7 Simple Ways to Improve Your Daily Life While Working from Home
The question of whether working from home causes depression is a controversial one. There are mixed results in studies done by PsychCentral which show that there can be different factors contributing to the cause, and it varies from person to person. One study found that those who work from home were more likely to report being satisfied with their jobs than people who worked at the office because they didn't have to commute, were able to spend more time with loved ones, and had more flexibility.
However, another study found that overall mental well-being was on the decline for people working from home and increased the chances of depression. Reasons include things like lower physical activity, eating more food, higher workload and longer hours.
There are definitely pros and cons to working from home, but one of the main things to focus on is maintaining a good balance between your work and personal life. With the following seven simple tips, you can make your daily routine more productive and healthier while working from home.
1. Set up a dedicated workspace
Working from home can be a great experience, but it can also be difficult to maintain a healthy balance between your work and personal lives. One way to improve your daily life while working from home is to set up a dedicated workspace. This will help you to stay focused and productive during the day and there are a few tips we wanted to share that can help you carve out a dedicated workspace.
Decide on a specific space in your house that will be used only for work
This can be a spare room, office, or even just a corner in your living room. Try to avoid working in a bed or on the couch, as this can make it harder to concentrate and can lead to back or neck pain.
Make sure the space is quiet and free from distractions
If you live with other people, make sure they know not to disturb you while you're working. Put up a sign on your door or let them know when you'll be available to talk. Close the door to your workspace if possible. If you can't have a dedicated room for your office, try using a screen or partition to create a physical barrier.
Set up a desk and chair that are comfortable and ergonomic
Your desk and chair should be comfortable so that you can sit for long periods of time without getting back or neck pain. Make sure your chair has good back support and that your desk is at a comfortable height. Invest in a good quality office chair if possible, they're worth every penny and your body will thank you in the long run.
2. Take breaks to stretch your muscles and relax your eyes
When you're working from home, it's easy to forget to take breaks. This can lead to muscle pain, eye strain, and fatigue. It's important to take breaks often to stretch your muscles and relax your eyes.
Taking a break to stretch your muscles
Get up from your desk and walk around for a few minutes every hour. Stretch your arms, legs, and back. Try doing some simple exercises like sit-ups or push-ups. Taking a break to move your body will help to increase your energy and focus.
Take breaks to relax your eyes
If you're looking at a computer screen all day, your eyes can get tired and strained. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and focus on something else for 20 seconds, this will help to prevent eye strain. If you have a window, try to look outside and focus on something far away.
3. Go outside for at least 10 minutes each day
Working from home can sometimes make you feel isolated, so it's important to go outside and get some fresh air every day. There are many benefits to going outside for at least 10 minutes each day, including:
Boosting your mood
Just 10 minutes each day can help to boost your mood and make you feel more connected to the world. The sun and fresh air can do wonders for your mental health.
Getting some much-needed vitamin D
We all know that getting enough vitamin D is important for our health, but did you know that going outside can help you to get your daily dose? Just 10 minutes of sun exposure can help your body to produce the vitamin D it needs for many people.
Improving your focus and concentration
There is evidence to suggest that spending time in nature can help to improve your focus and concentration. If you're finding it difficult to focus while working from home, try taking a break and spending some time outside as the change of scenery can help you reset and come back stronger.
4. Meditate and/or exercise
In order to maintain a good work-life balance while working from home, it's important to do things that help you relax and de-stress. Meditation and exercise are two excellent ways to do this.
Meditation
There are many benefits to meditation including reducing stress, improving sleep, and increasing focus and concentration.
If you're new to meditation, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. There are also many apps that offer guided meditations. Once you find a method that works for you, stick with it and make it a part of your daily routine. It will be tough at first but stick with it and you should see good results.
Exercise
Exercising not only helps to improve your physical health, but also your mental health. It's a great way to reduce stress and increase energy levels.
If you're new to exercise, start slow and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. There are many different types of exercises, so find ones that you enjoy and stick with them. You don't need to go to the gym to get a good workout, there are plenty of great bodyweight exercises that can help you get in shape without any equipment.
5. Eat healthy foods and snacks
It's important to eat healthy foods and snacks when working from home so that you have the energy you need to stay focused and productive. The foods you eat can have a big impact on your energy levels, focus, and productivity. There are many healthy foods that are great for boosting energy levels and concentration, including:
- Nuts and seeds
- Oats
- Dark chocolate
- Green tea
- Fruit and vegetables
- Fish
If you're looking for a quick snack that will give you a boost of energy, try nuts or seeds. Oats are also a great option as they are packed with nutrients and fibre. If you're looking for a healthy treat, dark chocolate is a great option. Green tea is also a great choice as it contains caffeine and antioxidants.
6. Get enough sleep
It's important to get enough sleep when working from home, and in general, so that you can be productive and focused during the day. Getting enough sleep has many benefits, including:
- Increasing energy levels
- Improving focus and concentration
- Reducing stress
There are many things you can do to help improve your sleep, including:
- Sticking to a regular sleep schedule
- Creating a relaxing bedtime routine including no screens for half an hour before going to sleep
- Limiting caffeine intake
- Avoiding alcohol before bed
- Exercising regularly
7. Make time for socializing and networking
When working from home, it's easy to become isolated and disconnected from the outside world. It's important to make time for socializing and networking so that you can stay connected with others. There are many ways to socialize and network, including:
- Attending meetups
- Joining online communities
- Volunteering
Making time for socializing and networking will help you stay connected with others and can improve your mental health. It's also a great way to meet new people and learn new things.
Conclusion
Working from home can be a great way to improve your work-life balance. However, it's important to make sure that you take care of yourself both mentally and physically. These seven tips can help you stay focused and productive while also improving your mental health. Try incorporating some or all of these tips into your daily routine and see how they help you.