Remote working has become a natural part of our “new normal”. In 2021, the UK saw a 60% increase in remote workers.

While many of us enjoy working from home, it can negatively impact our health. Not only is our physical health affected, but our mental health and social life too.

While you enjoy the new freedom of remote working, your health should not be forgotten. Here are seven things to consider to ensure you’re staying healthy while working from home.

Optimise your home office

If possible, it’s best to have a dedicated room or area to set up your workspace. Keeping your work and personal life separate will significantly benefit your mental health. Also, try to choose a room that gets plenty of natural light with few distractions.

After picking the ideal spot, it’s time to set up your desk correctly. Inadequate desk setups are one of the main reasons for poor posture. Your elbows and wrists should be at a 90-degree angle to your desk, and the same goes for your knees. Your monitor should also be at eye level. On the other hand, you could try a standing desk also to improve circulation and posture.

Healthy eating

While sitting at home, it can be tempting to take numerous strolls to the fridge. Plus, you might feel tempted to order in more too. However, this behaviour will not benefit your health.

Instead, fill your kitchen with healthy snacks such as fruit or nuts. Try to plan your meals a week in advance to not rely on fast food.

Staying hydrated

With little distractions, and your favourite colleague not around to make you a cup of tea, it can be easy to forget the importance of staying hydrated. However, hydration is excellent for concentration and can greatly help with productivity.

You should be drinking between 6 and 8 cups of water a day. And while you might rely on a morning coffee, it’s best to stay hydrated with water.

Move more

Sitting for prolonged periods is detrimental to your health. Instead, it’s better to get up every 30 minutes to keep moving.

To ensure you’re doing this, set reminders on your phone. The best way to remember to do something is to make it a routine. This will also allow you to take a break from your computer screen, which will benefit your health too. Go for a walk in the morning, at lunchtime, or after work. If your aches and pains don’t ease with movement, don’t hesitate to call your doctor or insurance provider.

Make time for friends

Working from home can be isolating. You no longer have the hustle and bustle of office life, and you can easily lose contact with friendly colleagues.

To combat loneliness, make time to see your loved ones. You can make it a weekly get together by having book clubs, board game nights, or evening walks.

Get to work – stay healthy!

Remote working is a great asset to have but shouldn’t negatively impact your health. While you cut back on the commute time, you shouldn’t be cutting back on a healthy lifestyle. If anything, you have more time to take care of yourself!