More and more of us now work from home. In the UK, it is estimated that around a quarter of workers have been exclusively based from home during Covid-19, although it is likely that number will have reduced, since places of work have been encouraged by the government to open up.
Working from home
While working from home may be convenient as you avoid the commute to and from work, it also means that most, if not all of your work will be online.
As a result of that, home based workers may stay seated in front of computers for long periods of time. And while it may seem harmless, this lifestyle can come with potential health risks, such as high blood sugar, muscle tension and the inevitable weight gain. In the pandemic, it is important to find time to exercise.
Make a conscious effort to get up
Make a conscious effort to get up, and eat or to drink water. It may be convenient to have food and water within reach at your desk, but it is not without it's problems if you're not actively taking time to walk about. Standing up and going to the kitchen makes you walk, and increases your step count.
Take time also to eat lunch away from your desk to ensure you are getting a proper break. Eating while working, can lead you to overeat, as your attention is split between multiple tasks, and this may cause unhealthy weight gain and bad snacking habits.
Taking time out
Additionally, taking time to eat lunch away from your desk, not only keeps you energised and nourished, it also gives your brain much-needed time out. It is important to ensure you are taking productive breaks. Aside from lunch breaks, taking other breaks is beneficial for your mind and your productivity.
Sitting and staring at a screen for long periods of time is simply not good for you, whereas taking breaks allows you time to recover, rest and reset. Making sure you take regular breaks also helps to rebuild some of your energy and mental resources, which helps you to feel more productive, once you return to your desk.
Taking 'Breaks'
Taking breaks, also decrease fatigue, sleep disorders and risk of cardiovascular disease. Consider standing up when you take your breaks instead of sitting in the same place, or even take a quick walk outside. Finding a good work-life balance incorporating some light activity into your working day, might seem challenging at first, however once you make a habit of it, it can start to feel more natural.
Prioritise your wellbeing
It is important to prioritise your wellbeing and a positive work-life balance. While our careers are important, our wellbeing matters just as much, if not more, and when we nurture good mental health, our lives benefit too.
Source: https://www.thisiscalmer.com
This is a great reminder of the need for us to get off our seats and be more active. For me working from home has led to an increase in productivity, but I have noticed how easy it is to extend the working day at both ends and that's not good for my mental of physical health.
It's easy to be engrossed in tasks staring at a screen without reasoning how long we have been sitting. I try and get up at 2-3 times an hour and go for a walk around the house just to stretch and release tension in my shoulders.
Thanks. Yes, I agree. Working from home has its merits; you're your own boss, you can decide if you're going to pack in work early, you choose how you manage your time, but it also has its downfalls.
It's easy to be lazy, more despondent and less motivated working from home. I like your idea and think more of us should follow your rule.