keep you entertained and take your mind elsewhere. Remember that everyone is feeling a sense of isolation, and it is normal if you sometimes feel unmotivated.
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