A few years back, working from home seemed more like a reserved perk for just a few companies. In the past year, though, the work-from-home has been adopted as a reaction to the ongoing pandemic. There are some benefits of remote working. For starters, you get to work in your pajamas! There is also less commuting stress. You will save on gas or transport budget and more. These benefits are attractive to anyone transitioning into the new norm of working from home. However, being sedentary with remote work can take a toll on physical and mental health. It is necessary to take the initiative towards ensuring that you stay active and healthy. The good news is that you do not need to leave your house to achieve fitness and health. Here are a few ways you can stay fit and healthy as you work from home:
Stay hydrated
As you work from home, one of the best healthy habits is to start drinking enough water. Water is essential for the well-being of our bodies. Every cell, tissue, and organ in our bodies need water. They cannot function efficiently without water. Simply put, your body cannot perform its work of keeping you alive when without water.
Water is helpful in the regulation of body temperature, lubrication of joints, getting rid of any toxins and waste in the body, and protecting tissues. Taking less fluid could put you at risk of potential health problems. For example, Dehydration can cause low energy levels or even go to the extent of impairing your brain’s function. So, try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, depending on the weather. Of course, that is easier said than done.
Tip: Maybe you can try to have a glass or bottle of water at your workstation at all times. You are more likely to remember to drink your water when you can see it in front of you.
Talk frequent walks
Staying fit does not have to entail running. Walking is also an excellent way to promote overall health. Even just half an hour of brisk walking every day is enough to strengthen your bones, improve cardiovascular fitness, get rid of excess body fat, and boost muscle strength. Walking can also help you reduce the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. The best thing about walking is that you do not need any equipment or training. You can also do it anytime during the day. You could opt to take walks with your friends or even your dogs during your work breaks.
Better even, have a friend or loved one take a walk with you! They do not have to be in the same physical area as you. You can facetime them or talk on the phone while taking a walk. Yes, catch up with your friends and take a break as you keep fit! Talk of killing two birds with one stone.
Exercise more
Block out some time in your day to exercise. Working out does not have to be some intense sprint for it to be effective. Just moving your body with moderate physical activity, even for thirty minutes, is sufficient. Moving your body improves circulation. You will get your heart pumping. That blood flow supplies oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body. Exercise also encourages lymph flow. It will in turn promote a healthy immune system.
The best thing is that you do not need to have a gym membership or leave your apartment to get in some activity. You can use an online fitness coach who will tailor-make specific workouts for your particular fitness goals. If you are struggling to make progress, perhaps you need to incentivize your exercises.
Reward yourself with something great when you manage to smash your workout goals. It will make you want to work out more. You can always improvise and use some of your household items as weights.
Add more fruits and vegetables into your diet
Fruits and vegetables are some of the best sources of vitamins and minerals. They are packed with magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, folic acid, vitamins A, C, E, etc. Moreover, they have low fats, sugars, and salt. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of dietary fibre that will fill you up while boosting your gut health. You can never get bored with fruits and vegetable options. There are many textures and flavors that will challenge you to get creative in the kitchen. They also have a high-water content. They will keep you hydrated! You could even spruce up your vegetable and fruit intake by making more smoothies as you work from home.
Include self-care in your routine
Self-care is an umbrella term that includes just about anything that you can do to feel good and be good to yourself. The idea behind self-care is that showing yourself kindness, as you would to other people. Working, whether from home or otherwise, is bound to get stressful. It is still working, with those reports and deadlines to meet.
View yourself as a resource that needs replenishing to avoid draining away. Self-care increases productivity. It also improves disease resistance, self-esteem, and puts you in a better position to be compassionate to others. At the end of a stressful day, try to do something that brings you joy. Be it meeting your friends for a drink, cleaning up your house, or journaling.
Get enough sleep
Good sleep is as essential to our well-being as healthy food and exercise. When working from home, it can be hard to separate between home time and work time. It is common to find your work bleeding into the late night and eating into your sleeping time. You will need to get disciplined with how you manage your time. Sleep allows your body to recharge and be ready for another day. Getting enough sleep also increases focus, prevents heart diseases and excessive weight gain.
Wrap up
A healthy mind and body are essential in achieving the best results in your personal and work life. That is why you need to prioritize your health and ensure that you stay fit and healthy even as you work from home. Use online options to stay fitter, watch your diet, and don’t forget to take breaks from work.
Tammie~
These are all great ideas. Thanks!