Meet Sarah, a creative director who, like many of us, embarked on the journey of remote work.
For her, it was a dream come true. Working from home seemed promising, but it also made her uncertain. How would she manage her work-life balance? Would she stay productive without the buzz of office life?
As days turned into weeks, Sarah realized that similar to her office job, remote work conditions came with their challenges. She worked long hours, ate poorly and only worked from her bed, which culminated in feelings of job dissatisfaction and disconnection from her colleagues.
She soon realized the power of daily habits. These small actions that are done every day can improve your health and well-being, even when working from home. Let’s explore some daily habits to improve your remote work life and reshape your well-being.
Working from home: A new normal
When you wake up from your bed, affirm that you will have a wonderful day and be grateful. Believe it or not, self-affirmations are a powerful tool for shaping your day.
Workspace setup
The answer is no. Invest in an adjustable chair, a monitor at eye level, and a keyboard that promotes good posture. Try decorating your workspace; keep some plants, read books, or do feng shui around your workspace.
Light a diffuser with your favorite aromatherapy oil and let the fumes do the magic. Research shows that aromatherapy ameliorates mental health.
Time management
Many people find it tricky to set clear limits on their work hours. You may overwork, which can interfere with your work-life balance and cause physical and mental harm.
So it’s essential to remember that without setting these time boundaries, you might have more stress and less freedom than remote work promises. Balancing work and personal life is the key to getting the most out of remote work while staying healthy and happy.
Use the Pomodoro Technique to manage your time and efforts when working from home.
Nutrition and healthy eating
Mindful eating is an approach to eating that can complement any eating pattern. Studies have found that being mindful when eating can improve mental well-being and body satisfaction.
Practicing mindfulness and learning about nutrition can help you choose healthier foods. This can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, make meals more enjoyable, and support a positive body image.
To avoid burning out on your nutrition goals, ensure to experiment with different healthy meals. Having variety is key to staying consistent.
Consistent hydration
Staying hydrated is often overlooked but is crucial for your work-from-home health. Proper hydration helps maintain focus and your well-being.
Neglecting to drink enough water while working from home can affect your health and productivity. Avoid beverages like soda, soft drinks, and caffeine.
Dehydration is a condition due to inadequate of water intake. When you’re dehydrated, your body struggles to perform at its best, affecting your work performance and well-being. Make it a habit to keep a water bottle nearby and sip regularly to stay refreshed and alert throughout your remote work day.
Use a planner to track your water intake. But if you don’t want to do this, then keep a reminder on your phone. Remember water is a natural medicine.
Stay active
Regular exercise is vital for your physical and mental health. Even short workouts or stretching exercises can make a difference. Prioritize physical activity in your daily routine.
Doing 5 Suryanamaskar yoga postures can do wonders for your health.
Keep calm & stay connected
Incorporate practices like meditation and deep breathing exercises into your daily routine. These tools can help you navigate the challenges of remote work.
Remote work can be isolating. Combat this by scheduling virtual meetings or calls with colleagues, friends, and family. Research shows that social interaction is crucial for maintaining your work-from-home health.
Don’t forget to take short breaks throughout the day. Stretch, walk, or do quick exercises. These breaks reduce the strain of sitting for extended periods and promote work-from-home health. Enjoy your entire lunch break, even if your inbox pops up. Short breaks help you stay alert and relaxed.
Light a candle, close your eyes, and take 10 deep breaths. A small habit makes a big difference for long-term good health.
Balancing screen time
The blue light emitted by screens can trick your brain into thinking it’s daytime, making it harder to wind down in the evening. So, it’s essential to be mindful of your screen time to safeguard your eye health and ensure a good night’s sleep. Your eyes and your body will thank you.
Spending extended hours in front of screens can also lead to symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. It’s a common issue in the digital age that affects many remote workers. Over time, this can hinder your work productivity and overall well-being. Remember to take regular breaks, adjust screen settings to reduce blue light, and make time for non-screen activities to rest your eyes and promote better sleep quality.
Make sure you disconnect yourself from digital gadgets 1 hour before bed. Your mind and body need to be relaxed to have a sound sleep.
Health through hobbies & self-care
Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for your well-being. Neglecting your own needs can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. It can affect your ability to handle the demands of work and personal life. This can lead to a cycle of declining health, motivation, and happiness over time.
Taking the time to care for yourself is mandatory. It can mean getting enough rest, pursuing your hobbies, or simply taking a few moments to relax. When you prioritize self-care, you can handle the challenges of remote work and life. It’s an investment in your long-term health and happiness.
Consider any self-care ritual to end your work day. To illustrate, shut down your computer at 5 PM and go for a walk. Or, take a hot water shower to let go of all the day stress. Whatever self-care means to you, do it.
Organization and productivity tools
Finding the best collaboration tools for remote teams can be a game changer for work-related health. By staying on top of project deadlines, communicating seamlessly, and having access to productivity enhancing tools, you are better equipped for having a better work day.
We recommend having at least one communication, project management, file sharing, and time management tool when working remotely. Failing to utilize these tools can lead to increased task complexity ands heightened stress levels.
Think of your daily habits like threads in a tapestry that shape your well-being, productivity, and satisfaction. The transition to working from home may have presented its own set of challenges, but it has also paved the way for a new era of possibilities. The key is to harness the power of daily habits—the small, consistent actions that can transform your work-from-home health.
Remember, every small step counts. The journey to working from home is a marathon, not a sprint. Start with a few habits, incorporate more as you go along, and tailor them to your unique needs and preferences. Whether you work from home often or just started, these habits can improve your experience.
So, embark on this transformative journey, embrace the power of your daily habits, and revel in the positive changes they bring to your life. Your health, happiness, and success are within your grasp, one habit at a time.
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