Working from home has many benefits! It allows you to spend more time with your family, enjoy a more flexible routine, and cut down on commuting time. However, it can also have some drawbacks! For instance, you may struggle to separate your professional life from personal time, deal with eye strain, or live a sedentary life. Fortunately, with the right strategies and approaches, there is a lot that you can do to improve your health while working from home. Let’s find out more below.
Reduce Eye Strain
Eye strain is a major issue when working on your computer all day long—something that is involved with many remote job roles. So, if you have been struggling with headaches, fatigue, and concentration issues, you may consider investing in quality blue light blocking glasses. These devices can reduce the level of exposure of your eyes to blue light and UV rays, reducing strain and fatigue. Plus, if you work in the evening or tend to stare at a screen after dark, these glasses can reduce the impact of blue light on the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. The result? A better night’s sleep!
Invest in Ergonomic Furniture
If you have embraced work-from-home long-term, it is time to upgrade and stop working from your kitchen table or couch—you need a professional home office set up! Ergonomic furniture plays a key role in helping you maintain proper posture as you work from home, reducing common issues such as back and neck pain. These pieces of furniture may include ergonomic chairs, standing or adjustable desks, and solutions such as balance balls. They are designed to encourage better posture and spinal alignment, which is essential for overall health.
Implement Boundaries
When working from home, personal and professional life can overlap. However, this can have a profound impact on your life and relationships! For instance, you may begin to struggle with taking time off, and it can be difficult to relax or delicate time for your family. And, if working at night, you may even struggle to get a good night’s sleep!
To reduce these risks, establish some boundaries:
• Set clear work hours
• Designate a separate workspace
• Turn off notifications after hours
• Communicate availability to others
• Schedule regular breaks
• Avoid checking work emails at night
• Prioritise family and personal time
• Take days off unplugged from work
Introduce Regular Movement
Movement isn’t just about hitting the gym 2-3 times a week! While this is certainly positive, it won’t completely offset the impact of living a sedentary life or sitting at a desk for most of the day! However, there are some strategies that can help you make movement a regular part of your routine. For instance, you may consider investing in a standing or adjustable desk, which allows you to work from different positions. Additionally, you could upgrade your desk setup with a walking pad or balance ball to make it easier to move and hit your daily step count goals.
Lastly, don’t forget to take active breaks! Stretching regularly, going for walks, or even playing with your little ones is essential to boost your cardiovascular and metabolic health—and your mood!
