It is possible to stay healthy while working from home.
While there are many perks and benefits associated with working from home, there are also a lot of challenges that come along with it ? especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For most people, the temptation of having easy access to their overstocked fridge and the allure of working in their bed (an ergonomically unsound position) can be too hard to resist. Unfortunately, these habits would not do you any good and may ruin your health in the long run.
So, how can you stay fit when working from home? Here are some useful suggestions that you may want to consider.
Set up a dedicated office space. Having a dedicated space for work allows you to focus on what you need to accomplish ? both in the short-term and in the long-term.
Choose a good chair. Use a comfortable and ergonomically sound chair to keep your body in proper alignment. You may also want to try sitting on an exercise ball to get some workout while working.
Don’t sit while working. Investing in a treadmill desk or standing desk can be good for your health. Studies indicate that spending more of your day standing reduces your risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. It may even lower your overall risk of death.
Make stretching a habit. It is so easy to get lost in time, especially when you are totally engrossed in your work. However, sitting for long periods of time could decrease your metabolism and increase your risk of heart disease and certain forms of cancer. So, do some stretching, move around for a couple of minutes once every hour, or step outside your workplace several times during the day. This can give you a mental and emotional boost so you will eventually get more things done!
Eat healthy. Don’t stock your fridge with snack foods and empty calorie treats. Fill it with fresh fruits and vegetables instead.
Stick to a schedule. While setting your own hours is one of the greatest perks of working from home, setting a routine and shunning work during odd hours can be good for your physical and mental health. For best results, try to include workouts into your schedule and quit working by a set time.
Know your limits. Overworking can negatively affect your health and work performance so avoid pushing yourself to the limit. Keep an eye on how much time you spend on work every day and avoid working on weekends if you can.
Staying in shape while working from home can be challenging but you can definitely do it with a little planning, discipline and determination.
