Introduction:
Even before the Covid virus has shaken the world and made work from home the new normal, 56.7 million Americans were offering freelance service from the comfort of their sofa.
The freakish virus exploded in number, with 47 % of the citizens engaging in their work-life at home. Lack of social interactions and movement instantly showed its impact, with depression and obesity becoming two of the most widespread health concerns for people worldwide.
Now that the virus has finally made an escape, your life is drifting back to the previous phase, isn’t it?
As you have the freedom to go outside, it is the right time to unburden yourself and up your physical and mental health. Below are five effective hacks which might sound simple but will make your WFH schedule more fulfilling and easy!
1. Start Your Morning with a Body Stretch –
Nothing is better than waking your muscles with gentle stretches that prepare them to take all the beating of the day. If you are someone who has to sit for long hours, your hip flexors and gluteus are prone to become stiff by the end of the day.
When you do not flex these muscles before the day begins, it puts strain on your lower body, causing pain and soreness. A full-body stretch routine also improves blood circulation and oxygen levels in your body. If you prefer exercising first thing in the morning, stretching will act as a catalyst in your workout. In addition, it will make your fitness routine smooth.
2. Ergonomic Sitting Space –
Incorrect body posture can affect your alignment and cause long-term damage to your muscles and bones. People who follow a sedentary lifestyle might suffer back issues if they don’t have a chair or workstation that helps them to sit erect.
Replacing your chair with a yoga ball for short periods is effective in relieving back pain as it forces you to sit straight.
Another solution for posture correction is an adjustable desk. It allows you to work in both seated and standing positions.
Being seated for prolonged periods increases the risk of suffering metabolic syndrome; therefore, you must take a five-minute break every 30 minutes. This ensures the same muscle groups aren’t strained for extended periods.
3. Maintain a Schedule –
When you have the whole day to yourself or no one to hold you accountable, losing track of time in trivial tasks becomes commonplace. You might drift into a routine of letting the distractions take the best of you.
But, with the simple tricks, you can make a transition to a more disciplined life!
Treat your work like a day job and see the difference. You will not only get things done on time but also have the luxury of spending quality time with your loved one or pursuing your beloved hobbies!
Let the basic human psychology principles help you. Have a separate workspace, and don’t conduct your home errands there. Dress up for your work as you would instead of sitting in your cosy PJ’s! Sounds bizarre? We know! The truth is it tricks your brain to enter into work mode.
4. Boosting Your Mental Health –
Performing a vigorous workout session of 30 minutes or longer, releases endorphins in your bloodstream. So, it is no brainer why you feel pumped up after coming out of the gym.
However, with so many stressors competing for your attention and limited social life, your thoughts can become intertwined.
As much as positive thinking is essential, so is having an emotional outlet to release the pent-up unpleasant emotions. Giving yourself the time to assess your state of mind, observing negative thoughts if you experience any are two essential steps to maintain sound mental health.
It is equivalent to de-cluttering your mind. Can’t find focus? Try guided meditation and take on a new rejuvenating journey. Does indulging your spiritual self-calm your mind and bring you peace? Go on and try mantra chanting.
5. Make Healthy Eating a Priority –
You might feel tempted to skip eating when you don’t have a fixed time for your meals and tea breaks. Snacking on carb-rich processed food becomes a quick fix for preparing an elaborate meal which takes planning and time.
Fighting obesity isn’t challenging when you prioritize nutritious food. Though it feels like a task, cooking can be fun and quick when done strategically.
Preparing your dressing in advance, having fruits and yoghurt in your refrigerator to turn them into smoothies and dough ready for baking will stop you from reaching for junk.
Conclusion:
Needless to say, WFH requires spending a significant amount of time at home. However, it shouldn’t stop you from living a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. Simple stress management techniques like having to-do lists and planning your meals can ease the mental burden.
