As many of us will be spending more time at home over the next few months, it's essential to strike a balance between work and life to maintain a healthy work-life balance. For each of us, this will mean something different; however, regardless of your circumstances, there are a few things you can do to make your time at home a little easier and healthier.
Maintain a routine.
A new routine may take a while to develop and will depend on the demands placed on you by your work or children, however, some things can help with both mental and physical health when staying at home for long periods. Waking up and going to sleep at the same time every day can have a significant impact on wellness, ensuring that you have a better sleep and also feel more settled when you wake up.
Use screens thoughtfully.
Technology can help us to connect with those who are not there, but it can also take us away from things happening around us. Delete the apps that you find distracting, such as news or social media, and schedule in quality catch-ups with friends and family via video.
Take time to adjust your home workstation.
If you will be spending hours at a time on your computer, it is essential to take the time to ensure your workstation is set up optimally to reduce stress on your body while working. You can chat with your physiotherapist for some tips on how to set up your home office.
Stay in touch with your physio.
Stay connected with your physio through telehealth physiotherapy sessions, especially if you are experiencing pain while working from home. Your physiotherapist can provide various online treatment solutions and support, even if you are unable to attend a physical clinic. Reach out to your physiotherapist via email or telehealth sessions to see how they can help you manage your pain and discomfort effectively. You may be pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness and convenience of telehealth physiotherapy.
Join an online fitness group and work out with others.
Participate in online exercise classes and stay motivated by working out with others, even while at home. Joining a daily online workout session is one way to keep active and also stick to a schedule. Many of the videos allow you to join in live, helping to increase commitment and a sense of community with your fellow athletes. By following safe exercise practices at home, you can maintain a healthy and active lifestyle while staying connected with others.
Stretch before bed.
Incorporate some shoulder exercises at home into your exercise routine before sleep to improve your flexibility and prepare your body for rest. Begin with three simple stretches - calf, hamstrings, and triceps - and gradually expand your repertoire to include shoulder exercises. Before going to bed, stretching can help reduce muscle tension and stiffness, and promote relaxation, thereby improving the quality of your sleep. To achieve the optimal effect, hold each stretch, including the shoulder exercises, for at least 30 seconds. Try incorporating this exercise before sleep routine into your daily schedule for a better and more refreshing night's sleep.
As we spend more time working from home, it's important to prioritize our physical and mental health. Maintaining a routine, being mindful of screen time, setting up a comfortable workspace, availing yourself of home physiotherapy services, and joining online fitness groups are all great ways to stay healthy and connected during these times.
Additionally, simple stretches before bed can help prepare the body for rest and promote flexibility. By taking care of ourselves in these ways, we can better navigate the challenges of working from home and emerge healthier and happier on the other side.