With remote working looking like it’s here to stay, it’s important that we learn to maintain our health and wellbeing when the home becomes an office too. Whilst this setup creates challenges, there are many novel ways to stay productive, happy and healthy.
Moreover, whilst there are certainly drawbacks to remote working — most notably the lack of physical human contact — it would be wrong to say it is all bad. With this in mind, here are a few ways to alleviate the cons of homeworking, but also, some new activities that are only possible because of it.
Incorporate Exercise Into The Workday
Getting dressed up for work can help you separate the workday from the evening and encourage you to stay out of bed and be proactive; but change things up and have days where you don your sports kit to the virtual office. If you don’t have one, invest in a cheap exercise bike and perform HIIT workouts in between tasks to increase your heart rate. You can also incorporate press-ups, sit-ups and squats into your day. Come signing off time, not only will you have work under your belt, but a workout too.
Have Mobile Meetings
It is essential to ensure that you move about whilst working from home, especially as you won’t be commuting to or from work or going to physical meetings. Whilst it is easy to be sedentary whilst remote working, make an effort to go for a walk and make meetings mobile to stretch your legs between engagements. Not only will walking keep blood pumping and get you away from a screen, but it may also enhance your creativity and give you a new perspective on a problem.
Meal Prep
Many of us choose to meal prep our lunches to save money and time when venturing to the office; considering we are now within walking distance of our fridges, many may have stopped prepping their weekly meals on Sunday and instead are opting to make food as and when it’s needed instead.
This is risky as it is easy to raid the fridge and eat sweet treats instead of balanced meals. Whilst an element of self control will be necessary regardless of what your job is, meal prepping healthy, balanced meals on Sunday will make it easier to avoid the temptation to pick up easy, quick and unhealthy snacks during the day.
Set Up In A Coffee Shop For A Change Of Scenery
If you begin to feel claustrophobic in the house — provided you follow all social distancing guidelines — consider setting up in a coffee shop for a change of scenery. I find that working in cafes is a good halfway-house between the office of old and home working, and the ambience can really help to simulate the organic chatter we used to have in the office. If you are staying at a home where multiple people are remote working, this can be a good way to get your own space.
Have Lunch Dates
Whether you are a veteran of a company and want to catch up with colleagues, or a new starter who is keen to make a connection, consider inviting colleagues to a zoom call for lunch as you might head out the office together in usual circumstances. If you are burnt out from staring at the screen all day, opt for a phone call instead. Keep work talk minimal and try to connect on a human level instead of in relation to work.
Take The Laptop Outside
One benefit of working on a laptop remotely is that you can be mobile; if, like me, you are a worker with a fixed desktop in an office, this new setup means you can now choose your workspace. With this in mind, try making a space in the garden where you can listen to the wind through the trees, the song of birds and the sun on your skin; all of these sensations have the potential to enhance your wellbeing and refresh your mind.
Written by Ross Carver-Carter
WellBe is spearheading the way to a brighter future for corporate wellness. Our innovative portal is scientifically designed and tailored to each individual employee to improve their wellbeing. We specialise in a range of services from coaching and therapists, to meditation and reading materials. Our aim is to reduce workplace stress that costs UK businesses £42 billion per year. Get in touch with us by visiting our site wellbe.global for more information.
