Even before COVID-19 and social distancing, working from home was gaining popularity for several reasons. Many find that working from home provides increased flexibility in your schedule and more family time. But, working from home can also create challenges. If you aren’t intentional in your efforts to stay active and healthy, it is very easy to slip into a sedentary lifestyle. This week, LiveWell Now! is sharing tips and tricks to help you stay active while working from home.
Set realistic goals
It’s essential to set yourself up for success by setting realistic goals that align with your life. You can avoid feeling discouraged about exercising by aiming for an amount of exercise that feels right to you. Make sure to treat exercise as a way to honor your body. It’s not a chore—it’s something you get to do! Remember to be gentle on yourself and find a physical activity that you do enjoy and find a time in your schedule that works best for your balance.
Schedule a workout into your daily routine
Habits are very powerful and can keep you on track. Habits are especially helpful when you are working from home. If you schedule something into your day—like a wellness break or quick walk—you are more likely to do it. In the same way that you would schedule a conference call or meeting throughout your day, schedule time for some physical activity. As physical activity becomes a more frequent part of your schedule, it can develop into a habit that keeps you healthy and happy!
Practice time blocking
One of the biggest differences between working from home and working in an office is how you spend your time! When you work in an office you are more likely to take a break, grab coffee or tea from the local shop, go for lunch, or talk with a coworker. When you work from home, you might feel obligated to stay stationed at your desk to avoid missing any critical updates or requests. But, it is important for your physical and mental health that you continue to take the normal breaks. Practice blocking time on your calendar to take a break for coffee or tea, stretch, go for a walk, chat with a friend, or to just give your eyes a break from screen time.
Schedule active meetings
Don’t forget to go outside and take in the fresh air when you work from home
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A great opportunity to get outside is to schedule an active meeting, where you take your meeting on the go. Apart from the physical health benefits of active meetings, they also stimulate creativity by activating blood flow and increasing relaxation. The next time you have a phone conference meeting or brainstorm with a colleague, try converting it to a walking or active meeting. Your walking meeting will not only benefit you but the person you are meeting with!
Move at your desk
Moving in some way when you are at your desk is good way to release tension in your body. Did you know that when you are focused or concentrated at work, you unconsciously contract your body? After several hours of focused work, your body can benefit from a few movements to loosen up. A few simple movements you can do right at your desk are rotating your wrists and ankles, stretching your arms above your head, or turning your head from left to right and up and down. Take it a step further, by taking a moment to center yourself and practice mindfulness.
