Working remotely might seem like a nice, relaxing gig, but it’s harder than it sounds. For one thing, you have to constantly motivate yourself and be self-disciplined to get any work done. You also don’t have a boss staring over your shoulder or the shared energy of your colleagues to get you through the day. It can also be lonely. Many remote workers experience mental health challenges because of the disconnected and frequently demanding lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and keeping in good shape can take some extra effort on your part. It’s far from impossible, though. Today, Energi Nutrition offers some tips and simple advice to help you stay healthy while working remotely. Create a Self-Care Routine A self-care routine is activities you do throughout the day to be in good shape mentally, physically, and emotionally. Although it’s not heavy exercise, including just 15 minutes of healthful activities at various points during the day can go a long way toward keeping you in good shape. Some activities to add to your routine are meditation, gardening, taking walks, listening to music, practicing art therapy, and doing yoga. Massage is also a great way to make time for yourself while relaxing your body and mind. Make Your Office a Stress-Free Workspace You’ll be spending significant periods in your home office. Making it as comfortable and stress-free as possible is essential for your health. Having ample lighting will help you to focus and reduce eye strain. Introducing natural light will confer extra benefits, like SelectHealth can tell you, will give extra benefits like improving your sleep, reducing stress, and helping you stave off depression. Investing in ergonomic furniture – the kind that keeps you comfortable and prevents body pain – can also help you stay focused and healthier longer. Actively Work on Reducing Your Stress Stress can be harmful if not actively managed. According to the EXCLI Journal, stress can lead to memory loss, brain function complications, and heart issues, among other problems. Some ways to actively reduce stress are breathing deeply, practicing mindfulness, taking regular breathers, doing things you enjoy, and working on maintaining a positive attitude. Sometimes it is not possible to avoid a stressful situation, so work on self-care practices that will help you to manage that stress. Physical exercise is a great way to decrease blood pressure and reduce anxiety. If you live or work in an area with a high walk score, take advantage of the walkable neighborhood to get in some calming steps whenever you can because being in nature is also good for your mental well-being. You can also improve both your physical and mental health by making sure you’re sleeping well. In addition to making sure your bedroom is as dark as possible, you might want to try investing in a new mattress or bedding set. For the latter, there are plenty of unique, stylish options that also happen to be very comfortable, and can make a big difference when it comes to getting you the rest you need to be your best self. Make Your Mental Well-Being a Priority Not everyone is wired for remote work. Maintaining a positive mental state can be hard for some when they work remotely. For instance, spending long periods in a home office away from other people can be an isolating and draining experience. Other people struggle to unplug and maintain a healthy work-life balance when they work remotely. Work on maintaining your mental health – don’t isolate yourself. Spend time outside, be with friends and family, and learn to put yourself in and out of work mode. Harvard Business Review explains how you can transition between work and personal time. Plan Out Your Days Having a schedule when you work remotely can help you maintain your self-discipline and motivation levels. Planning things out also allows you to make the most of your day and stick to your resolutions, whether they are work-related or health-related. It also gives you a sense of control over your work and, by extension, your life. It’s integral to maintaining your well-being. Find a New Job that’s a Better Fit If your current remote job is too stressful, is not a good fit in other ways, or you don’t feel supported enough, then you can always find a new job that’s a better fit. You may find a hybrid job with some office work days more suitable, for instance, or just look for a different remote job. Having a stellar and professional-looking resume is essential to getting an appropriate job. A free resume builder is a great way to go. You can choose from a library of professionally-designed resume templates and then add your own copy, photos, images, and colors. It’s fast and convenient. Whether you find a new job or start a freelance career, make sure that your next position comes with health insurance. It’s important to be able to keep tabs on your physical and mental health, especially when stress is involved. If you choose to start your own business, it can be difficult and expensive to carry your own insurance. If you can join the policy of a parent or significant other, that is a great choice. Otherwise, look into the Affordable Care Act for a less expensive option. Find Ways to Care for Yourself Remote work takes some getting used to. It can be challenging if you’re just starting. Give yourself time to adjust. For the best results, build a routine, be kind to yourself, spend time with people, and focus on maintaining your mental health. Remember – a different job is always an option. But if you do go the freelance route, look for affordable ways to carry your own insurance. Life is too unpredictable to be without health insurance. Energi Nutrition offers the best health and wellness products around! Questions? Call 866-224-1910.