Tips for Staying Healthy While Working from Home

For some people, working from home is a normal routine. This is, after all, the gig economy, and many people have been freelancing, making a living from their home office for many years now. But for others, working from home is a completely new phenomenon brought about by the global pandemic. For this second group of people, working from home has completely changed their day-to-day lives, and many have found their overall health has taken a toll. With lockdowns and social distancing still mandated in many areas of the country, it’s a good idea to discuss some things you can do to stay healthy while you continue to work from home:

Keep Your Routine

We’ve all heard the stories of people admitting they aren’t showering as often and are staying in their PJs all day. While this was fun and novel at the beginning of the pandemic, allowing this to continue can negatively impact your mental and physical health. It's important to keep a daily routine. This means setting an alarm, showering, dressing, etc.

Get Exercise

You may not even realize how much more you used to move around at your office or place of work. The office kitchen and bathroom were probably farther away, and you took breaks just to chat with coworkers. It’s important that you get up from time to time and move around at home as well.

Stock Up on Healthy Food

It will be FAR TOO EASY to put on weight when working from home unless you make sure to get rid of most junk food and instead, stock up on healthy food and snacks.

Stay Connected

Not everyone is cut out for working from home as it can be isolating. If you’re used to being around a lot of people and are feeling lonely, be sure to check in with friends and coworkers throughout the day. None of us really know when life will return to normal. If you are forced to work from home at this time, be sure to follow these tips so you can stay healthy! I am Jaclyn Krebs-Padisak a licensed counselor who has been practicing for over 15 years. My expertise outlines several domains and specialties. I specialize with working among populations such as children 5 years and up, adolescents, university students, adults, and families. I am here to hold a space for those who seek help in managing trauma, anxiety, depression, life adjustments, or obsessive/compulsive symptoms. My goal is to support you or your family member in gaining confidence and more ‘real time’ perspectives of external stressors and life adjustments.  

SOURCES:

• https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/HealthU/2020/03/23/8-healthy-habits-for-working-from-home/
• https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/your-work-from-home-survival-guide-for-self-care/
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/briannawiest/2020/05/11/how-to-maintain-your-mental-health-while-working-from-home/?sh=6fbc8f0e4de2