Do you remember when COVID-19 was first reported in Wuhan, China? And how the entire world panicked over the news. The virus spread like wildfire, with several affected individuals in every country. However, while everything was happening, some people behaved visibly changed from average to being more worried about their health and safety. According to the World Health Organization article, “most people who become infected with COVID-19 experience mild illness and recover.” However, this is not always the case. Many have been affected severely by COVID-19, and some have died. But the impact on businesses or working-class individuals is also genuine, especially with working from home becoming the norm.
This brings us to an important question, how do you stay safe and healthy while working at home? Let’s explore some tips to stay healthy while working from home:
1. Separate work & leisure spaces
While working from home, keeping your workspace and leisure area different is best. Crosstalk between the two can add to the stress, which can, in turn, affect your productivity. Keep your work area clean, tidy, and clutter-free. This will help you focus better on what needs to be done at the present moment. However, isolation has been a concern, and many people resorted to working in their beds and couches. The idea harmed their body and health. Several cases were reported in which there was an increase in smoking or snacking.
Furthermore, substance abuse and depression were also on the rise, and this has left an impact even on children. Institutions such as Vista Pines Health have been critical in reducing such cases with counseling programs. Their staff helps identify and treat the mental health complications of this pandemic. In addition, they have a daycare program that allows parents to drop in their children while they attend counseling sessions or other programs. More importantly, the institution helps parents and kids understand the situation for what it is and learn to cope with the situation at hand. The overall impact of working from home can be positive if we can focus on being productive without added stress.
2. Don’t let stress take over you
A better solution would be to set up a cozy corner in a room with a study table and chair, which will help you focus on work. A clean and organized workspace is important in helping you accomplish more. Working from home is stressful and can affect you in several ways. You must be mentally and physically prepared for all the tasks ahead of you. Working from home does not necessarily mean no work will be involved. Working from home may include additional responsibilities, such as monitoring social media, email communication with clients or colleagues, etc. The stress of not being able to meet deadlines while staying home can drive you crazy. It is best to find a way around such situations, one of which could be prioritizing your tasks to get the work done on time.
3. Eat healthily and exercise regularly
The next step is to draw a line between your work and personal life. Don’t bring any of that stress onto yourself. Instead, take time off for your family, cook with your loved ones, take a break from work and do something you like.A fantastic approach to start your day is by eating some oats in the morning.Oatmeal is awesome for you because it’s high in carbohydrates, which will give you more energy, and because it’s high in protein and fibre, which are both easy to digest. In all this chaos, refresh and enjoy a little leisure time. The idea is to stay healthy and strong while working from home. Another way to keep yourself stress-free and focused is by working out regularly. Scientists have found that regular exercise positively impacts our mood and productivity. For example, if you plan to work for an hour, get your running shoes on and head out for a run. The endorphin rush will help you stay productive and focused for the rest of the day. So, while working from home, ensure you carve out enough time for your health and well-being. Most importantly, stay positive and try to keep a routine for yourself. This will improve your productivity as well as maintain your mental health.
4. Communicate regularly with your colleagues
Having said that, while working from home, it is essential to communicate regularly with your colleagues. This will increase productivity and keep everyone updated on the work status. One of the biggest challenges businesses experiences while working from home is communication and collaboration. It is important to be able to talk with your team to discuss a project and come up with ideas together. Several online tools help you communicate better with your teams, such as Skype, Slack, and Google Hangouts. These tools can help you stay connected and ensure everyone is on the same page. And if you are a team leader, use these tools to provide constructive feedback and motivate everyone.
4. Maintain a clean and healthy workspace
Finally, don’t forget to take some time out for yourself. Working in a clean and organized environment will help you focus on the tasks. In addition, a few basic things, such as drinking plenty of water and taking short breaks, will help you recharge between work. According to Psychology Today, when we are stressed, our breathing gets shallow, and we tend to forget about basic hygiene. Hence, you must take care of yourself even when working from home. So, ensure that your workspace is well-maintained and clean to ensure that you can work effectively.
Additionally, make it a point to stay hydrated and eat healthy food. This will help you keep your energy levels high and stay focused on the work. Overall, working from home can be a difficult task. However, if you take these simple steps, you can enjoy your work and stay productive.
Conclusion
Working from home may sound as if it has many perks, but it certainly comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. To stay focused and productive while working from home, you should take care of your health, stay connected with teammates, maintain a clean and organized workspace, and prioritize your tasks. Additionally, it is important to try and maintain a routine, stay positive, and stay hydrated. With these simple tips in mind, you can enjoy working from home and be successful at your job. Lastly, remember to take care of yourself and stay healthy to focus on the tasks at hand. Good luck!
