The idea of working remotely is nothing new. In fact, it was becoming more popular each year even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Now, however, it has become a way of life for many people. So much so that it’s estimated that one-quarter of Canadian businesses believe at least 10% of their employees will continue to work remotely, even if the world goes back to a more “normal” state.

Working at home has plenty of benefits. It allows for some flexibility, encourages productivity and inspiration, and can help you to feel comfortable each day. But, it also has some potential drawbacks if you don’t take the initiative to live a healthy remote lifestyle.

It’s far too easy to adopt irregular sleeping habits, snack all day, and partake in less physical activity when you’re working from home. You might also find yourself working stranger hours since you feel like you can get things done at any time. That can have an impact on your mental health, as well as your relationships if you can’t establish a healthy work-life balance. So, what can you do to combat some of the potential pitfalls of living a remote lifestyle, and stay healthy while working from anywhere?

Taking Care of Your Mental Health

The mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still widely unknown. But, early research has suggested that there have been increases in depression, anxiety, and isolation since the pandemic began. People have lost loved ones, schedules have been disrupted, many have lost their jobs, and everyone is trying to adjust to a “new normal.”

If you’re working remotely, you might feel some of that isolation, especially if you live alone. You might also feel anxious or depressed due to the overwhelming state of the world. So, making your mental health a priority is incredibly important.

One of the best ways to do that is to develop a routine and create a positive work environment for yourself to be successful and relaxed. Some helpful ideas to foster that atmosphere include:

• Having a designated workspace/office.
• Taking breaks throughout the day.
• Setting regular work hours.
• Going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day.
• Finding ways to be social with friends and family.
• Working somewhere else one day a week. Because Ontario is still under heavy lockdown restrictions, get creative with your workspaces. Try a park or outdoor dining space, if possible.

It’s also incredibly important for your mental health that you practice self-care while you’re at home. Take the time each day to do something you enjoy or something that relaxes you. This can create an even bigger gap between your work life and “home” life, and give you some freedom from feeling like you’re always on the clock. For some people, that might include reading a book before bed each night. For others, a hot bath can be the ultimate form of relaxation. Whatever you decide, make sure it’s something you thoroughly enjoy and can look forward to each day.

Staying Active

Keeping your body healthy and safe is just as important when you’re staying at home or travelling while you work remotely. That includes staying active and eating well. While it can be tempting to lounge around and eat your favourite unhealthy foods all day, taking charge of your physical health can affect your work performance.

The benefits of exercise go far beyond losing weight and gaining muscle. Exercise can help with things like:

• Energy levels
• Better sleep habits
• Fighting fatigue
• Reducing the risk of certain diseases
• Improved focus and concentration
• Better moods

Exercise improves your cardiovascular health to lower your risk of heart disease, it can lower your blood pressure, and even improve your bone health to reduce your risk of osteoporosis.

You don’t have to go to the gym each day or run a marathon around your neighbourhood. Taking a 30-minute walk, doing home workout videos, or finding a routine that is inspiring and motivating to you will help you to stay active and stick with it. If you’re spending more time at home, experiment with different types of exercise to find something you truly enjoy.

This can turn into a family activity, which is especially important if you are in quarantine with your spouse and kids. You’re not only working and going to school on top of each other, you’re probably stressing each other out a little bit (or a lot) as well. Take up a group activity like hiking, dance, or gardening that will keep you all healthy. You might consider trying yoga for the first time or picking up a sport you’ve never played before. When it comes to exercise, the more you like something, the more likely you are to continue with it. Your mind and body both will reap the benefits.

Using Technology to Focus Your Efforts

A remote lifestyle wouldn’t be possible without incredible advancements in technology. So, don’t be afraid to use those advancements to your advantage. Almost every industry is utilizing tech as much as possible to make remote working easier.

You might be surprised to learn that even nurses use remote technology to help them in the medical field as instructors, educators, and abstractors. If you’ve ever been interested in working in the healthcare industry, knowing that you can do so from home with the right qualifications can be the motivation you’ve been looking for to pursue that career. Now, more than ever, the healthcare industry needs qualified and passionate individuals to step up to help.

But, even if you’re happy where you are, you might be able to advance your career and upgrade your job title while remaining remote. With so much tech at your fingertips, finding ways to make it work for you can make your work-life balance stronger and make your job easier. Do your research on different tech tools that can help you along the way while you’re working remotely, or resources that can help you take your career to the next level.

If you’re living a remote lifestyle for the first time, keep these tips in mind to make it easier on yourself. It’s possible to stay healthy whether you’re working at home or you’ve become something of a “digital nomad.” The key is to find that work-life balance. Whatever your current job situation may be, making your health a priority will allow you to enjoy remote working more, and it will help you to stay successful in your career.

About the author:

Frankie Wallace is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. She writes about a variety of topics, and spends most of her free time in her garden.