Over the last few years, working from home has become more and more common across industries and careers. For the jobs where employees have historically been required to go into an office every day of the week, the tides have suddenly changed. With new and improved techniques and tools to make work possible, working from home has not only become possible, but it’s efficient too.
However, it’s not always easy. While it can make life a lot easier for many people, it always comes with its difficulties – some of which are easier to deal with than others. One of the biggest challenges is trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle when you have no separation between office and home. But the good news is that it’s totally possible.
Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle while working for home.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
You may not be leaving every morning to go to the office, but starting your workday is still different to getting up on a Saturday when you’re off from work – or it should be. When you’re working from home, it can become difficult to separate work from relaxation.
One of the best things to do is to create a dedicated workspace that can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. That way, if the kids are home, you won’t be tempted to hang out and play with them, do the dishes or a pop a load of laundry on.
It’ll also help you maintain a good balance between work and down time. Try and create boundaries for yourself in that work stays in that dedicated space, and when you leave it, you don’t deal with work anymore. Just like you would if you clocked out of the office.
Take Regular Breaks
Regardless of what it is you do, taking regular breaks is an essential way to give your mind and body a chance to rest and recharge. This can help you avoid burnout, getting bored and even just getting overly tired. Some people prefer to have a few breaks that are longer, while others would rather get up for five minutes every hour – whatever works for you.
Try and use these breaks to walk around, stretch your legs and just do something active. Avoid spending your breaks glued to your phone or watching series.
Limit You Screen Time
When you’re working at home, you have the opportunity to take breaks in different ways than you’d be able to at the office. Now, you can use your lunch break to watch the newest episode of Game of Thrones, play real money pokies, or catch up on your favourite vlogger’s new content.
If you’re someone whose job requires sitting behind a computer screen all day, then the last thing you should do is spend your down time glued to another screen. Try and give your eyes a break and allow your body to move around a bit.
Don’t spend your breaks scrolling through social media either – it’s just another screen!