By now, many of us have been working from home for over three months and it’s beginning to take a toll. While many parts of the world have started to reopen businesses and many have headed back to work, there may be some of you who are still working from home. The global pandemic has also forced many businesses to restructure their hierarchies and work flows; making work from home a long term solution and in some cases, permanent.
While the work from home model comes with a number of benefits, for both the employer and the employees, a number of potential problems come with working remotely from your own space, including an unhealthy and inactive lifestyle. And so, if the woes of working from home are getting to you, we’ve put together some ways and strategies to stay active within the home for a long term work from home solution.
Develop and stick to a routine
When you’re working from home it is imperative to make and stick to a routine. Making a routine or sticking to certain rituals are known to be powerful behavioural practices. Set your alarm for the same day everyday, be consistent with your eating patterns and ensure you abide by a things to do list.
Add activity to your day
Working for long stretches throughout the day can result in lethargy, tiredness and will leave you feeling drained faster. Schedule your work day so you have enough breaks in between. A good way to do that is to work for an hour followed by a ten-minute break. Use the health tracker on your phone to ensure you are walking enough steps each day. A good way to do that is to take all work calls while walking. Not only will you be adding some activity to your day, but you’ll also get your work done at the same time.
Use the time blocking technique
This technique is not always easy to put into practice, as it requires you to block off a certain time of the day for a particular activity; such as working out or going for a stroll. Ensure that this time is used for the desired activity. Not only will this give your day some structure, but you will also be indulging in a non-work related activity.
Schedule video calls
Working from home can feel very isolating, especially if you do it for months on end or if you love alone. While it may not yet be safe to schedule face-to-face meetings, you can schedule video calls with your colleagues or friends to ensure you have some form of human interaction.
Get up to fuel up
If you are someone who has the habit of eating at your desk at the office, don’t bring this habit home to your work station. Make it a point to move away from your desk to have lunch or use your lunch break to actually cook something instead of ordering food through an app. This will mean you have to move around to refuel and you’ll also be getting a break from your workstation. This also gives your employer the indication that you will take your lunch break and not work through your break.
Get some air
Working at home, sleeping at home, eating at home; it all becomes so mundane and very quickly. One of the most important ways to remain active is to get some air. The thought of heading out may still be a little daunting for some, but a little fresh air will do you more good than harm. If you have a balcony or terrace, take your coffee break there. Or take an evening stroll around your neighbourhood to stretch your legs and get a break from the indoors.