Working from home has become an international fact of life – not only for freelancers but for all of us affected by the Covid 19 virus. While it has adventure status, because of the novelty, it also comes with challenges.
We could learn from remote workers who have chosen this style of work. For higher productivity. According to the Owl Labs 2019 State Of Remote Work report, US-based remote employees tend to work more than the standard 40 hours per week—that is 43% more than on-site workers.
A major challenge is, however, learning to take more accountability for one’s life habits, like keeping active, having a balanced diet, and nurturing rewarding relationships. It is about little things, says an experienced remote worker – instilling healthy habits and routines, like making your bed in the morning, and not wearing the same sweat pants and hoodie day in and day out.
While working from home can help people be more productive, there are also increased risks of ill health, loneliness, depression and burnout,
A few handy tips from a remote worker:
- Treat your workday like you would an office day. Have a fixed starting time, lunchtime and – most importantly – end time to your day.
- Set aside your lunch, or make a plan for nourishing snacks and meals.
- Plan your outfit the night before – albeit more comfortable than a suit and tie. Under present lockdown circumstances, be presentable enough for a video conference call.
- Any physio would advise getting up from your chair every half an hour. This is not only good for your eyes but will prevent muscular aches in the neck and shoulders. One way of reminding yourself to take regular breaks could be a bottle of water within easy reach. This would ensure drinking enough water and visiting the bathroom to stretch legs
- Listening to old fashion CD’s would encourage you to get up to change the music.
- Listening to new music is good for the brain because it activates the centre that makes us feel rewarded and excited. Research has shown that most people stop discovering new music altogether by age 30! New music keeps you receptive to learning new things.
- Get some fresh air. Regular, moderate, exercise is directly correlated to an increase in productivity, and according to Harvard Business Review, is a key factor in helping you achieve a better work-life balance.
