Staying Healthy While Working at Home

Sitting in a cubicle can be bad for your health but so can working at home. Here are some tips to stay healthy and sane.

Bring the Outdoors Indoors

Even if you have to be in front of a computer while you work, bring the outdoors to you. Start by opening your window shades to bring in some natural light, and maybe get a bit of sunshine on your pale face.

If the weather permits, open a window or two to get a little crosswind going on inside. This will help get some fresh air into your lungs.

Houseplants are another way to freshen up your workspace and they increase the oxygen in the room. They also give someone to talk to if you are lonely…

Clean Quiet Work Environment

Keep a clean and quiet workplace. Don’t eat at your desk and try to clean up the clutter at least once a week.

Get Out and Talk to People

Working at home can be lonely. Find networking opportunities in your area and try to get to at least one a week.

Treat Your Stay-at-home job like a job

Just because you can sit around in your pajamas all day, doesn’t mean you should. Stick to a routine. For example:

1. Wake up at the same time every day
2. Take a shower and get dressed
3. Eat a healthy breakfast
4. Check your emails
5. Get down to work

Move Around

Sounds simple enough. Get up and stretch or walk around every hour. If you work at a computer don’t sit at your desk all day. Mix it up: sitting, standing and laying down if possible.

With a Splash of Exercise

Mix up your day by adding in chores and exercise. You don’t have to go to the gym to get exercise. If you have a long phonecall to make, walk around the block while you talk. Take the dog for a walk. Mowing the lawn is a great way to get outside and get a little exercise. 

Don’t Use Food as a Reward

Food is fuel but not something to reward yourself with. Never give yourself a food treat for finishing a project. After finishing a project take an exercise break.

What do you do to stay healthy while working at home?