4 Best Practices to Take Care of Your Body While Working from Home

Ditching the office cubicle for the comforts of working from home sounds like a dream to many. Well, it is—until your back starts hurting and your eyes glaze over from screen fatigue. Currently, 42% of the U.S. labor force is now working from home full-time! Now that many employees are adjusting to the remote working lifestyle, it’s become challenging to stay in shape and remain healthy.

Here are 4 amazing ways to take care of your body while working from home and staying in tip-top shape.

1. Ergonomics

The awkward chairs at your company’s office weren’t appealing to most employees. Turns out, high-quality office chairs were designed to keep you upright. While working from your couch or bed feels cozy, it’s a one-way ticket to back pain.

What is ergonomics? It is when you arrange your workspace so that it fits you and the job you are doing. People working from home can invest in a chair that supports the lower back. This is a great way to maintain your body while spending ours working remotely from your laptop.

Want to take it to the next level? Add a standing desk to your home workspace. Make sure your keyboard and mouse are in comfortable positions too. This helps your arms remain parallel to the floor. The goal is to create a space that minimizes strain and reduces the risk of developing musculoskeletal issues.

Companies right in our backyard here in San Diego County are instilling ergonomics values for their employees who work from home. SD House Guys, a San Diego cash house buyer, encourages their local employees to invest in ball chairs for their home offices. These help stimulate the core and lower back while sitting at home working from a desk. More companies, like this real estate company, are prioritizing employee health while they work remotely.

2. Move It or Lose It

The walk from your bedroom to your ‘home office’ doesn’t count as exercise! It’s tempting to remain a couch potato when you’ve already been working from home all day. Physical exercise helps maintain your well-being. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day to keep that blood pumping and those endorphins flowing.

You don’t have to go overboard with crazy, high-intensity workouts. Simple stretching exercises, a quick yoga routine, or even dancing to your favorite tunes can do the trick. Incorporate these into your workday while at home.

Another easy way to take care of your body while working from your house is stretching every hour. The more you move your body, the better it will feel. Walking around the block during lunchtime is another easy hack to maintain your health when working remotely. The benefits of body movement go beyond just physical health too! Exercise can help decrease anxiety and improve your focus. Typically, if you exercise during the day, you’ll be a more productive worker bee.

3. Munch Mindfully

When your kitchen is just a few steps away, it’s easy to indulge in endless snacking. While that tub of ice cream does seem tempting, your body needs proper nutrition to function efficiently. Make sure to include a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Keep your pantry stocked with healthy snacks that you can eat while working from your apartment.

Consider preparing meals in advance if possible! This helps avoid grabbing the easiest (and possibly unhealthiest) option when you’re swamped with work. Also, drink more water! Staying hydrated is key for many bodily functions! Both your immune system and metabolism benefit from proper water consumption. Remember, what you eat has a direct impact on your energy level and productivity.

4. Don’t Forget to Unplug

The boundary between ‘work mode’ and ‘home mode’ can get fuzzy when you’re doing everything under the same roof. Make sure to set boundaries for a healthier work-life balance. Establish a daily routine that includes ‘switching off’ from work. Engage in activities that make you happy while at home, such as:

• Reading
• Painting
• Meditating
• Yoga
• Spending time with family

All of these unplugging hobbies help manage stress. They take you away from your work-from-home life and allow you to enjoy life! Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep just because spend most of the day at home. It’s crucial for both physical and mental health. Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping gadgets out of the bedroom and sticking to a regular sleep schedule.

Stay Healthy While Working from Home

Taking care of yourself while working from home is necessary to be happy and healthy. Even small changes to your remote working routine make a difference. Don’t feel like you have to go crazy! From ergonomic workspace tweaks to mindful eating, each step you take is an investment in your future self. Take care of your body while working from home to conquer each upcoming work day.