Expert advice on staying active, where to sit, and what to snack on when your home becomes your office
In light of Covid-19, thousands of people are starting to work from home, and on behalf of freelancers, writers, and programmers everywhere, I would like to say, “Welcome to the couch.”
As a health and science writer, I have been working from home pretty much full time for almost three years. Full disclosure: There are a lot of bad habits you can fall into. And, yes, distractions, endless snacks, and having no technical reason to leave your bed or put on pants can leave you feeling blah mentally and physically. But I’ve also learned that with the right routine, your home can be conducive to a healthier work environment than the office.
Here’s a run-down on ways you can set yourself up for work-from-home wellness success.
Stay active using the “Pomodoro Technique”
While being cooped up in the house all day may hurt your step count, especially if you walk or bike as part of your commute, it doesn’t have to. The best thing about working from home is you’ve gained back all the time you normally spend heading to and from work. Put that hour (or more) to good use and get outside for a walk or run, ideally first thing in the morning to get some of that good morning light, which is linked to greater alertness, better sleep, and less stress.
In our new Covid-19 reality, the great outdoors where you don’t have to touch anything or come into contact with anyone is one of the safest places you can be. That includes parks, running trails, the backyard, even sidewalks — as long as you maintain your social-distancing six-foot radius — so don’t be afraid to get outside for some fresh air.
You can also get away with doing way more weird workouts throughout the day than you could at the office. Add them up, and you can fit a whole workout in without the gym (most of which are closed anyway at this point).