Work from home – wellness

Working from home has become the new norm in 2020 and this adjustment calls for work from home wellness tips.  Many are teleworking full-time for the first time, secluded from co-employees, friends and family. Our daily living routines have changed leading to anxiety, stress and strain—physically, mentally, and financially. It is very normal to be stressed. That’s why it is now more important for employees to prioritize their health by practising healthy habits at home in the following ways,

1. Keep a regular schedule

Create and maintain a routine and schedule when working from home. Treat it like a normal working day. Take a bath and dress up. Working in your pyjamas can make you lose focus. Maintain your morning ritual of drinking coffee or tea, or whatever it may be that you do when you get to work. Write down your daily goals in a time table and don’t forget to take breaks in between. With a designated work area, avoid eating at your computer. Move around from time to time so that you relax.

2. Wellness programming

Organisations can still engage employees in wellness programming while they work from home. They can come up with weekly exercise routines and weekly challenges. To incentivise their employees, they can introduce rewards for the employees who finish the challenges. This helps boost their immune system and keep them fit. Those without group workouts should ensure that they eat healthy whilst working from home and exercise regularly. Make a commitment to stay strong by getting enough sleep, eating well and staying hydrated and taking vitamins.

3. Stay Connected

Social distancing does not mean self-isolation. Stay in touch with co-workers, friends and family as much as possible. Set up a check-in timetable with your employer or co-worker, especially if you stay and work alone. Make sure you are clear on targets or deadlines and project briefs. Communicate any issues you may be facing to your employer. Stay connected with your support systems using platforms like FaceTime, Skype, Google Hangout and other video-based options. Talk about your fears and concerns with people you trust. Chances are they are feeling the same way.

4. Distract and redirect

Get a new hobby, find new activities to distract you from all negativity. Engage in activities that benefit your well-being and bring you joy. This might include meditation or yoga which is often offered free online. You may also enjoy journaling, reading, art projects, cooking with new recipes, breathing exercises, or listening to calming music.  Avoid nonstop exposure to news, broadcasting, and social media that may cause or raise anxiety, stress, or panic.

It`s not easy to be living through a pandemic even if you are healthy and safe. It is normal to feel alone due to social isolation and the disturbances of day to day routines.  If you feel stressed, try and get as much support from your family, friends, co-workers and employer.

References

https://www.peninsulagrouplimited.com/ca/tips-to-ensure-employee-wellness-in-the-remote-workplace/

http://www.iowahealthieststate.com/resources/individuals/5210/work-from-home-wellness/

https://www.henryford.com/blog/2020/04/ways-to-maintain-health-work-life-balance-at-home