Working and studying from home has always been around; however, it has greatly increased in popularity over the past few years. And although working from home can be beneficial in many ways, it can also present challenges.
Keep reading to find some top tips on how you can overcome these challenges and boost your mood and overall well-being when working or studying from home.
Use comfortable furniture
Working on a dining or kitchen table doesn’t always allow you to maintain the best position for writing or using a computer.
Investing in an adjustable desk or chair enables you to support your back, arms, and neck appropriately and reduce any aches or pains. You can find ergonomically designed chairs that help with lumbar support and posture, offering optimal comfort for up to eight hours.
Take regular exercise breaks
Sitting at your desk staring into a screen for long periods of time is not healthy for your mind or your physical health. By setting break times where you can get up, take a walk and maybe do some brisk exercise, you can energize yourself and come back to your desk feeling refreshed.
Exercises do not have to be a professional-level gym workout, just anything that gets your heart pumping. You can stretch, do a set of jumping jacks, walk around the room or simply go out into your garden for a breath of fresh air.
Establish a routine
Following on from the previous step, setting up a routine beforehand and sticking to it can really boost productivity and your overall wellbeing.
An important aspect to keep in mind when planning your routine is to keep it realistic. There is little use in creating a routine with too many tasks or that takes you above and beyond your mental and physical capabilities.
Instead, stay focused and set a time to wake up, freshen up, eat breakfast and get dressed. Just setting aside time for these things can get you motivated and signal to your brain that it is time to get work done.
Stay connected
Staying connected with others will help to reduce stress levels, make you feel less isolated, and keep you productive.
So whether it’s getting in touch with your classmates or work colleagues, or reaching out to your professor or manager at work to resolve a query, talking to people can really improve your mood.
Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated
It can be really easy to get caught up in assignments and tasks when working from home, but it is important not to skip meals. Ensure that you have a hearty and healthy breakfast before you log in every morning, and carry on the same good habits throughout the day.
Also, drinking enough fluids is essential for preventing dehydration. Water is the best choice here, but drinking moderate amounts of coffee and tea is also okay. Try to avoid sugary beverages such as energy drinks and juices as they are high in sugar and can leave you feeling sluggish and tired.
