9 Simple Suggestions for Self-Care for Remote Workers
Working from home became increasingly popular at the beginning of the pandemic. However, some businesses and corporations continued to embrace the concept after seeing how effective it could be. While there are many advantages to working remotely, there are also some disadvantages. One of those disadvantages is neglecting self-care. I’m sharing some suggestions for self-care for remote workers that might help you focus on your mental and physical health.
Being intentional about focusing on your self-care is important when you work remotely. Having some strategies at hand is important to prevent burnout and overwhelm and to take the best possible care of yourself.
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How do I take care of myself working from home?
Everyday Health published a survival guide aimed at helping remote workers develop habits to help them be successful at work while keeping their physical and mental health in mind. Being mindful of your behaviors and making the necessary changes to improve are key when trying to take care of yourself while working remotely.
Taking care of yourself includes
- Setting boundaries
- Eating right
- Exercising
- Maintaining healthy relationships
- Taking breaks
- Meditating
What are some self-care tips for people who work at home?
Practicing self-care while working remotely is easier said than done. With a long to-do list for work and many responsibilities at home, it’s easy to forget about yourself. Here are some self-care tips to help you prioritize yourself:
1. Create a comfortable and organized workspace.
Prepare your office or workspace with intention. Make sure your workspace is somewhere you feel comfortable and can be productive. Set it up in a way that helps you stay organized and on task. For example, try to find an office chair that allows for maximum comfort. Or, choose a standing desk if you know that sitting for long periods of time is uncomfortable for you.
Creating a comfortable workspace not only allows you to be more productive at work, but it can also prevent strains and other body discomforts that may occur if you don’t have the proper office essentials.
2. Take regular breaks.
Working from home can be mentally draining, so taking regular breaks throughout the day is important. Giving your mind and body a chance to rest and recharge can help you be more productive.
Schedule breaks for yourself every day and take the breaks. It is even more helpful if you take a break from your workspace to ensure that you aren’t answering emails or editing a presentation during your break time.
3. Practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness can help you focus and recenter your thoughts, which can be especially helpful during times of stress and anxiety. Take some time to slow down and notice what’s around you. Pay attention to your breathing. Do whatever you can to focus and notice if anything is causing you discomfort.
Practicing mindfulness can help relieve stress and help you practice self-control. This is an excellent form of self-care for those who work at home.
4. Exercise regularly.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your overall health. Starting your day with some exercise can be so beneficial. If you can’t work out first thing in the morning, try getting some physical activity in throughout the day.
You can add a walking pad to your office, or you can take breaks to walk or stretch occasionally throughout the day. The benefits of exercise will surely help keep you physically and mentally well.
5. Connect with others.
If you are used to working in an office, working from home can be isolating. Find ways to stay connected with your coworkers, family and friends. Connecting with others can help provide emotional support and make you feel less alone.
In addition to virtual meetings, you can also schedule lunch dates with friends or occasional evening meetups to keep you feeling connected to others. If you really miss connecting with others, you might even consider going to a coworking space every now and then.
6. Set time boundaries.
Another great way to practice self-care as a remote worker is by setting boundaries. There should be a clear difference between work and home responsibilities. Create a realistic timeline for when you start and stop work each day. Setting clear work hours and then walking away when you’re done for the day can keep you from working excessive hours regularly.
It’s not enough to simply set boundaries. You also need to communicate these boundaries to your family and friends and enforce them so they know you mean business.
7. Create a routine.
Creating a routine at work can keep you from getting too overwhelmed. It also helps you to be more organized and get your body used to what you expect it to do each day. An effective routine can prevent stress and also reduces anxiety.
8. Get plenty of sleep at night.
We all know that our bodies need adequate rest, but how many of us actually get the rest that we need? Working requires a lot of effort, and your body needs sleep to be able to tackle all of the tasks that you have on your to-do list.
Make an effort to go to bed at a reasonable time on work night so you can wake up refreshed, recharged, and ready to work. Your body will thank you!
9. Eat healthy snacks.
If you love grabbing snacks throughout the day, make every attempt to choose healthy options. Try not to purchase lots of junk foods for the house so you’re not tempted to grab them throughout the day.
Snacking on fruits and vegetables will fuel your body to get through your workday and provide you with the nutrients needed to stay healthy and energized.
Working from home can be great, but don’t let it keep you from focusing on self-care.
