At this point we are all used to the “new norm” and we are starting off 2021 knowing how to handle our day to day. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take proactive steps to make this year healthier and more rewarding, despite our constraints. We put together some tips to help make working from home more comfortable, manageable and rewarding.
Establish a routine – whether it is having a cup of coffee in the morning, going on a walk, or taking a lunch break, having a routine helps create a sense of normalcy and separation from work and home life. If you are used to going into the office you remember making the time to exercise in the morning, enjoy your cup of coffee, eat breakfast, meditate, or create a to-do list for the day. We recommend continuing with these tasks to get yourself set up for the day.
Create a dedicated work area – Working from home certainly tests both our focus and interior decorating skills. If your home isn’t equipped with an office, we suggest carving out an area that is used strictly for your work space. This can be a convertible area that changes back to its intended purpose at the end of the work day, but having a space with a desk and comfortable chair makes a world of difference when it comes to focusing and keeping motivated. Try adding a notepad for easy list making, a pen/pencil holder, and an area for your coffee cup and water – hydration is key!
Get ready for the work day – Sure, it is tempting to roll out of bed and log in to your computer, but getting ready for the work day can really set the tone for the day. Getting dressed and looking presentable, doing more video conferences instead of having your camera off, and having facetime with colleagues will help make your work day feel more like it used to. Just because we aren’t leaving the house, doesn’t mean we can’t dress for the occasion!
Take breaks – Arguably, this is our most important tip. Make sure to take breaks throughout the day. Get up, stretch your legs, go for a walk, and get moving. Sitting sedentary all day is detrimental to your health and your mind. Make sure you are moving throughout the day and get your blood flowing. If you are experiencing back pain from your at home set up, we suggest these stretches and exercises to help.
Snack healthy – We know how challenging the temptation to snack throughout the day is when working from home. Eating is a great distraction, but it can bog us down and make us feel tired, unmotivated and lethargic in certain situations. Try creating set breakfast, lunch and snack times to keep yourself on schedule, and focus on snacks that give you energy like apples, bananas, eggs, whole grains, yogurt and hummus. Tea and coffee are great options too!
Set work hours – Setting a schedule of when to start and end your day helps maintain the coveted work life balance that we all seek. Working from home has made us more accessible and available, but it is important to set boundaries and a sense of differentiation between working and being at home. While we understand meetings and deadlines will come up that will fall outside of your set hours, attempting to maintain a semblance of a schedule will help you stay focused and organized, while not overwhelming yourself with always “being on.”
Stay connected – Just because we are spending more time at home doesn’t mean we can’t prioritize our health! Check with your acupuncture clinic to see if they offer telehealth appointments to continue focusing on your physical and mental health. Telehealth appointments are great for guided meditation, posture therapy, herbal support, acupressure, diet plans, and so much more!
2021 is ready to be molded in whatever way we choose. Let’s start the year off on the right foot and prioritize our minds, body, and health!