With the COVID pandemic forcing areas into lockdown, many people have started to work remotely. Statistics show that since 2020, 49% of all employed Singaporean residents are working from home. These are some of the highest numbers of remote workers worldwide.
Those working from home may struggle to adapt to the new normal. Many have been talking more openly about their mental health and well-being due to the pandemic’s circumstances. The lack of social interaction and being outside can seriously affect individuals. For remote labourers, this is an all too real truth. This is why it is essential for them to take care of themselves, both mentally and physically. Here are just some of the things that they can do to keep their minds and bodies healthy:
Make Time For Physical Activity
Exercise has long been attributed as a great and natural way to stay fit. It has numerous health benefits like fighting off coronary diseases, maintaining a healthy weight, and ensuring all your organs are running normally. They also promote good mental health for those who practice it regularly. Physical activity allows your brain to produce hormones that help balance your mood, putting you in a better disposition. Aside from this, it can help boost confidence, making you feel better overall. At least 30 minutes of exercise daily can make a big difference. Simple home workouts or some cardio will put you on the right track.
Invest in Ergonomic Tools
For many remote workers, their job entails spending most of their day in front of a screen. This is difficult as it can cause muscle pains, strained eyesight, and decreased blood flow. One way to solve this is by using furniture and equipment specifically designed to lessen the adverse effects of sedentary work. For example, desk risers help keep your monitor at eye level, reducing the strain on your eyes, shoulder, and neck. Some tables also allow you to convert them to standing desks, meaning you can switch between sitting and being on your feet. Aside from the physical benefits, ergonomics is also suitable for mental health because comfort can help improve mood, focus, and overall cognitive function.
Create Boundaries
One of the biggest problems of working from home is that there is no physical barrier separating personal life from work life. This can be bad because you often forget to take time for yourself and dedicate more to your profession. It is important to draw boundaries to take time off from work life. There are many different ways you can do this. Create a space in your home dedicated to just work. This can serve as a physical reminder that you shouldn’t be working anymore once you are out of there.
Another thing you can do is turn off notifications from your job once the workday is over. This will help prevent you from checking them until you have to again the next day. Remember that even if you are a remote worker, you should still differentiate between the time to operate and the time to rest. This will help keep your morale up and prevent burnout.
It is crucial for remote workers to always keep their mental and physical well-being in check, especially during the pandemic. These are just some of the things they can do to cultivate a healthy workspace from the comfort of their homes.
