In order to have truly fulfilling professional and personal lives, it is important to make a distinction between your life at work and your life at home. Now, more than ever before, people all around the world are working remotely. At times it can be difficult to acknowledge and respect the distinction between work and personal life, especially when you only have to walk across the hall to be at your desk. Thus, it is imperative that you practice healthy self-care habits to avoid slipping into bad habits.
Here are a few simple tips for working remotely.
Make a routine to follow each morning.
If you are new to working from home it may be helpful to create a healthy routine to begin each new day. If you are someone who is used to their daily commute perhaps head out first thing in the morning for a brisk walk in the fresh air. While some days it may feel tempting to simply roll over in bed and open your laptop, make sure that you are waking up before you actually have to begin work. Doing so will allow you to take the time for things you need to do around the house, such as letting the dog out, making yourself breakfast, or getting a good workout in.
Everyone is different, so try different things until you find what works best for you. Using the time before work wisely, in a way that benefits you will help you to be as productive as possible throughout the day.
Don’t skip your lunch break!
Sometimes working from home can make it easy to forget your well-deserved break. Remember to walk away from your desk and move around a bit. After you eat lunch, head outside, even if it’s only for ten minutes. By getting a bit of exercise and some fresh air you’ll be able to head back to work feeling a bit more awake and motivated throughout the afternoon.
Boost your energy level by working out.
It’s important that you stay active even if you’re not leaving the house very often. Light exercise can help to increase your level of motivation and productivity. If you’re not someone who enjoys working out opt for things that don’t necessarily feel like exercise. Dancing for 10 minutes, walking the dog, or hustling up and down the stairs a few times can help you to feel more alert and energetic throughout the day.
Keep healthy snacks in the kitchen.
Make sure that you’re stocking up on healthy snacks. Choose things that you find tasty, but are also good for you! Leaving a bowl of nuts or fruit by your desk can help you stay healthy while snacking in between meals. Easy energy-boosting snacks include trail mix, veggies and hummus, hard-boiled eggs, or apples with peanut butter.
Working from home can be a struggle, so make sure that you are taking care of yourself. Get enough sleep each night, try to eat foods that make you feel good, and build a routine that includes taking time for yourself to relax.
