Every situation has its and minuses in life, however the intent should always be to make situations better for us with each passing time.
Work from home may be a boon for most of us, but some still crave the human interaction that comes with an on site office job. .
During and post Covid-19, professionals have often felt socially isolated without their co-workers around. In addition, there is too much screen time with very little space or downtime for people personally. .
Over a period of time, a sedentary lifestyle can take its toll over your body and mind. Although many workplaces have called their employees back to offices, there are others that still continue to work remotely. In those cases, the workers have shown signs of anxiety and loneliness.
No matter what the work situation is, staying fit and happy should always be your priority. Efforts must be genuinely taken in order to establish a fitness journey. And as it is said, where there is a will there's a way.
Here are some tips that are sure to establish a healthy work-life balance whilst ensuring that physical and mental health are in check.
1. Establish a routine - It’s only with discipline that one can make changes in their life. Although it’s a great idea to follow a routine and stick to it consistently, it’s also important not to be hard on oneself all the time, as each day is different. Here are a few things to include as part of your daily routine -
● Create your personal morning routine - Decide on a time to wake up, exercise, freshen up, eat breakfast or engage an activity that usually rejuvenates you.
● Stay on schedule - Try sticking to the timeline that you’ve set aside for each activity. As far as possible, try not to deviate from the same.
● Be strategic - As you might have other tasks lined up, mindfully decide what meetings are mandatory to attend and which ones you can pass up. Find time in between your meetings, which could be your free time to freshen up.
● Identify your productive time - When do you find yourself truly motivated, active, productive and energetic? Invest those hours on the tasks that need your utmost attention.
2. Try to keep your home space separate from your workplace - You definitely do not want to be around work at the end of a tiring day. Choose a place that is more relaxing and comforting. If possible, try finding a space in your house that gives you a private corner or try keeping your work laptop away from your bedroom.
Here are a few things that you can keep in your mind while setting up your work space or personal space -
● Optimise your workspace - Again, you must decide what makes the work area most lively for you. Is it good lighting, tidiness, plants, decor, books, photos or a pleasant fragrance? The idea is to feel motivated every time you sit down to work.
● Limit distractions - Work efficiency and focus increase when there are lesser distractions around. It could be sound or clutter, but figure out what disturbs you the most.
● Unplug from work - As far as possible and unless it is urgent, avoid checking mails and messages from work after you have logged out for the day. Go for a walk, listen to music or work out.
3. Prioritise mental health - The isolation from the real world while working from home can easily impact our mental health. Hence remaining vigilant about self-care is essential.
A few more pointers -
● Facetime is important - In the work setup, try to have meetings with cameras on to make communication more personal with your co-workers. It’s always great to see the person with whom you are talking. Secondly, interact with people in your surroundings who aren’t your colleagues.
● Practice mindfulness - It’s very important to live in the moment, rather than getting distracted by what’s happening around.
● Do not hesitate to seek help - It could be from a colleague, friend, or a family member. Reach out to people in situations when you find yourself dealing or struggling with something. That one step is key in finding the right solution.
4. Physical health is of utmost importance - If you are stationed at one place for long periods of time during the day, physical movement becomes essential. The flexing of muscles and ensuring blood circulation are important.
● Keep your body moving - Find small breaks to walk around or engage in an activity to keep your body moving even during your work hours. This will keep you refreshed and recharged. Very importantly, your eyes also need a break from screen time.
● An ergonomically correct workplace - Ensure the workspace has comfortable seating and doesn’t require you to hunch over your PC. The height of the desk and the chair should be comfortable enough not to let your neck, head, back, wrist get strained.
● Eat the right food - Avoid junk as far as you can and eat more greens, fresh fruits, cereals and nuts. In order to perform well at work you need to also take good care of your nutrition and energy levels.
● Take time off when sick - Working from home doesn’t mean you can’t fall sick. Whenever required, prioritise a work break, rest and complete recovery.