Working from home may have become necessary in the current circumstances, but it tends to create its own set of challenges. Recent studies indicate that people working in such conditions often develop symptoms such as stress, irritability, mood swings, emotional exhaustion, insomnia, anger, anxiety, and depression. Social isolation can also lower our immunity, making us susceptible to infectious diseases. Due to sedentary lifestyle, various other health issues may emerge when we work from home for several weeks.
The good thing is that you can avoid such issues by leading an active lifestyle. Even when you are confined to your home, there’s a lot you can do to keep yourself engaged. Here are some things you can do to stay mentally and physically healthy during work from home.
Exercise frequently: Exercise not only boosts our physical health, but also improves our mood, energy levels, thinking and learning ability. Just because you can’t go outside doesn’t mean that you can’t exercise. Basic exercises like pushups, sit-ups, squats, etc. can be easily done at home. Or you can do yoga or walk in your terrace/balcony. If you live in an apartment complex, going up and down the stairs can be a very invigorating exercise.
Talk to someone everyday: People working in isolation have to deal with unanswered questions and worries about the future. It’s important to share your thoughts with a family member or friend to get feedback and to release the pent-up emotions. If there’s no one close by, you can use the phone or video chat. Dealing with uncertainties and anxieties can become easier if we make it a point to share our thoughts with someone we trust.
Keep yourself motivated and productive: Even when faced with an unprecedented crisis situation, it is important to keep ourselves motivated. You need to focus on your work and be as productive as you can. By keeping yourself busy with work, you shall be able to avoid the negative emotions. Your approach will inspire your near and dear ones and everyone else who might interact with you.
Eat healthy snacks: What you eat is what you are, so make sure you keep healthy snacks by your side when working. Stress and anxiety often prompt people to eat junk food items, which are high in fat and calories. Simple home cooked snacks and meals are the best options in the current scenario. You can easily prepare these during your work breaks.
Remember that this is temporary: Nothing lasts forever, not even the bad times. Even if the situation may look apocalyptic, you need to remind yourself that this is a temporary phase. The hardships and challenges you are facing are not permanent. This approach will help keep negative thoughts at bay.
Overall, you should try to maintain a positive frame of mind and be optimistic about the future. No matter how hard the current challenges might be or how much worse they may get, things are bound to improve eventually. Following the above suggestions will definitely help you to maintain mental and physical health during work from home.
Add Comment