Work From Home Wellness Tips
Working from home used to feel like a treat: wearing PJs all day and walking the dog over lunch. But for many of us, it’s the new normal, with as many challenges as perks. Tools like video conferencing apps make life easier, but working remotely long-term can be tough on your mental health.
The first step in getting healthy is admitting that you have a problem. If you’re overweight or obese, you’ve probably already taken this step. Now, if you want to lose weight, you need to take another important step—and that’s changing what you eat. The latest nutrition research shows that people who eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products, along with fewer refined carbs and sodium, are more likely to lose weight and keep it off longer than those who focus only on counting calories. So start building a healthier diet by replacing some unhealthy foods with these nutritious ones! Read more about our top 10 favorite superfoods here.
The plan recommends two cups of coffee daily. I know that sounds crazy, especially since so many of us drink eight cups of java every single day. But the caffeine in coffee has been shown to boost metabolism and improve fat burning during exercise, according to a study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. And drinking lots of coffee has also been linked to increased longevity.
You may think hand sanitizer will zap germs and prevent you from getting sick, but it could also be making you fat — at least when it comes to your gut bacteria. Hand sanitizers contain triclosan, which researchers say changes the composition of good bacteria in your digestive tract, causing diarrhea and bloating, among other side effects. Triclosan is also found in certain types of antibacterial soap, meaning washing up with regular soap could be doing more harm than good (though antibacterial washes do kill 99 percent of bad bacteria). Switching out antibacterial soap for regular soap might not cure your acne, but it could reduce the odds of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection.
Improving work quality
In addition to improving sleep quality, magnesium helps regulate blood sugar levels and maintains muscle strength and function. It also plays a role in maintaining heart rhythm and helping relax muscles. Magnesium is often deficient in those suffering from diabetes, stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, alcoholism, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and insomnia.
In fact, the results showed that women who drank three or more cups of caffeinated coffee per day were 24% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-drinkers. Caffeine is known to increase insulin resistance, which leads to higher glucose levels and ultimately type 2 diabetes. This means that if you consume too much caffeine, you’ll end up eating more calories and gaining weight, even though you don’t actually ingest any extra food.
How to be healthier and happier working from home
Transitioning from an office setting to working from your own space at the comfort of your own place is difficult enough without having to deal with a global health crisis, school closures, lack of exercise, new work procedures, and zero social interactions. Add in the fact that you’re living with your roommates, and things get even harder! That’s a recipe to be overwhelmed.
That’s why taking time for yourself is not something we should be indulging ourselves in, but rather an important necessity when adjusting to a new normal after COVID-19. Here are some tips on how stay at your desk job productively and happily—and without dialing up your level of stress.Carve Out a Designated Workspace
The office doesn’t just help you focus; it helps you feel better about yourself. In fact, research suggests that people who spend less time staring at screens tend to have lower levels of stress hormones, fewer negative thoughts, and stronger immune systems. So while you might think that working from home makes you more productive, it actually puts you at greater risk for burnout.
That being said, there are ways to carve out a designated workspace that still allows you to do your best work. You can use a standing desk, invest in a comfortable chair, and keep your phone away from your face.
Find a routine, but not too much of one
When we think about routines, we often imagine them as something that must be followed exactly every single day. But routines are actually beneficial because they help us focus our attention on certain aspects of our lives. For example, having a morning routine helps you wake up early without getting out of bed. Having a lunchtime routine allows you to eat at a specific time each day. Having a nighttime routine gives you structure to wind down from the day.
But routines can become problematic when they start to take over your life. If you find yourself following the same pattern every day, even though there is no reason why you should, it could lead to Groundhog Day Syndrome. This is the phenomenon where people feel trapped in a loop of repeating the same actions over and over again.
Set Ground Rules With the People in Your Space
Home office etiquette can be tricky, especially when you’re sharing space with others. Here are some tips to help make sure everyone gets along while you’re working from home.
1. Know What Other People Are Doing When They Work From Home
While you may have been able to sneak out of the house without anyone noticing, it’s harder now that someone else is in the same room with you. Before you start working, ask yourself how much privacy you want to give up and whether you’ll be comfortable letting people know what you’re doing.
2. Make Sure Everyone Knows How to Find Each Other
If you don’t already have a system in place for communicating with each other, consider creating one. A calendar app such as Google Calendar or Apple iCal can keep track of meetings, appointments, and deadlines.
3. Keep Quiet Times Clear
When you’re working from home, you probably won’t spend every waking hour at your desk. So set aside specific times for meetings, phone calls, and other activities. This way, no matter where you are, you’ll know what’s expected of you.
Leave Work (Home)
Your home office isn’t just a place where you spend most of your waking hours; it’s also a source of stress. If you’re spending too much time there, you might want to consider taking some steps toward improving the situation. Here are six tips to help make sure you don’t become a prisoner of your desk.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask for What You Need
If you’re employed by a corporation that supports your work-at-home setup, request your equipment as soon as you begin working from home, or shortly after realizing you require something new. This will help establish a pattern that will make it easier for others to provide you with what you need.
Organizations that support remote workers typically have budgets for home office gear. They know that people like to work at home, and they want to ensure that you don’t feel uncomfortable doing so.
Ask what it is and how frequently it’s renewed. Also inquire about the terms associated with the purchase, such as delivery dates, shipping costs, and whether you’ll receive an invoice. Inquire about return shipping and disposal fees, too.
Remote by choice vs. remote by necessity
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed how many people do business, and it’s likely to change how we do business even further over the coming months and years. While some companies are already moving toward remote working arrangements, others are still struggling to figure out how to adapt.
Before we dive into what a remotely friendly world could look like, let’s take a moment to reflect on how things used to be. Remote work isn’t new — technology has been making it possible for decades — but there are a few key differences today compared to the way it worked before. For example, telecommuting wasn’t always considered part of the corporate culture.
There’s no doubt that the coronavirus has had a significant impact on our lives, but it’s also caused us to rethink the ways we live, work, play and interact. One thing’s for sure: We’re living in a much more remote world now. And while that might seem scary, it also gives us plenty of opportunities to explore new modes of collaboration and communication.
As the coronavirus crisis continues, businesses around the globe are adapting their operations to stay afloat. Some are closing offices and laying off employees entirely. Others are shifting to a remote workforce model. Still others are offering flexible schedules and remote work options to those who remain on site.
While this shift may be challenging for some, it presents a unique opportunity for others. The following are five reasons why remote work can benefit both employers and employees during these uncertain times.
1. It Can Help Employees Feel More Valued
One of the biggest benefits of remote work is that it allows employees to feel valued. Many people are afraid to ask for raises because they think they won’t get them. But when you’re not physically present, you can show up to work every day without fear of being reprimanded.
2. You Can Offer Flexible Schedules
If you’ve ever tried to juggle family responsibilities with a demanding job, then you know how difficult it can be. With remote work, you can offer flexible hours and schedules to accommodate your personal life.
3. It Allows People To Work When They Want
Many people struggle to find time to exercise during the week. However, if you’re able to work from home, you can fit fitness into your schedule whenever you want.
4. It Helps Companies Save Money
When you’re working from home, you don’t need to pay for office space or other overhead expenses. This means that your company will save money.
5. It Provides Opportunities For New Experiences
Many people enjoy the camaraderie of an office environment. However, working remotely offers a chance to try something different. You can learn about yourself by trying new hobbies and interests.
The coronavirus outbreak has forced many businesses to make drastic changes to their operations. As a result, many people have found themselves looking for new jobs and exploring new career paths. If you’re currently unemployed or underemployed, consider using your downtime to develop new skills. Here are three ways to do so.