Working From Home Tips
Since COVID-19 first hit Australia in 2020 many businesses have been operating with employees working from home. At first many saw this as a luxury, however in recent months it has become a necessity. A lot of people thought this would help create an improved work/life balance but unfortunately that has not been the case for everyone.
In clinic at Body Care Health & Chiropractic, over the past seventeen months we have seen an increase in cases of aches and pains, injuries and headaches since working from home became more the normal arrangement for both adults and children (with their schooling). So I have compiled some tips to help you create that better work/life balance that your body, mind and employer will appreciate.
1. Let others in your house know your work plans
As many of us live with other people it can making working from home even more difficult. Just because you are working from home does not mean you are available for distractions all day, every day. Ask them to respect your space during work hours when possible.
2. Choose your workspace
Try to find a space within your home that will be most suitable, for example a study/office space or perhaps a dinning room. Not on the lounge in front of the tv. It may even be a nice option to sit at a table in the backyard or balcony where you can get your work done while taking in some fresh air.
3. Get started early
Even though it is great not having to make the morning (and evening) commute, the transition from your bed to your computer and office area can be much more difficult. Try to stick to a more routine of waking up at the same time and getting changed out of your pj’s.
4. Structure your day like you would in the office
When working from home, you are your own personal manager. Structuring your day as you would in the office will keep you on task and motivated to get your work done. With a structure and plan in place, working from home will not let work to creep into your personal life.
5. Take breaks
It can be easy to lose track of time however it is extremely important to take breaks throughout the day. Use these breaks as an opportunity to get away from your desk. Go for a walk, enjoy fresh air, do some stretching (your body will thank you for it) or even spend a little time with others who might also be in the house.
6. Don’t forget to eat
As mentioned in point 5, it can be easy to lose track of time. It is important to remember to have eating breaks. However, it is also important to watch what you are choosing to eat and how much. An unhealthy diet can affect a person’s productivity and drain their energy. Therefor try to keep some healthy snacks in the house.
7. Prepare your meals and snacks the night before
Not only will preparing your food the night before mean you will be more likely to eat healthier, but it also means you are going to save yourself work time as you will not have to use up extra time cooking.
8. Pick a time to end your workday
Set an alarm at the end of your workday that will let you know your business hours are coming to an end. This will give you time to start saving your work, figure out what you need to do tomorrow and finish up for the evening. This way you can enjoy your evening. It may even help to go for a walk outside.
9. Chat with others
Working from home you will likely miss the social interactions you usually have with colleagues and/or clients and can feel quite isolating. An easy way to fight the loneliness and boredom is by reaching out to others for a call or perhaps a zoom session. Whether it’s a work colleague, a friend or a family member, both you and that other person will enjoy the time, as after all we do need to look after our mental health too!.
Author: Dr Felicity Ede
