As many states reversed the lift on stay-at-home orders, countless Americans are again working from home or continuing to remain there since the initial lock down.
Telecommuting, while facing the coronavirus pandemic, can feel both monotonous and arduous. The world around has slowed down and is changing operationally, but our work – supporting our families, workplaces, and communities – never stops.
While trying to balance your personal life and workload, it’s easy to develop feelings of despair and stagnancy when the same four walls make up both our office and living space. At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that the coronavirus pandemic will not last forever. In the meantime, you must be consistent and purposeful about self-care. It’s up to you to ensure your well-being is a top priority.
Take a look at a few tips for balancing remote work and your health.
- Stretch Often. An ergonomic work environment is essential to supporting your natural posture and reducing stress on your body. Check to make sure your chair and desk set up are posture friendly. Secondly, stretch often. Stretching is an additional way to relieve any stressful forces placed on your body. Stand up and stretch your body, from your ankles to your neck, for about 10-15 minutes. Doing so will help keep your blood flowing, energy high, and body feeling refreshed.
- Step Outside. Vitamin D helps keep the body’s immune system healthy. Found in very few foods, your best source of vitamin D is through sunlight. Being stuck inside all day is a surefire way to leave you depleted of this natural immune booster. Step away from the computer, take a break, and head outside. Take a phone call outdoors or spend time watering your garden. Whatever it may be, be sure to spend a few minutes a day safely soaking up the sunshine.
- Drink Water. Hydrating adequately is key to maintaining a strong immune system, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. The Mayo Clinic recommends 15.5 cups of water per day for men and 11.5 cups for women. Sufficient water intake is vital to staying healthy, as water is used to maintain bodily processes ranging from cell, tissue, and organ function to body temperature regulation and everything in between.
We’re living in unprecedented times, and although working from home does reduce risks associated with COVID-19, maintaining these healthy habits will help boost your immune system, and improve your mental well-being.
