For some, telecommuting full or part-time is a flexible benefit offered to them by their employers. For others, winter is here, and that means snow days and the chance to work from home. If you are stuck inside for several days at a time, follow these steps to stay healthy and active while telecommuting.
If you’re working from home, chances are that you’re facing a computer. It’s no secret that this kind of job can be detrimental to one’s health. Sitting around for hours at a time doesn’t keep your body active. Since you’re working from home, you’re able to exercise while working without having to worry about what the rest of the office thinks. Here are some tips to get you started.
- Avoid sitting for too long: Of course, you’ll be seated for a period of time, but break it up with periods of standing. This is easier to do if you have a taller surface to work on, such as a bar area. You can also take advantage of wide windowsills, which will give you plenty of natural light and an inspiring view. If you don’t have any options, consider purchasing a standing desk.
- Get a yoga ball: If you prefer sitting, avoid the potential health problems posed by traditional office chairs and use an exercise ball instead. It’ll exercise your core by requiring you to balance while you remain seated. It’s a small adjustment that has many benefits. Furthermore, if you’re working from home because you’re caring for a child, he or she can enjoy the new item as much as you do. However, if you have a pet, you may want to consider its temperament before investing in a giant inflatable ball.
- Design your office wisely: Plan out your home office so that you have to get up and move around in order to tend to professional tasks. Whether this means elevating your printer on a shelf or placing it across the room or even in another part of the house, a little exercise goes a long way. It may seem as if these are little activities, but they all add up. Even a little bit of physical activity is better than none.
- Take breaks: It isn’t just sitting that can be detrimental to your health – it’s staying seated for an extended period of time. As such, take frequent breaks and walk around the home. If you find yourself tempted to lounge on the couch, head outside and take a quick walk around the block. Chances are, your co-workers do this at work. You can enjoy the same kind of break, allowing you to rejuvenate your mind and get back into working mode while increasing your level of physical activity.
- Pay attention to posture: It’s no secret that posture is important in many ways, from first impressions to general health. When you realize that you’re beginning to slouch, fix your posture immediately.
- Use the right seat: When you work from home, it may be tempting to work from your bed. However, not only will this increase the likelihood of you becoming more distracted or lounging, but it can also be detrimental to your sleep pattern. Working from your bed will associate this piece of furniture with work, which can make it harder for you to sleep at night. As such, make a point of having a desk setup that you work from daily. If you use an office chair, it should be comfortable, but not so much so that you’re tempted to lounge.
- Tend to personal responsibilities: Chances are, you left the workforce because you had personal tasks that required your immediate attention, such as raising a child. If you’re working from home for the same reason, you have the right and opportunity to tend to these tasks. Take advantage of your new flexible job and spend time with your little one to increase your and his or her physical activity levels.