*GUEST POST*
Found out that you’ve put on weight while we’ve had the lockdown restrictions due to COVID-19? It can be a real punch in the face when you step on that scale and realise the pounds have been building up these last couple of months. However, it can also be expected considering you may have been working from home and not been as active as you would have been if you were commuting to work.
It’s never too late to make a change. You’re likely going to be working from home for quite some time, even if lockdown measures have lifted. Getting into a routine that’ll keep you healthy throughout this time can help to reduce the pounds that you gained. Here are 5 top tips you can keep healthy while working from home.
Work in a dedicated space
Switching between different places to work around the house can be rather disruptive to your routine. It leaves you wasting time trying to find comfort while you work and being distracted easily. This won’t be ideal when you need to settle and get to your work.
Find a dedicated work area in your house that you can work in throughout the week. This will have all your necessary tools available to use when you need them and save yourself from being distracted. If possible try to work away from areas in the house that are going to produce lots of noise or create further distractions.
Schedule in an exercise
Now that you’re working from home you may find any excuse to not work out during the day, the main one being that you’re unable to access the gym or you don’t feel comfortable to go during the pandemic. However, scheduling a workout into your day can be great relieving stress that you might have experienced from your working day.
The best way to ensure you commit to the exercise is by scheduling it into your day. This can be either before you start work in the morning, during your lunch break or after you’ve finished work, which tends to be a preference for many as they can feel rather overwhelmed at the end of the day and need to blow off some steam.
Prepare meals and snacks for the day
Taking breaks and eating well can be extremely beneficial for your productivity. It saves you feeling the afternoon slump and ensures that you complete your work to the best of your ability. It also encourages you to plan your day so you feel more organised and can work efficiently.
Planning your snacks and meals saves you from rummaging through the snack drawer and ends up picking unhealthy snacks to eat instead. Choose snacks such as fruit and nuts and cook meals that are high in fibre to keep your brain working throughout the day.
For some of you, you may have certain restrictions or tastes when it comes to your diet such as opting for a vegan diet which means you may struggle to gain certain nutrients that your body needs. If that’s the case, positive alternatives can include vegan probiotic supplements which you can easily take throughout the day.
Take your breaks, within reason
Taking time to recharge your batteries can be as just as important to how much work you actually do. Similar to what you’re taught with workout routines when you’re trying to improve your fitness or appearance. You have the added benefit of utilising your home to take a break now that you’re working from home.
However, try not to over extend your break because before you know it you would have got through a whole series on a Netflix show. Whenever you feel you need to get away, take a nap or a short break from your work to get away before you start your work again. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and ready to go again.
Drink plenty of water
Hydration is important when you’re constantly engaged in your work on a regular basis. If you dehydrate, it can cause headaches and fatigue which can compromise your motivational efforts to complete your work.
Aim to drink at least 2-3 litres of water a day to stay hydrated and keep in good health throughout the day. If you struggle to keep up with how much you need to have, here are some drinking water tips.
Top takeaways
While you may feel comfortable and in a familiar environment at home, don’t let this get in the way of your productivity or your health. Putting in place a schedule and ensuring you have a healthy diet can be important for physical and mental health. Finding the right balance will be pleasing for you and your boss.
Author: Jamie Costello is a Trainee Fitness Instructor, based in the UK. He’s currently on furlough at the moment but is utilising this time to expand his knowledge by researching and producing articles – he believes this will also increase his credibility on top of his other qualifications. He’s still doing workouts at home to pass the time as well as playing sports with any spare time he has.
