During these difficult times many people are wondering how to stay healthy while working from home.
There are a few things to consider when it comes to looking after your wellbeing while cooped up in your home office. As well as the implications for your physical health, working from home for an extended period – with little or no face-to-face contact with your friends or co-workers – can also take its toll mentally and emotionally.
And with all the uncertainty surrounding what might happen with the economy, stress and anxiety can also come into play. These can have a detrimental impact on your health if you don’t manage them properly. So, if you are currently stuck behind a desk at home with little contact with the outside world apart from the odd Zoom call, or on furlough and sat around twiddling your thumbs, here are a few top tips to help you beat the boredom, keep active and stay positive.
STAY CONNECTED
When it comes to your mental and emotional wellbeing, isolation can play a big part in how happy you feel. When you’re working from home, on your own, you may miss the hustle and bustle of your usual workplace and the day-to-day interaction with your colleagues or friends.
So, it’s essential to make time, every day, to stay in contact with your co-workers, so you don’t get too isolated.
Lunchtime socials on videoconferencing platforms like Zoom or Teams, regular check-ins with your boss or team, and instant messaging apps like Yammer or Slack can help you stay connected and still feel a part of things.
And if you’re feeling down, anxious or stressed, reaching out to a trusted friend or colleague, even if it’s just for a quick chat, can help lift your mood. Taking the time to step away from your home desk to spend time with your pets or family can also give you a feel-good boost.
When you’re working from home, it can be tempting to work harder than you would in the office, because there are no distractions, so be good to yourself and take plenty of breaks.
GET SOME EXERCISE
Although there are restrictions on gyms and organised sports currently, you shouldn’t neglect your physical health. Fresh air and time spent outdoors are excellent for relieving stress and lifting your mood, so why not go for a walk, jog or bike ride?
If you don’t fancy braving the elements, there are plenty of ways to stay fit and healthy indoors. Lift some weights, dig out that celebrity workout DVD that’s been gathering dust since last Christmas, head to YouTube for an online exercise class.
Even if you spend just half-an-hour every day doing exercise which leaves you mildly out of breath, you’ll reap the benefits, including better heart and circulatory health, lower stress and improved emotional wellbeing.
STAY HYDRATED
This one should go without saying. Even if you’re working from home, you should stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day (aim for at least two litres).
Staying hydrated will ensure that all your key body systems are working as they should, transporting the vital nutrients to your organs and flushing away the waste naturally.
And try not to go too mad on the tea or coffee. The odd cuppa is fine, but too much caffeine can lead to anxiety, restlessness, irritability and sleep problems. It’s stressful enough for all of us at the moment, so don’t go making it worse.
TRY AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. By harnessing the essence, fragrance and healing power of natural essential oils, aromatherapy can help you to destress, keep calm and achieve better emotional balance.
Essential oils can be used as a complementary therapy to soothe and treat a wide range of minor ailments, from aches and pains to stress and anxiety, sleep and circulation problems.
You can either use them for a relaxing massage – although always check the label and use a carrier oil if required – or add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to a nice hot bath.
You can also use them with a reed diffuser to create familiar, pleasant-smelling atmospheres which evoke strong and happy memories, to make your home a friendly and welcoming place.
WATCH WHAT YOU EAT (AND DRINK)
When you’re stuck at home, it can be tempting to graze on unhealthy snacks throughout the day or overindulge on alcohol because there’s nothing better to do.
But, eating a balanced diet which is rich in fresh fruit and veg, lean proteins and unsaturated fat is still the best way to stay healthy and ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs.
So, stock up on healthy snacks including nuts, dried fruit and veg sticks that you can swap out for crisps, sweets and biscuits.
Keep plenty of fresh fruit juice and soda water in stock, so you’re not tempted to reach for the wine bottle.
And try to eat at set times rather than snack throughout the day. Don’t deny yourself the odd tipple or treat, as this will help to keep cravings at bay, just try to keep them as the exception rather than the norm.
CHOOSE NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS
If you follow the basic, common-sense tips above, you will be well on the way to emerging at the other side of lockdown in good shape. Eating well, exercising regularly and staying connected will help you to maintain good mental and physical health.
However, if you are concerned that you may be missing out on certain nutrients, or need a helping hand to relax and unwind, then natural supplementation can help.
If you are stuck indoors for long periods, you might not be getting the exposure to sunshine your body needs to produce Vitamin D. This vital nutrient is essential for the development of healthy bones, joints, teeth and muscles. But if you don’t spend long enough in the sunshine, you might not be getting enough. A high-quality natural Vitamin D supplement will help top-up any shortfall.
If you are suffering from stress or anxiety and need some help to relax and unwind, Nutri-Calm can help you stay soothed and settled during times of pressure. It provides plentiful levels of Vitamin C and B-Complex vitamins, which help to maintain a healthy nervous system and reduce tiredness and fatigue.
And if you are looking for an excellent all-rounder to give you a lift, then 5-HTP can help raise your levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin, which can lead to an increased feeling of happiness and encourage a well-balanced mood.
These are just a few of the natural, nutritional supplements we supply, which can help you to stay healthy while working from home. For more ideas, browse our full range.
