10 Tips to Stay Healthy While You Work from Home

As the concern of Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to grow, so does the population of remote workers across the country. Many companies are moving to a work from home environment in an effort to promote social distancing and self isolation. These changes will ultimately help to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you have recently made the switch to your home office and are telecommuting, keep reading to get our top tips for staying healthy while quarantined despite this interruption to everyday life.

Stay healthy and fit while you work from home with these 10 simple tips:

1. Keep Out of the Kitchen

Avoid temptation and all-day snacking by keeping your workspace out of the kitchen. Create a comfortable, relaxing space for yourself that’s away from the hub of the home. This will help you stay concentrated on the job at hand while telecommuting and improve your productivity. It will also keep you distanced from that cupboard full of treats so that you can stick to your healthy eating plan during self isolation.

2. Happy Hydrating

Keep yourself hydrated and healthy by regularly drinking water throughout the day. According to Harvard Health, “Water keeps every system in the body functioning properly.” Keep a full glass of H2O next to you at all times and fill up our plate with water-rich non-starchy veggies and healthy fats full of electrolytes. Increase your energy with a little unsweetened herbal tea or black coffee. These both count towards your daily fluid intake on the South Beach Diet.

Click here for five simple tips to boost your hydration! >

3. Get Moving

Don’t let laziness overtake you while you’re working from home. A sedentary lifestyle filled with sitting is associated with an increased risk of disease and premature death, says Healthline. Get away from your desk, out of bed or off of the couch and move around frequently to get your blood flowing. This will help you to stay fit and healthy during self isolation. Stand up to take your phone calls and allow yourself to pace around. Every little movement counts! Try to get up every hour and walk around the house, take your dog outside or dance like no one is watching (just make sure to disconnect from that video meeting first!).

4. Perfect Your Posture

Speaking of sitting, take some time to focus on your posture while you’re telecommuting. Avoid lounging in bed or slouching at your kitchen table. According to Healthline, perfecting your posture can improve back pain, headaches, circulation and more. Harvard Health provides several tips for good posture, such as keeping your shoulders even and your chin parallel to the floor. If you’re going to work from home for an extended period, consider investing in a comfortable, ergonomic office chair that will keep your body healthy throughout these times of social distancing.

5. Stick to the Plan

Don’t miss out on healthy, nutritious meals just because your workspace is away from the kitchen. Keep a fully stocked fridge and pantry that’s filled with keto friendly ingredients to keep you on track while quarantined. Find out How to Stock Up Your Kitchen for a Quarantine with our Registered Dietitian’s food recommendations. This will help you stick to your low carb meal plan while you’re spending more time at home and ensure that you have everything you need to stay nourished.

6. Routine Rules

It can be easy to keep on working throughout the evening when you don’t have to leave the house. However, sticking to your normal office schedule can help you keep some normalcy in your work-from-home routine. Avoid burning yourself out and staring at your laptop screen for hours on end and create a healthy schedule that mimics your day-to-day life.

7. Embrace Essential Oils

Stay focused and energized while working remotely with a little help from essential oils. These all-natural scents are the perfect example of the power of plants. According to Healthline, peppermint essential oil has been shown to boost energy, while rosemary essential oil is said to improve focus and memory. Diffuse this delightful combination in your workspace to stay alert and increase productivity while telecommuting. Please note that some essential oils are harmful to certain populations and pets. Be sure to speak with your doctor and veterinarian before incorporating essential oils into your household routine.

8. Work in a Workout

You don’t have to go to the gym to get a good workout! Make an effort stay active throughout the day by going on a quick 10 to 15-minute walk or by incorporating some easy home workouts during lunch. The Palm Weight Loss Blog is filled with simple, easy moves that you can do in the comfort of your own home to stay fit while quarantined. Check out our Fitness section for a variety of ideas! Turn your living room floor into your own personal yoga studio and tune in to easy workout videos to stay fit and active. You can even peruse the internet for workouts you can do at your desk!

Get moving with these seven full body moves you can do at home! >

9. Catch Some Rays

Nature is the perfect office. Whether it’s your back deck, a lounge chair, a hammock or a soft blanket in the grass, find a spot under the sun to get your work done from home. Take advantage of being out of your office building and soak up some rays outside. After a long winter, we’re all due for some much-needed vitamin D. According to Medical News Today, vitamin D promotes a healthy immune system, bone and lung health and disease prevention. Set up your workspace at a picnic table or lounge chair and get fresh air while you soak up this essential nutrient.

10. Pet Your Pet

Probably the best part about working from home is being able to spend the day with our furry friends. After all, no one is happier to have you home than they are! In addition to filling your house with unconditional love, your pet is also improving your health. According to Harvard Health, “the American Heart Association (AHA) released a scientific statement associating pet ownership with reduced heart disease risk factors and greater longevity.” Take advantage of the extra time with your pup while telecommuting and enjoy the fresh air together by taking a quick 15-minute walk on your lunch break.