Working from home can offer many advantages to the modern professional, but it also comes with its drawbacks, especially in terms of health. It’s very, very easy to snack all day and neglect fresh air and exercise. Here are just a few ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle even during WFH.
A Well-Balanced Diet
A nutritious diet is one of the cornerstones of healthy living. However, what’s right for one person might not be right for another. Athletes, for example, should eat more protein, which is available in dairy, poultry, and lean meats. Those concerned about their heart health should watch their cholesterol intake and eat foods that can naturally lower their LDL levels, including oats, grains, legumes, and fish.
Adequate Hydration
Dehydration is a condition that often sneaks up on people. They don’t even realize why they’re experiencing dehydration symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and lack of focus; they just assume it’s from everyday stress. The good news is that it’s easy to stay hydrated while working from home: Just keep a water bottle by the desk.
Exercise
A gym membership isn’t necessary for exercise. There are numerous workout videos available online and through apps; some are even offered by professional trainers who are working from home themselves. It’s entirely possible to slim down through an online fitness class without ever stepping foot outdoors. However, fresh air has also been proven to be beneficial to a person’s health, so going outside is worth considering. Even a stroll around the block can get the heart pumping and the lungs expanding.
A Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep deprivation is another thing that can sneak up on people, especially when they start to accumulate a large amount of “sleep debt.” One of the biggest reasons for sleep debt is the prevalence of blue light. It’s found on all kinds of screens, including smartphones, which people often use right up until the moment that they close their eyes and fall asleep. However, this can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms and result in poor sleep quality.
These are just a few tips for staying fit and healthy while working from home. It doesn’t have to be an impossible task, especially when approached with knowledge, discipline, and commitment.