5 Tips For Staying Healthy While Working Remotely

5 Tips For Staying Healthy While Working Remotely

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Working from home can be isolating and unhealthy if you’re not careful. Here’s what you can do to ensure you stay in your best health while working remotely.

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Some people choose to work remotely to have a more flexible lifestyle. You may no longer enjoy working in a 9-5 office job. You could also be raising your kids, not wanting to be away from your pet for long periods, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of working from home. However, one drawback of working remotely is that it can easily let your health to suffer.

Ways Working Remotely Can Impact Your Health

Letting your remote work life bleed into your personal life is easy. You might work longer hours since you don’t need to commute, and you might not take breaks as often as you should. Eating unhealthily and not getting enough exercise are common problems for people working remotely.

Sedentary lifestyles can lead to various health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. According to a study, sitting for prolonged periods increases the risk of early death. Even your mental health can suffer if you are not careful when working from home.

Reports show that nearly two-thirds of remote workers sometimes feel isolated. At the same time, 17% say they feel isolated all the time, leading to depression and anxiety. This is because they have no colleagues to talk to personally throughout their shift. Many remote workers also find it hard to spend time with their loved ones.

Now that you know some of the ways working remotely can impact your health, here are five tips for staying healthy while you work from home:

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Invest in Healthcare

Working remotely means you are your own boss when it comes to healthcare. Not all companies offer remote workers health insurance, so if you don’t have a plan, now is the time to invest in one. Plenty of options are available, and you can find a plan that fits your budget and needs.

Consider your lifestyle and whether you need coverage for things like vision and dental care and prescriptions. It’s also essential to consider whether you need short-term or long-term coverage.

Let’s say you only work remotely for a few months out of the year. In this case, you might not need an annual plan; a short-term policy could be a better option. On the other hand, if you are a digital nomad and work remotely full-time, you’ll need to ensure global coverage in case you get sick or injured while traveling.

Watch What You Eat and Drink

It can be easy to mindlessly snack when you’re working from home, especially if there’s no one around to tell you to stop. It can also be tempting to order takeout for lunch instead of cooking a healthy meal or have your dinner delivered from that new restaurant you’ve been wanting to try.

While there’s nothing wrong with indulging every once in a while, be mindful of what you’re eating and drinking when you work from home. Too much junk food can lead to weight gain and drinking alcohol excessively can damage the liver. Instead, focus on eating whole foods that will give you the energy you need to power through your workday.

Person working on a laptop next to a pot of coffee and bowl of fruit

And make sure you’re staying hydrated! It’s easy to get dehydrated when you’re working, especially when sitting in front of a computer all day. Drinking plenty of water will help keep you focused and alert, and it can also help reduce headaches and fatigue.

Don’t forget to watch for food allergies! If you are particularly allergic to certain foods, be sure what you eat doesn’t contain these. If you’re ordering food, ask for the ingredients before you order to be sure you’re not accidentally consuming something that will make you sick.

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If you ate something you did not know you were allergic to or experienced swells, itchiness, or other allergy symptoms, after eating, take an antihistamine and seek a doctor’s consultation if the symptoms persist. Find a reliable food allergy clinic, and licensed allergists will help you determine what you are allergic to. Choose a licensed clinic with the right credentials to ensure you are in good hands.

Create A Healthy Workspace

When you work from home, it’s crucial to create a space that is both comfortable and conducive to productivity. This means setting up your office to support your physical and mental health.

The following are tips that can help you create a workspace for remote work that is conducive for your health:

  • Make sure your chair is comfortable and supports your back.
  • Position your computer screen so that it is at eye level.
  • Invest in a good-quality ergonomic keyboard and mouse.
  • Take breaks often to walk around and stretch your muscles.
  • Keep a plant or two in your office to help
  • Set up a fan or humidifier to keep the air in your office fresh and comfortable

By setting up your office in a way that supports your health, you’ll be able to stay productive and comfortable while working. You will also be less likely to experience pain or discomfort later on.

Get Moving

Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you must be sedentary all day. In fact, it’s critical to get up and move around often to keep your body healthy. Taking a few minutes every hour to walk around or stretch will help improve your circulation and reduce your risk of blood clots.

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Exercise is also vital for maintaining a healthy weight, improving mood, and reducing stress. If you can’t fit in a full workout during the day, try to at least do some light exercise like yoga or going for a walk in the evening.

And if you live in an area with bad air quality, take breaks outside to get some fresh air.

Try going out for walks, riding a bike to run some errands, and doing fun activities with your loved ones outdoors. Not only will you get some exercise, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

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Wrapping Up

Working from home can be great for your health if you take the time to create a healthy environment and routine. By following these tips, you can make sure that you stay productive and comfortable while working from home. And you’ll be less likely to experience pain or discomfort later on.

You don’t need a lot of expensive equipment when you’re working at home but you should try to ensure you have a decent chair and try to set up a work area away from areas you relax in to help with a separation of your work and home life.

Do you work from home? If so drop your tips for staying healthy (and sane) in the comments below.

Featured Image & Post Image: Supplied by the author
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