Thaught by last year’s experience, we believe you should leave nothing to chance in 2021. This is the right time to set new goals, make some improvements, and start afresh, even if you are spending most of the time at home, working. As you already know, 2020 announced a new era of homeworking, and 2021 seems to be it.
Now you are doing tasks and contacting costumers from the comfort of your home, you don’t have to worry about being late for work. What could possibly go wrong? We hoped for this question. Spending hours in risky postures, snacking two times in an hour, and not taking morning walks to the train station may cause musculoskeletal issues and affect your wellbeing.
Fret not! We have prepared a list of healthy homeworking resolutions that will help you restore or develop new, healthy routines, and boost your physical wellbeing and mood.
1. Be consistent with your morning routine
Victor Hugo used to take baths in ice-cold water on his rooftop every morning. Anna Wintour plays tennis every morning. Oprah Winfrey meditates for 20 minutes once she wakes up to set up her mood for the day and maintain her well-being. What’s your superpower (morning routine)?
Whatever it be, stick to the routine you created while you used to go to work or incorporate new activities. Give yourself at least 15 minutes before sitting down to work and meditate, try out new relaxation techniques, stretch, or take a morning walk with your dog. Any kind of physical exercise or mental calming will warm you up and make you more eager for challenges at work.
2. Use the Pomodoro technique to boost productivity without stressing out
Dealing with pressure of working in a different environment may affect your productivity. If you are looking for smart hacks that can help you get more in less time and reduce stress, try the Pomodoro technique (basically a time management method). It advocates 5-minute breaks after 25-minute working sessions, and 15 to 30-minutes breaks after every hour and a half.
3. Practice self-care
Maintaining your mental health is one of the top priorities during this sensitive time. In order to prevent burnout, include activities such as dancing, journaling, gardening, painting – a hobby that can entertain you and fill you with joy. If you manage to find a way to forget about piled-up work for a bit and release tension, you’ll find yourself more motivated once you get back to work.
4. Upgrade your furniture
Now that you are spending most of the day at home, do you realise how important it is to make it as comfortable and inviting as possible? Do you feel like sitting on those kitchen stools makes your back and neck hurt? Is your bed soft and supportive at the same time? If you feel like working from home has only encouraged your musculoskeletal problems instead of soothing them, that means one thing – you need an immediate furniture upgrade. Invest in ergonomic furniture – chairs/stools, seat cushions, desks/tables, etc.
5. Stay hydrated
This may sound absurd, but most remote workers drink less water than when working from their offices. Don’t allow yourself to go a day without a single glass of water. Stick to those 2 to 2.5 liters per day to flush out toxins from your body and stay fit (provided you maintain a certain level of physical activity). Have a sip of water every 10 minutes and you will gradually get used to drinking more water.
Summary
Transitioning to working from home is a permanent reality for many of us. If you were looking for ways to adapt to this situation, we hope our tips would help you stay happy, healthy, and productive as a remote worker. Not going to the gym, spending most of the day at your home, and not going to social events doesn't have to be boring. Instead, make the most out of this time to improve your wellbeing and do the things you love.
